Best Fishing Spots in Minnesota

Minnesota isn’t called “The Land of 10,000 Lakes” for nothing. Our state possesses so many beautiful bodies of water that it’s a challenge to ever see them all. One great way to experience as many of them as you can is by going fishing. Many of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers are well-stocked with fish of all types, so whatever it is you’re after, you’ll be able to find it here. Not only that, but you can take the time to admire all of the beauty of the nature that surrounds you, enjoying the peace and quiet of a forest or the rushing rapids of a surging Mississippi River tributary.

Need some ideas for where you can begin your Minnesota fishing excursions? Nisswa Marine, serving central Minnesota, has gathered up some of our top fishing spots throughout the North Star State to help you figure out where you’ll take your next weekend sojourn with your friends and family. 

Mille Lacs (near Onamia, Minnesota)

Approximately 100 miles north of the Twin Cities, you’ll find Mille Lacs, a French term meaning “thousand lakes.” While this lake is rather shallow, averaging only 42 feet in depth, it’s extremely broad, with over 200 square miles of surface area, which makes it the second-largest inland lake in the entire state of Minnesota. 

This lake has been traditionally important to the Ojibwe and Santee Sioux tribes that once peopled its area, and now has several small villages around its perimeter, including Garrison, Isle and Vineland. The Mille Lacs Indian Reservation is adjacent to the lake, as are a few state parks.

Walleye is a popular catch here, but you’ll also find perch and bass, among other species. The sheer plethora of fish has led to the establishment of several fishing festivals around Mille Lacs throughout the year.

Leech Lake (near Bemidji, Minnesota)

Up in north-central Minnesota within the Chippewa National Forest is where you’ll find Leech Lake, a great year-round fishing spot for several different types of fish. An incredible 195 miles of shoreline ensures you won’t want for space in this large lake. You can find crappie, pike, perch, walleye and many types of bass in Leech Lake, which is a sport-fishing headquarters for avid anglers.

In February, fishers from all over converge upon Leech Lake for the International Eelpout Festival. This elusive fish can’t often be seen much of the year, but during the winter, it’s more easily found.

St. Croix River (Minnesota-Wisconsin border)

This river forms 130 miles of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, with its headwaters in northern Wisconsin and its confluence with the Mississippi River just south of St. Paul. You can visit any number of places along the river, but we suggest the waters around Stillwater, Minnesota, if you’re looking for walleye, which can be found here in abundance year-round. Bear in mind that boat traffic is not permitted above the Ancola sandbar.

The swift river currents may make it a challenge to find what you want, but you can ask locals all along the river for the best spots to go. There are well over 60 different species of fish that swim through the river, including sturgeon, catfish, walleye, panfish and muskie, so you’re sure to find something that strikes your fancy.

We can’t possibly cover all of the many waterways in our fair state in one article, so this is just a jumping-off point for your fishing plans. Still need a great fishing boat? Visit our dealership in Nisswa today to investigate our available inventory of new and used fishing boats for sale. Nisswa Marine welcomes all of our Minnesota customers coming from Minneapolis and St. Cloud.