Fishing is a popular activity in Minnesota, with its abundance of lakes and rivers providing ample opportunities for anglers. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, there are many species of fish to target in Minnesota. In this article, we’ll cover some of the best fish to fish for in Minnesota, including their estimated population, how many are taken every year, and their average weight.
- Walleye
Walleye is the state fish of Minnesota and one of the most popular species among anglers in the state. This fish can be found in many of Minnesota’s lakes, with an estimated population of around 200 million. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, anglers in the state catch around 3.5 million walleye every year.
Walleye are known for their delicate, flaky white flesh and can grow to an average weight of around 2-3 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 10 pounds. They are often targeted using live bait or jigs, and can be caught year-round.
- Northern Pike
Northern pike is another popular species among anglers in Minnesota. This fish can be found in many of the state’s lakes and rivers, with an estimated population of around 5 million. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, anglers in the state catch around 260,000 northern pike every year.
Northern pike are known for their aggressive behavior and can grow quite large, with some individuals reaching up to 50 inches in length and 30 pounds in weight. They are often targeted using large lures or live bait and can be caught year-round.
- Muskie
Muskie, also known as musky or muskellunge, is a challenging but rewarding species to catch in Minnesota. This fish can be found in many of the state’s lakes and rivers, with an estimated population of around 12,000. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, anglers in the state catch around 5,000 muskie every year.
Muskie are known for their large size and can grow up to 50 inches in length and 50 pounds in weight. They are often targeted using large lures and require specialized gear and techniques. Muskie season in Minnesota runs from the end of May to the beginning of December.
- Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass is a popular species among anglers in Minnesota, particularly in the state’s rivers and streams. This fish can also be found in some of the state’s lakes, with an estimated population of around 10 million. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, anglers in the state catch around 1 million smallmouth bass every year.
Smallmouth bass are known for their fighting ability and can grow up to 20 inches in length and 6 pounds in weight. They are often targeted using lures and can be caught year-round.
- Panfish
Panfish, including bluegill, crappie, and perch, are also popular species to target in Minnesota. These fish can be found in many of the state’s lakes and are often targeted by ice fishermen during the winter months. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, anglers in the state catch around 23 million panfish every year.
Panfish are known for their small size and are often targeted using small jigs or live bait. Bluegill can grow up to 10 inches in length and 1 pound in weight, while crappie can grow up to 20 inches in length and 2 pounds in weight. Perch can grow up to 15 inches in length and 2 pounds in weight.
Minnesota offers a wide variety of fish species to target, making it an ideal destination for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a challenging catch like muskie or prefer the more relaxed experience of panfishing, there’s something for everyone in Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.
