Guide To The Best Places To Fish in Minnesota
There are many great places to fish in The North Star State. When you have over 10,000 lakes to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the top few. This website covers fishing at major, fresh-water lakes in the state. The lists below represent the best places to fish among the lakes we cover. Although it provides excellent fishing for many species, we are omitting Lake Superior from consideration here, due to it's size and complexity.
Minnesota's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots
- Lake Vermilion in northeast MN
- Mille Lacs Lake in northeast MN
- Leech Lake in north-central MN
- Lake of the Woods in northern MN
- Rainy Lake in northern MN
So many lakes, so many species, and such a big state expand the number of lakes that could make this list. However, these five lakes are definitely among the very best lakes to fish in Minnesota. Learn more...
Most Popular Fish Species In Minnesota
Minnesota offers primarily cold-water fish species for anglers to pursue. However, there are warm water species thriving in some of the waters across the state. Fishing enthusiasts have the opportunity to fish for two species of bass, three species of catfish, four species of trout, walleye, bluegill, white bass, perch, sunfish, muskie, pike and multiple other species in Minnesota waters. Learn more...
Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Minnesota
- Lake Vermilion in northeast MN
- Lake Minnetonka in east-central MN
- Mille Lacs Lake in northeast MN
If you enjoy fishing for smallmouth bass, you will feel right at home in Minnesota. It may be the best smallmouth fishing state in the country. And, you can find plenty pf water to chase largemouth bass as well. The state record for both species is over 8 pounds. Learn more...
Best Lakes To Fish For Catfish In Minnesota
- Leech Lake in north-central MN
- Lake Vermilion in northeast MN
- Lake Minnetonka in east-central MN
Catfish don't grow big enough in Minnesota to compete for world records. That said, there is plenty of quality fishing for cats in many lakes and rivers across the state. These three are great choices for major lakes in the state. Learn more...
Best Walleye Fishing Lakes In Minnesota
- Lake of the Woods in northern MN
- Leech Lake in north-central MN
- Mille Lacs Lake in northeast MN
Walleye are native to many lakes in the state, and they grow to giant size in many of these lakes. The state record is over 17 pounds, and walleye populations are healthy and fun to catch. These three lakes are among the best places to fish for walleye in Minnesota. Learn more...
Best Perch & Sunfish Fishing Lakes In Minnesota
- Big Stone Lake in western MN
- Lake Winnibigoshish in north-central MN
- Lake of the Woods in northern MN
Perch and sunfish play a major role in the food chain in lakes throughout the state. Additionally, they can be fun to catch and tasty as table fare. Numerous lakes might make this list on a specific year, but these have a long-standing reputation for great fishing. Learn more...
Top Places To Fish For Crappie In Minnesota
- Rainy Lake in northern MN
- Lake Vermilion in northeast MN
- Leech Lake in north-central MN
While crappie are more popular in southern states, Minnesota does have some good crappie waters. They can be caught year round as they are a popular species when ice fishing. Learn more...
Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in Minnesota
Find the best places to fish, by state.
MINNESOTA

