Family, friends, and fishing. Those are the three most important ingredients of a successful fishing trip. If this is your first time fishing in the state of Minnesota, it’s good to know what types of fish can be caught here. Read more here to get an idea of what to fish for so you’re prepared for the best fishing trip ever.
Blue Gill and Crappie
Crappies are panfish. They typically don’t get any larger than a frying pan but are still large enough to be caught legally. They usually start spawning just before Memorial Day. During spawning, you can find them near, or on rock piles, but later, after spawning is complete, they love cabbage weeds, so you’ll need to ask where to find the weed beds. Staff at any fishing lodges in Minnesota will be happy to talk to you about where to find your fish. Bluegills start their spawning in early June, sometimes moving into the middle of the month. They spawn in shallow waters near the shoreline. Blue Gill especially, and crappie are fun and fairly easy to catch.
Northern Pike
If you’re planning a fishing trip in the spring or early summer, you’ll be here at a great time to catch Northern Pike. One word of caution about pike, new regulations come into effect this spring, so make sure you ask around at any of the Minnesota resorts and lodges. You’ll run into someone who is in the know, or who can point you in the right direction to get information. Also, you can always ask questions when you apply for your Minnesota fishing license.
Walleye
Fishing for walleye can be a bit more challenging than some of the other types of fish found in Minnesota lakes, but there’s no reason you can’t find places to try. Walleye tend to be found in deeper water. Your best bet for catching walleye, especially if you’re more of a novice, is to watch what others are doing. If someone in your boat is catching them, observe, and then do what they do. This is probably great advice for catching other types of fish too! By the way, did you know the walleye is the Minnesota state fish?
Bass
Ah yes, the famous bass! Walleye may be the chosen ones for the title of state fish, but bass is the most sought after. People flock to Minnesota lakes hoping to catch their quota of bass. Bass show a lot of spirit and can give a fisherman a real run for the money. And yet, they don’t really have the reputation for being hard to find, or difficult to catch.
Whatever fish you’re after, don’t forget the most important part of any fishing trip is to enjoy the water, the sport, and the company. Minnesota offers some of the best fishing in the country. And some of the friendliest people. Hurry up and get here so you can put up your gone fishin’ sign!