By Brian M. Kelly
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Photos by Micky
Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes and with this, many places to wet a fishing line. There are a few that stand out from the rest. From walleyes and pike to trophy panfish such as perch and crappie, these lakes have it all.
Leech Lake and Lake Kabetogama
Near Walker, the 102,000-acre Leech Lake is famous for its strong walleye fishery. Found in St. Louis County, the 24,000-acre Lake Kabetogama is a dream for anglers pursuing multiple species. From smallmouth and largemouth bass to pike and panfish, this lake has it all.
Lake Bemidji and Lake of the Woods
Located in the heart of Bemidji, Lake Bemidji is loaded with walleyes, but look for the Musky fishery to improve with an annual stocking of 1,800 fingerlings. Lake of the Woods borders along Ontario and offers world-class fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, walleye and muskies.
Mille Lacs and Lake Vermillion
Located near Garrison, Mille Lacs is a haven for walleye anglers producing great action every season. Lake Vermillion might not be as big as some others, but it produces walleyes like crazy thanks to an annual stocking of several thousand fingerling.
White Bear Lake and Lake Waconia
White Bear Lake is northeast of the Twin Cities and offers anglers a great shot at catching a trophy northern pike or muskie. Lake Waconia is located in the western metro area of Minneapolis and provides great walleye fishing opportunities.
Steiger Lake and Lake Minnewasha
Steiger Lake is known for its trophy northern pike fishery and is an easy drive west of the Twin Cities. Lake Minnewashta is also a metro Twin Cities lake that can produce consistent catches of northern pike, walleye and muskies.
About The Author
Brian M. Kelly has been freelance writing since 2003. His work has been published in respected outdoor magazines such as Outdoor Life, Great Lakes Angler and Salmon Trout Steelheader. He holds an associate's degree in automated machine design from Macomb College.
