Guide To The Best Fishing Lakes In Minnesota

Top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in MN.

Big Stone Lake, Lake Mille Lacs, Lake Minnetonka, Lake of the Woods, Lake Vermilion, Lake Winnibigoshish, Leech Lake and Rainy Lake are the most popular places for fishing in Minnesota, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. If you enjoy ice fishing, it is available at many of these lakes in winter.

Bass Lakes
Catfish Lakes
Crappie Lakes
Sunfish & Perch Lakes
Walleye Lakes
Trout Lakes
Salmon Lakes

Bass

Big Stone Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Lake Bemidji, Lake Mille Lacs, Lake Minnetonka, Lake Minnewaska, Lake of the Woods, Lake Pepin, Lake Vermilion, Lake Winnibigoshish, Leech Lake, Pelican Lake and Rainy Lake are considered the best options for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. More...

Catfish

The Minnesota River, St. Croix River and a few lakes and ponds are favorite options for channel, blue and flathead catfish. More...

Trout

Many rivers and streams, Lake of the Woods and Lake Superior are among the favorite options for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout. More...

Salmon

Lake Superior and the tributary waters flowing into it are the most popular choices for atlantic and coho salmon fishing. More...

Visit the Minnesota fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Minnesota map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in MN at many of the most popular destinations in the state.