Walleye Fishing in Northern Minnesota
Northern Minnesota is home to a majority of the state’s more than 10,000 lakes. Walleye exist throughout most of these waters and fishing for them is one of the most popular outdoor pursuits undertaken by area anglers. Walleye fishing can be a rewarding and challenging activity in northern Minnesota and can help visitors discover the allure of northern Minnesota.
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Identification
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The average Minnesota walleye caught is approximately 14 inches long and weighs slightly more than 1 lb. The fish have a distinct bronze color and are famous for their pearlescent eyes. The walleye uses its reflective eye pigmentation to see prey in murky water and during night feedings. A spiny dorsal fin fans across the back. Walleye can be differentiated from sauger, a similar breed, by their white tip on the lower portion of the tail.
Regulations
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A Minnesota fishing license is required for all anglers over 16 on northern Minnesota waters. Some exemptions apply for persons with disabilities or special considerations. Walleye season typically runs from mid-May through late-February. Some lakes have special restrictions on size and possession limits. Licenses are available for residents and non-residents for daily, annual and defined-period privileges. Licenses are issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and are available in most sporting goods stores or bait shops.
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Locations
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Walleye are Minnesota’s most sought-after fish and are widely prevalent throughout the state. The Mississippi River, Lake of the Woods, Mille Lakes Lake and Upper Red Lake are all well-known northern Minnesota walleye havens. These waters are usually shallower basins that provide good bottom structure in the form of underwater sandbars, rock piles and submerged timber around which walleye typically congregate. The DNR stocks and maintains data on walleye fisheries in northern Minnesota. Lake-specific information is available through the lake finder feature of the DNR website.
Techniques
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Casting or trolling crankbaits along shallow points and submerged structure produces good results in spring and fall as well as early morning and evening hours. Summertime walleyes tend to seek deeper water to beat the heat. Jigging with minnows, nightcrawlers or leeches are favorite approaches during this time. Jigging is your only option during the winter when lakes are frozen but produces excellent results through the ice. Walleye have a reputation for being on the finicky side, so switching techniques and bait is usually done frequently.
Benefits
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Walleyes are prized for their sweet, flaky white meat. A shore lunch of pan-fried walleye is a special reward for catching this challenging fish. Fishing for walleye can expose you to northern Minnesota’s remote wilderness areas. Thousands of lakes in northern Minnesota are surrounded by forested shores and the area is regarded as holding some of the state’s most inviting outdoor experiences. Each trip is a chance to create another special memory.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit walleye image by Elena Vdovina from Fotolia.com
