Minnesota Top 10 Fishing Lakes

Minnesota has lots of opportunities for fishing.

Minnesota has 3.8 million acres of fishing water, not counting lake Superior. Many of Minnesota's best fishing lakes are noted for a particular species, such as largemouth bass or walleye. Other lakes are renowned for their abundant variety of game. You'll need a current state fishing license to drop a line into Minnesota's lakes or to join a guided outing.

Lake Minnetonka

Whether you use live bait or plastic lures, Lake Minnetonka has something that will bite at your line. This lake is home to hungry walleyes, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappies, bluegills and pike. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka is a convenient evening or weekend trip for the urban angler.

Gull Lake

In late summer, the walleyes, northerns, panfish and largemouth bass of Gull Lake are all thriving at once, so be ready for anything when you cast your line. Gull Lake is located close to Brainerd, in the northeast part of Minnesota.

Lake Waconia

With deep holes for night fishing and shallow areas where walleyes feed during the day, Lake Waconia has much to offer the adventurous angler. Prime feeding areas are close to the shore and on the western point of the lake's island. Just west of Lake Minnetonka, Waconia is easy to access from the twin cities.

Alexandria Chain

Seven lakes comprise the Alexandria Chain, located in western central Minnesota. The lakes are generally grouped together according to proximity and shared ecology. Le Homme Dieu is the most visited of the chain, and largemouth bass tournaments are often held there.

Vermilion Lake

Locals often fish Vermilion Lake, with its east and west ends completely different from one another. Surrounded by Superior National Forest, Vermilion Lake is near the town of Tower.

Whitefish Chain

The fourteen lakes of the Whitefish Chain are packed with bass and pike, but two of these lakes, Arrowhead and Big Trout, have lake trout as well. The Whitefish Chain of lakes is located just north of Brainerd.

Fish Hook Lake

Fish Hook Lake, near Paul Bunyon State Forest, is in the north-central part of the state, between Fargo, North Dakota and Duluth. The Woman Anglers of Minnesota hold their annual tournament here.

Otter Tail Lake

Otter Tail Lake, located in the northwestern part of the state near Fargo, North Dakota, is a notable walleye fishing destination, but the lake has many perch and bass, as well. Fish here tend to be large in size, and once you boat in beyond the shallow flats, you'll find year-round fishing opportunities.

Lake Washington

Frequented all summer long with recreational boaters, jet skiers and fishermen, Lake Washington can get crowded. Still, this south central Minnesota lake is full of crabbies and largemouth bass, that are eager to bite, despite the distractions.

Woman Lake

You'll find sunfish, pike, and smallmouth and largemouth bass in Woman Lake, near Chippewa National Forest in north central Minnesota. Resorts and excellent lodging options dot the perimeter of Woman Lake, making it a convenient option for an extended fishing trip.

References

• Minnesota Sportsman Magazine: Top 10 Multi-Species Lakes
• Fish and Game: Minnesota Fishing Resorts
• Department of Natural Resources: Minnesota Fishing Licenses

Resources

• Department of Natural Resources: Minnesota Lake Finder