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Fishing in Minnesota
Minnesota Fishing at a Glance
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Minnesota has some of the best fishing opportunities in the country. There’s no shortage of varieties to choose from—walleye, muskie, northern pike, and even trout like brook, brown, and rainbow can all be found in Minnesota’s streams and rivers.
But before you get out on the waters, it’s important to know about current regulations. You’ll need to purchase either a one-day or seven-day license at a bait shop or sporting goods store. There are also limits on how many fish you can keep from each species (for example: five bass and three northern pike) as well as size limits on certain fish (only bass longer than 14 inches are allowed, for example). Always check the state DNR links below for the most updated information.
The top three most popular fish species to catch in Minnesota include bass—a favorite for many due to being relatively easy to catch, coupled with their strength when fighting—as well as northern pike and walleye respectively. Northern pike fishing is popular for its variety in techniques while walleye is favored generally for its reputation as one of the tastiest fish around.
So now you know what kinds of fish you can target and which regulations apply, it’s time to figure out where you want to go fishing. The Mississippi River offers great opportunities for bass, northern pike and walleye; St. Croix River has good prospects for bass, northern pike and muskie; and Mille Lacs Lake is great for walleye, muskie and crappie.
Minnesota ranks #7 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enthusiasts with over 24.85% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- Minnesota offers great fishing opportunities for beginners and pros
- Walleye, muskie, northern pike, and trout can be found in Minnesota
- Before fishing, check current regulations and purchase a license
- There are limits on how many fish you can keep and size limits on certain fish
- Popular fish species in Minnesota include bass, northern pike, and walleye
- The Mississippi River, St. Croix River, and Mille Lacs Lake are great fishing spots
- Minnesota ranks #7 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 5,706,494 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 1,417,790 |
| Fishing License % | 24.85% |
| Hunters Rank | 7 |
The state of Minnesota is mostly private land with just 17.57% of acres considered public land -ranking #17 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 50,954,900 | ||
| Public | 8,952,020 | 17.57% | 17 |
| Private | 41,274,080 | 81.00% | 34 |
| Tribal | 728,800 | 1.43% | 10 |
Minnesota Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Minnesota DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Minnesota DNR
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
- (800) 657-3929
Minnesota is home to five of the most popular river and stream fish, each offering its own unique fishing experience. Walleye hold a special place in the hearts of Minnesota fishermen, as they make for challenging catches with their sophisticated movements and resilience. Northern Pike make spectacular strikes that defy the sizable length and vigorous weight these predators boast. Smallmouth Bass are capable combatants, showing incredible jumping ability and an unpredictable disposition that can have an angler shaking their head in awe if handled masterfully. Those seeking gargantuan glories gravitate to largemouth bass, leveraging a full arsenal of techniques to capture these robust fighters. Finally Crappie are always popular with their beautiful colors.
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Fishing private land in Minnesota
Fishing on private land in Minnesota has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Minnesota or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Mille Lacs Lake
2. Mississippi River
3. Red Lake
4. Lake Superior
5. Rainy Lake
Fishing private land in Minnesota
Fishing on private land in Minnesota has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Minnesota or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.