Fishing Lake Bemidji

AKA: Lake Bemidji State Park

Popular Fish Species
Lake Bemidji Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
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Lake Bemidji, MN

Popular Fish Species Lake Bemidji, MN

Walleye Fishing

The Minnesota Fish and Wildlife Division is reporting excellent numbers of catchable walleye in Lake Bemidji. Plenty of forage in the lake allows them to grow fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Lake Bemidji Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Lake Bemidji is home to a thriving population of yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Bemidji. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Lake Bemidji Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Big northern pike are thriving in the cool waters of Lake Bemidji. This year they are being caught in good numbers with an occasional giant. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. They are extremely active when feeding and they can catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. Summer can be spotty but pike are caught all through the summer. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help. Throughout the season, effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey.

Lake Bemidji Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, walleye, sauger, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, yellow perch, muskie and northern pike at Lake Bemidji in Minnesota.

Excellent year-round fishing makes Lake Bemidji an ideal destination any time of year. Boating in the warm months and ice fishing in winter are very popular here. This 6,100-acre lake is located in the north-central part of Minnesota at Bemidji.

Walleye is one of the most sought-after fish species in Lake Bemidji. Largemouth bass are another popular species here. Yellow perch are also abundant and are a favorite among anglers for their tasty fillets. Sauger, a close relative of the walleye, are also present in Lake Bemidji. These fish are known for their excellent table fare. Muskie, the apex predator of Lake Bemidji, offers a thrilling challenge for experienced anglers. Lake Bemidji is also home to other popular fish species, including bluegill, hybrid sunfish, and black crappie.

The lake has fifteen miles of shoreline. Bank fishing is available at the state park and many of the resorts. This Mississippi River fishery offers walleye, bass, crappie, muskie, pike, sunfish and perch fishing to anglers of all skill levels. Boating access is via a boat launch ramp at Lake Bemidji Northwoods Public Water Access on the northeast corner of the lake, at Lake Bemidji Northwoods Public Water Access and Diamond Point Park on the east side of the lake, and Nymore Beach on the south shore of the main lake. Rental boats, bait, tackle, dining, lodging and camping are all available at the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Bemidji

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Bemidji Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Cameron Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Birchmont Drive NE, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Northwoods Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Bemidji Avenue N, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Nymore Beach Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Paul Bunyon Trail, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.