In the land of 10,000 lakes, there’s no shortage of fishing opportunities. With so many options, you might not know where to begin. Let’s dive into some of the best spots for fishing in Minnesota to help you plan your summer adventures.
The Best Fishing Spots in MN
One of the advantages of being in Minnesota is that fishing is plentiful no matter where you are in the state. Here are a few favorite places to check out:
Big Stone Lake is situated right on the Minnesota and South Dakota border. This narrow body of water boasts plenty of walleye, crappie, bluegill, and northern pike, as well as two dozen other species.
Way up in Northern Minnesota, Rainy Lake is a sought-after spot known for smallmouth bass, northern pike, and of course, walleye and crappies. Plan a guided tour with a local fisherman or explore on your own!
Lake Vermillion, up in St. Louis County, is often noted as the most scenic lake in Minnesota. Within its 40,000 acres of water, you can find big muskies, perch, walleye, bass, bluegill, golden shiner, and black crappies. If you want to extend your stay, plenty of camping locations are nearby.
The Best Walleye Lakes in Minnesota
Fishing in Minnesota isn’t complete without catching some of our favorite freshwater fish.
Otter Tail Lake is located up in Otter Tail County, in the west-central section of Minnesota. Anglers travel from around the country to catch its walleye and northern pike. With a thick deciduous treeline, you can soak in the picturesque views while out on the water.
If you want to stay relatively close to the Twin Cities, White Bear Lake is an ideal spot. This beautiful lake tends to be on the busier side, but it has plenty of walleye. Plus, its built-up shoreline has plenty of places to eat (and maybe enjoy a cold beer) at the end of a fruitful day.
Minnesota By County
Source: World Atlas
Best Crappie Lakes in Minnesota
Crappies are notoriously hard to find and easy to catch, making them a target for experienced and newer anglers alike. If you want to catch crappies in Minnesota, add these destinations to your list.
Out in Cass County, the shallow Sand Lake has different water temperatures due in part to its vast underwater structures. This makes it an ideal spot for crappies to populate and grow big. It doesn’t hurt that the surrounding landscape is exceptionally peaceful.
Red Lake, located in Beltrami County, is the 16th largest lake in the United States. Here, you can catch plenty of crappies, pike, lake trout, lake sturgeon, and perch.
Wait! Before you go, make sure you have your Minnesota Fishing License.
Stay Smooth All Summer Long
Fishing in Minnesota is always an adventure. At Smooth Moves, we want you to spend as much time on the water as you’d like. Our boat seat suspension systems are designed to keep you comfortable as you haul in your favorite fish. Want to add one to your multi-species boat?
