Minnesota

Land of 10,000 Lakes — Walleye, Bass & Muskie Capital

Fishing in Minnesota

Minnesota is the walleye capital of America with over 10,000 lakes offering incredible fishing. The state also excels in bass, muskie, northern pike, and panfish. Ice fishing is a way of life.

Tournament Scene

Mille Lacs hosts major national walleye and bass events. Active statewide tournament circuits for all species.

Local Tips

Mille Lacs is legendary for walleye and smallmouth. Lake of the Woods for walleye. Vermilion for muskie. Minnetonka for bass.

Major Trails

B.A.S.S.MLFNWTAIM

Local Circuits

Minnesota Bass FederationMinnesota Walleye TrailMinnesota Muskie Alliance

Public Access

Outstanding public access on thousands of lakes.

Species in Minnesota

What you can target and when

Walleye

Walleye

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Mille Lacs · Lake of the Woods · Leech Lake

Jig and minnowCrankbaitSpinner rigBlade bait
Muskellunge

Muskellunge

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Lake Vermilion · Leech Lake · Mille Lacs

Large bucktailBulldawgTopwater prop baitGlide bait
Northern Pike

Northern Pike

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Lake of the Woods · Upper Red Lake · Rainy Lake

Large spoonSpinnerbaitJerkbaitTopwater plug
Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

good
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Lake Minnetonka · Lake Waconia · Mille Lacs

SenkoJigTopwaterSpinnerbait

Top Waters in Minnesota

Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries

Lake of the Woods

lakePublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

Walleye factory with incredible numbers and ice fishing.

Top Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeMuskie

Best: Summer/Winter

Mille Lacs Lake

lakePublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

Minnesota's premier walleye lake and one of the best in the country.

Top Species

WalleyeSmallmouth BassNorthern Pike

Best: Spring/Fall

Upcoming Tournaments in Minnesota

46 tournaments found

Spotted Bass
Kayak

Eagle Minneapolis Bass Mayhem

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mar 29, 2026 – Mar 30, 2026
Spotted Bass
$60Details
Northern Pike
Charity

Annual International Falls Pike Battle

International Falls, Minnesota
Mar 29, 2026 – Mar 30, 2026
Northern Pike
$75Details
Rainbow Trout
Fly Fishing

Titan Rochester Trout Blowout

Rochester, Minnesota
Apr 11, 2026 – Apr 12, 2026
Rainbow Trout
$5000Details
Walleye
Charity
5 days

Grand Walker Walleye Jamboree

Walker, Minnesota
Apr 18, 2026 – Apr 21, 2026
Walleye
$100Details
Northern Pike
Charity
2 weeks

Titan Ely Pike Extravaganza

Ely, Minnesota
Apr 23, 2026 – Apr 25, 2026
Northern Pike
$100Details
Catfish
Freshwater
2 weeks

Patriot Minneapolis Catfish Roundup

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Apr 23, 2026 – Apr 26, 2026
Catfish
$60Details

Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Resident License

Annual Resident: $25.

Non-Resident License

Annual Non-Resident: $51. 72-Hour: $39. 24-Hour: $14.

Short-Term License

24-Hour and 72-Hour licenses available.

Youth & Senior

Free for residents under 16. Reduced for seniors 65+.

Boat Registration

Required for motorized vessels.

Tournament Permit

Permits required for organized events.

Regulations Overview

6 walleye daily limit on most waters. 6 bass daily limit. Complex muskie regulations.

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