Welcome to minnesotalakes.info
Thank you for exploring Minnesota Lakes. We are trying to cover as many of the lakes in Minnesota as possible. This website has been divided Minnesota into four sections. Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, and Southeast Minnesota. Each zone has it’s own unique biome with lakes. Please feel free to suggest and comment. Your input is priceless to help us build a great online resource.
Northwest Minnesota
Where the prairie meets the woods. This area has a great diversity of wildlife and lakes. Farmland is found through out the zone, but is more dense on the western boarder. Because of the unique location you can see lots of different plants and animals. Long grass prairie plants like goldenrod and sunflowers grow within a maze of pine and birch tree forests. Large animals like moose can be found foraging on abundant marsh plants. This area holds some of the clearest and deepest lakes in Minnesota. Lake Itasca the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River is found here. Within Northwest Minnesota there are several chains of lakes. These lakes are often connected to other lakes and streams allowing for fish to spawn . The interconnected wetlands allows for more biodiversity and a large gene pool. The Cass Lake chain along the Mississippi river provides world class fishing and camping opportunities. Native Americans have called this area home for hundreds if not thousands of years. Several reservations are located within the northwest region, make sure to follow any indigenous peoples regulations.
Northeast Minnesota
There are many unique lakes and wetlands in Northeast Minnesota. The thick forest provides a historic look at what early settlers would have experienced. Logging and mining are major economic boosters in this region. A lot of the lakes have been shaped by their activity. Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world is located at the Northe East boundary of the state. Many unique fishing and recreational opportunities are available. The north shore drive along Lake Superior can be one of the best vacation experiences on the planet. This is lake country, if you don’t like what you find, drive a mile. The boundary water recreation area is located on the boarder with Canada. Here hardcore backpacking, canoeing, and camping trips are endless. Moose, Bear, and Wolves can all be found in Northeast Minnesota. Many birds migrate through this area providing us with beautiful sounds from nature. Make sure to bring any amenities you need, and pack them out with you. World class fishing is a standards. You can catch walleye, northern pike, and panfish everyday.
Southwest Minnesota
Today Southwestern Minnesota is largely farmland. Historically this area was home to one of the most diversified long -Mid grass prairies in the world. Mostly flat land with interspersed trees. Currently lakes in this region are used for recreation, agricultural, and municipal purposes. There are boating and shore fishing opportunities. Waterfowl and other game species roam Southwest Minnesota. Hunting is a heritage here, providing food and recreation for local people. Walleye to trout, many different species of fish are found in the lakes here. Wind farms spot the landscape. The geography provides for some of the best wind electrical generation in the United states.
Southeast Minnesota
Lakes in Southeastern Minnesota like the northwest are located in a transition zone. Here, the Prairies from the west meet a deciduous forests of the east. These hardwood forests roll for miles providing a real pioneer experience. There are a couple large pockets of lakes within the region. Several major rivers flow through southeast Minnesota. The Mississippi River, which starts in the northwestern part of the state, has become noticeable wider. Like the rest of the state there is a wide variety of plants and animals here. This part of the state also includes the Minneapolis – ST, Paul metro area. This unique metropolitan area gives developers a lot of responsibilities. The lakes, rivers, and wetlands in Southeast Minnesota all drain south. The water that flows here impacts our neighbors health too.
Fishing in Minnesota
This great state has arguably has more fishing opportunities than any other place on earth. The shear volume of developed shore land and lake access is unmeasurable.
- If the fish are not biting move. There are a lot of lures out there, but fish are not active all the time. There have been numerous times we mark fish, try every lure & bait, and they just won’t bite. Active fish just like active people don’t sit still. So neither should you.
- If your were a bait fish where would you be. Active fish like to eat. Weed lines, rocks, or other structure holds the food. Game fish will find their food, so should you.
- Be prepared. There are different species of fish in most lakes. Not all are active or eating at the same time. Bring several types of lures, hooks, and bait. Not only should you prepare to catch fish, but weather conditions can change fast. Wind, sunlight, and water conditions all effect fishing.
Notices and Disclosures,
Minnesotalakes.info supports conservation. Educated use and preservation of our natural resources. Ethical treatment for all places and things. Please follow all local, state, and federal regulations. Angling and hunting guides are available for the current year. There are several private shores along the lakes and rivers. Please have prior permission and licensing before entering private or permitted land. Catch and release fishing provides anglers with an exciting experience. If you do not use the fish please release them. Motorized boats are not allowed on all lakes and streams in Minnesota. Check with all regulators before you dock. Some lakes do not have fish in them, or have recently froze. Evasive species are real. They are hitching a ride on infected watercraft and aquatic gear. Please clean your equipment after every outing. We do not claim responsibility for your interpretation of this fishing guide, any information provided, or your actions. Just have fun, be safe, and care about our resources.
Minnesota DNR ( Department of Natural Resources.)