Top 18 Minnesota Game Fish Species

This post will list the top 18 Minnesota game fish species. Minnesota offers both visiting and residential anglers world class freshwater fishing opportunities. The nickname “Land of 10,000 lakes” is well deserved. Many streams and rivers are productive as well.

The top 18 Minnesota game fish are;

Walleye
Northern pike
Muskellunge (musky)
Largemouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Chinook salmon
Coho salmon
Lake trout
bluegill and panfish
yellow perch
Rainbow trout
Brook trout
Brown trout
crappie
Sturgeon
Channel catfish
Blue catfish
Flathead catfish

The top 18 Minnesota game fish species

These special all have something to offer anglers, from terrific fighting ability to being excellent table fare. Many species please anglers with both of these attributes! Here is the list of top 18 Minnesota game fish species, in no particular order, featuring some of the best female anglers.

Walleye

Walleye are an extremely popular species, and they head the list of the top 18 Minnesota game fish species. Walleye are found in many lakes and river systems. Walleye prefer cold, clear water. They usually, but not always, feed on or near the bottom. Trolling for walleye is popular and very effective. Live bait such as nightcrawlers, minnows, and leeches work well. While walleye are not the toughest battlers, they more than make up for it on the dinner plate!

Northern pike

Northern pike are an apex predator and certainly are one of the top Minnesota game fish. Pike are aggressive and are mostly taken by anglers fishing with large, flashy artificial lures. However, they will certainly take live baits as well. Northern pike are most often associated with shallow weedy flats and are found in a wide variety of waters. Ice fishing for northern pike is quite popular and productive as pike thrive in cold water. They are good to eat, but are bony.

Musky

Muskellunge, also known as “musky”, are arguably the top predator in Minnesota. They grow quite large and are one of the most challenging species to catch. Musky are called the ‘fish of 10,000 casts” for good reason. Most musky are caught by anglers casting artificial lures. They inhabit the same environments as pike, particularly shallow, weedy bays and coves. Musky are mostly caught in larger bodies of water. Afternoon is often the best time to catch them. Very few musky are killed by anglers, most are released.

Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass are probably the most popular game fish in the United States, and Minnesota offers excellent fishing for them. Tournaments have really resulted in their explosion in popularity. In Minnesota, largemouth bass are found in a variety of waters from small ponds to the largest lakes. Bass are aggressive predators and are caught by anglers using both lures and live baits. While decent to eat, most anglers practice catch and release.

Smallmouth bass

Smallmouth bass are a terrific freshwater game fish! They are often associated with rivers, but are certainly found in many Minnesota lakes as well. They average a pound or so but grow to over six pounds. Anglers catch them on both lures and live baits. Smallmouth bass prefer cool, clear water. They are good to eat, but like largemouth bass, the vast majority are released to please other anglers.

Chinook salmon

Chinook, or king, salmon are primarily caught in Lake Superior and it’s tributaries. They are a fantastic game fish whether caught trolling in deep water or on fly tackle in the rivers. Chinook salmon were stocked decades ago and their numbers seem to rise and fall. Obviously, chinook salmon are fantastic eating.

Coho salmon

Coho salmon, also known as silver salmon, are a smaller, but more numerous salmon species. They, like chinook salmon, are found in Lake Superior and it’s tributaries. Trolling works best in the big lake while casting and fly fishing produces in the rivers. Coho salmon are terrific to eat.

Lake trout

Lake trout are the largest of the trout species found in Minnesota. In fact, they are one of the largest freshwater species in North America. Most lake trout are caught in large, deep lakes. Trolling is the most productive technique as it allows anglers to cover a lot of water. They put up a decent fight, though a lot of it is just their size. Ice fishing is very productive as lake trout feed actively in cold water. Smaller fish are good to eat.

Bluegill and panfish

Bluegill are certainly one of the top 18 Minnesota game fish species! When pursued on suitable tackle, they are every bit as much fun to catch as larger fish. Bluegill and other panfish are taken on a wide variety of live bait as well as artificial lures. They are abundant, usually cooperative, and widely accessible to every angler. Bluegill and panfish are found in just about every warm water body of water. Add in that panfish fry up great, and there is no wonder that they are so popular.

Yellow perch

Yellow perch are smaller cousins to walleye. They are a beautiful fish that put up a great fight on light tackle. Yellow perch school up in larger lakes. Once located, a bunch of perch can be caught in short order. Jigs and live minnows are the top producers. They prefer cool, clear water. They are a favorite of anglers ice fishing as they feed actively in cold water. Yellow perch are as good an eating fish as any that swims.

Rainbow trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most recognizable fish species, with their bright red stripe. Minnesota has an excellent population of rainbow trout in streams, rivers, and lakes. They are heavily stocked to please anglers. Spinners, spoons, flies, and live and prepared baits will all fool rainbow trout. Trolling works well in larger lakes. Fly fishing is popular in streams. Rainbow trout that move into Lake Superior then back to the rivers are called “steelhead trout” as they take on a different look. Rainbow trout are excellent to eat.

Brook trout

Brook trout are the smallest of the three major trout species. They demand cold, clean, clear water. Brook trout are most often caught shallow, even in the tiniest of streams. They are very active under the ice. Most are taken in lakes on live bait and small spinners and spoons. Flies and other small lures work well in streams. Many anglers consider brook trout to be the best eating on the trout species.

Brown trout

Brown trout grow the largest of the three major trout species. They also tolerate the warmest water, resulting in them being the most widely distributed. Brown trout prefer larger streams and lakes. Casting, trolling, and fly fishing are all effective techniques. Ice fishing produces as well. Lake Superior holds some very large brown trout. Smaller specimens are quite good to eat.

Crappie

Crappie are next on the list of the top 18 Minnesota game fish species. They do not put up a spectacular fight, all things considered. However, they are a beautiful fish that are fantastic eating. Crappie tournaments have increased their popularity. Trolling with jigs or live minnows is extremely productive. Crappie school up and once located, the bite can be fast. Crappie will bite through the ice as well.

Sturgeon

Sturgeon are a success story in Minnesota. Stocking efforts and strict management resulted in the sturgeon fishery rebounding. Pacific sturgeon grow very large, lake surgeon in Minnesota are big, but not the giants seen out west. They are caught in lakes and rivers by anglers bottom fishing.

Chanel catfish

Channel catfish are the smallest, but most abundant of the three major catfish species. They average a few pounds are are found in all but the coldest bodies of water in Minnesota. Channel catfish are caught on or near the bottom on a wide variety of live, cut, and prepared baits. They will take lures as well. Channel catfish are very good to eat.

Blue catfish

Blue catfish grow much larger than channel catfish and primarily feed on live bait fish. Shad, herring, and other species are their primary forage. Blue catfish eat a lot and are found mostly in larger lake and river systems. Heavy tackle is required to catch a trophy. As with other catfish species, blue catfish are good to eat.

Flathead catfish

Flathead catfish, also known as yellow catfish, grow quite large as well. They feed almost exclusively on live bluegill and panfish. They are more solitary and prefer slow moving rivers. Flathead catfish are taken in surprisingly shallow water. Most are caught by anglers specifically targeting them. They are also good to eat.

Minnesota walleye and northern pike fishing

The subject of this article is Minnesota walleye and pike fishing. Walleye are arguably the most popular freshwater fish in our northern states, and Minnesota is no exception.

Minnesota may offer anglers the best walleye fishing in the country. Lakes and river systems with prime walleye habitat abound. Anglers target, and catch, walleye all year long, including through the ice in winter. Multiple techniques are used by anglers to catch walleye. While walleye put up a decent tussle, they are prized for their value on a dinner plate. Walleye have white, flaky fillets that are fabulous eating!

Minnesota walleye and pike fishing expert Brenda

Brenda Chesshir is our Minnesota walleye fishing expert. She grew up in St Paul, MN and her outdoor background stems from her parents passion with fishing since she was knee high.

“I was fortunate enough to have a family cabin for 35 years in McGregor, MN on lake Minnewawa. This was a multi-species lake so bass, pike and eyes were my target. I became addicted to walleyes and the challenge of learning different techniques based on the time of year, learning locations, best structure; Minnewawa was a weed walleye lake – shallow, weedy, and full of cabbage. Over the years I have been fortunate to fish alongside some professional fisherman and be mentored by some old-timers.

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As I became more addicted to walleyes, I started to upgrade from my small 16.5 foot Northwood’s with 25 horse to a 17.5 foot Lund Pro V with 115 horse and of course at that point, I added a Humminbird Helix 7 and a MinnKota Terrova trolling motor; Spot Lock is a life saver for me, as I am able to mark and get on fish…goodbye anchor!! I get out on the water as often as possible and is highly skilled at catching walleye.”

Minnesota walleye fishing techniques

Walleye can be taken by several different methods. Anglers can cast, drift, troll, and even fish through the ice. Live bait and artificial lures are both very productive. Leeches, minnows, and nightcrawlers are the top live baits. Jigs, spoons, soft plastic baits, and crank baits are the top producing artificial lures. Walleye are generally found near the bottom. However, they will rise up in the water column to feed on overcast days, dusk, dawn, and at night.

Fishing for Minnesota walleye with live bait

Brenda suggests to novice anglers that are just getting into walleye fishing to drift or slow troll with live bait. A live crawler, leech, or minnow on a Lindy Rig or other bottom bouncing rig is the best way for a novice angler to catch walleye. Walleye feed on the bottom, baits need to be in that zone in order to draw a strike.

This system consists of a special sinker that “walks” along the bottom. The line runs through the sinker. A swivel stops the weight. Then, a 6 pound test flourocarbon leader of 3′ to 6′ is then tied on the swivel. A #4 to #8 Gamakatsu hook completes the rig. The baits are hooked in the front so that they swim naturally.

Drifting and slow trolling is effective on walleye

Anglers then drift or very slowly troll over likely areas. Ledges, rock piles, points, and wrecks will all hold walleye. On days with a little breeze, drifting will work quite well. On calm days, anglers will need to provide the movement by trolling very slowly. If a drift or troll does not produce fish, anglers should try another spot. Once fish are located, that area should be worked slowly and thoroughly.

“I find that slow death rigs with Mack’s Smile Blades are very effective. Simply thread a night crawler on the hook and pinch off, it spins slowly along. As summer heats up the fish go deep into32-36 feet of water. This is where trolling with lead-core comes into action and the “Precision Trolling, The Trollers Bible” book comes into play. Though relativity new at this technique, I plan to master it this coming summer. I see a lead core trolling “clinic” in my future. I mostly use leeches on Mille Lacs.”

Minnesota walleye fishing tackle

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Trolling with lures for Minnesota walleye

Artificial lures can be extremely effective when trolled as well. The main advantage is that lures allow anglers to cover a lot of water in a relatively short amount of time. Anglers trolling plugs of different sizes and colors can quickly find a productive pattern that produces fish. Plugs are generally trolled at faster speeds than live bait.

Brenda’s favorite lures for casting and trolling for walleyes are as follows;

“One of my methods for catching walleye is trolling crankbaits. I prefer to use shad style crankbaits as they provide a subtle wobbling action. I mainly use size 5 and size 7 baits. Trolling is a very productive technique that keeps me in good contact with fish that are active.

I also use a variety of stick-style baits. If the fish are holding in deeper water, I will troll similar baits on a line-counter, lead-core rig or use planer boards. This will ensure that the baits get down far enough to entice the fish. I typically troll at speeds from .7 to 1.2 MPH, depending on weather and bite conditions. I adjust my speed accordingly based on the reaction of fish to the bait.

Casting for Minnesota walleye

Casting for walleye is another one of my productive methods. Fishing the shorelines, shallow weed lines, and mid-lake humps while pitching various crankbaits is a blast! I’ll still cast shad and stick style baits, as well as rattling baits such as the Rattlin’ Rapala. You may even find me throwing an occasional spinnerbait for weed-walleyes!

If I want to target deeper water and cast, I will throw a lead jig paired with a leech, crawler, shiner, or plastic paddle tail. I will cover the structure with my bow mount trolling motor and pitching the jig and letting it sink to the depths and actively jig it back to the boat.

All baits used will depend on water quality and feeding patterns. Essentially, you are wanting to match the hatch and mimic the available forage. This could be crayfish, minnows, leeches, or small fish such as yellow perch. The color I use will depend on water clarity and cloud cover. When it is more on the cloudy side, I like to use brighter colors like neon orange, chartreuse, pink, and purple. On sunny days I use gold and silver metallic chrome colored baits. My favorite color patterns are clown and perch.

Catching Minnesota walleye without a boat

While anglers Minnesota walleye fishing from boats have an advantage, shore-bound fishing can produce as well. This is particularly true along river banks. Tailwaters below dams can be extremely effective spots to catch walleye and other species. Live baits can be drifted in the current. Casting lures will also produce fish.

Ice fishing is an extremely effective walleye technique. Obviously, it does not require a boat! However, it does require some special gear such as an ice auger, perhaps a shanty, and other equipment. Also, safety is of the utmost importance!

Brenda really enjoys ice fishing for Minnesota walleye! The ice fishing generally starts in December and goes until first part of March, but this can vary year to year. Brenda prefers to use rods to fish for walleye, though tip-ups and rattle reels are also very effective.

Minnesota walleye fishing through the ice

Brenda’s favorite method to use when targeting walleye through the ice is Rattle Reels, jigging rod, and bobber-style rods.

“I tend to run 18-24 inches off the bottom using large golden shiners or lite sucker minnows. I jig with a Lindy Frostee Spoon, Northland Forage Minnow or Buckshot spoon with a pinched-off minnow head. A lot of times the action of the jigging calls in the fish, and then the fish will come in and grab the bobber or rattle reel lines.

“I find on Mille Lacs that keeping it simple with a plain hook and a 3 foot leader on the rattle reels is most effective. I use 4 to 6 pound test line and I prefer green Berkley Trilene. Right now I am finding fish for the evening/morning bite in 7-10 feet of water, however I am hearing good reports on North-end in 32-36 feet.

“With my home in close proximity to the lake, I am fortunate to get out more than most. This year I went from a 6×8 foot skid house to a 14 foot Ice Castle – so no more roughing it, and am not able to spend many comfortable nights out on the ice. There is nothing better than hearing the rattle reel go off in the middle of the night”.

Minnesota walleye season migrations

Walleye follow distinct seasonal migrations. Like most species, they are found in shallow water in the cooler months during spring and fall. Conversely, they seek out deeper water in summer and winter.

Walleye are often found in waters 10 feet deep or shallower early in the season and and fall. During the summer months, many of these areas experience vegetation growths. That, along with rising water temperatures will push the fish out deeper. By early June, most walleye have moved out to deeper water. They will return again in early November.

Walleye will spend their summers offshore, usually relating to some type of structure. Depth changes such as drop-offs on flats or humps, channel edges, submerged rock piles, and edges of weed beds in water between 8 feet deep and 20 feet deep are the best spots to try. Walleye feed best early and late in the day and at night. This is particularly true in the summer time.

Walleye fishing is good in the fall

Again, like most other species, walleye feed heavily in the fall as they fatten up for winter. Successful anglers will find the schools of forage fish, understanding that while I and other game fish will be nearby. Many of the same deep water structure spots that produced in summer will also be good spots to try in the fall.

While I will slow down and be less active in the winter. As weed beds die off, finding the submerged beds will be important. The edges of weed beds and 10 to 15 feet of water that drop off into deeper water are great spots to target winter walleye for both open water boaters and ice fishermen.

Northern pike fishing tips

Northern Pike are apex predators. They are aggressive and feed mostly on fish. However, they will devour nice, ducks, frogs, and just about anything they can get their teeth into. For this reason, most anglers targeting northern pike use lures that are on the large size. The old axiom, “big bait equal big fish” applies to pike.

Pike are often associated with weed beds in relatively shallow water. They lie in wait and ambush prey as it comes into range. This is another reason why most pike are taken by anglers using artificial baits. Lures are easier to use in these weedy environments. Northern pike are also caught in rivers, particularly where they dump into lakes. Ledges and humps will also hold fish.

Most anglers use medium spinning or bait casting tackle when fishing for pike. Large baits and lures and big fish in heavy cover require fairly stout tackle. 7′ medium/heavy rods with matching reels and 40 pound braided line work well. Most anglers use a short steel leader, but some omit that, especially when fishing in very clear water.

Northern pike fishing tips, lures

Daredevle

The Eppinger Original Dardevle spoon is an old-school lure that has been catching pike for decades. It still produces to this day. The most popular size id the “0” which weighs one ounce. Daredevle spoons can be cast a long way and have an enticing, wobbling action.

The two most popular colors are the red and white and “Five of Diamonds”. Other colors, including chrome, are certainly productive. While not weedless, they can be worked over and through grass beds. The best retrieve is a steady one with some pauses and twitches. A swivel is required to reduce line twist.

Zara spook

The Heddon Zara Spook is a topwater plug that has been around a long time. Iw was invented 75 years ago and has been catching fish ever since. It floats on the surface and is retrieved back using a technique called “walking the dog”. The rod tip is held low and twitched as the lure is retrieved steadily. This causes the lure to swing back and forth. Pike and other game fish find this difficult to resist!

The Zara Spook comes on one size. It is 4 1/2” long and weighs around an ounce. It cast well. Colors matter less on topwater plugs, but Bone, Chrome, and Frog are popular color patterns.

Mepps spinners

Mepps is another company that has been producing lures for a long time. The #5 Mepps Aglia Spinner is a very effective lure for catching northern pike. The thick bucktail dressing helps to reduce getting snagged on the weeds. It weighs ½ ounce and casts well. Most anglers use a steady retrieve, but vary the speed until a productive pace for that day emerges.

Anglers seeking a trophy northern pike will use the Mepps Giant Killer. This is a large lure that produces trophy pike and musky. It is heavy and can be used to effectively work deeper points and ledges.

Rat-L-Trap

The Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap is a terrific artificial lure that catches many different species. It is very effective on northern pike. One once is the most popular size and chrome with a blue back and chrome with a chartreuse back are two excellent patterns. The lure casts well and puts out a tremendous vibration when retrieved.

The Rat-L-Trap is fairly weedless, despite have open, exposed treble hooks. A steady retrieve works well, though anglers can “rip” it through the weeds. This is deadly on pike as the lure is pulled sharply when it hangs on the grass. Pike assault it as it pulls free of the weeds.

Booyah spinnerbait

The Booyah Pikie Spinnerbait is a terrific lure for pike as well as large bass and musky. It is relavively heavy with a large, stout hook. Spinnerbaits are fairly weedless and do through weeds pretty well. It has tandem blades. The single hook makes releasing fish much easier.

Natural baits for northern pike fishing

Ann White catches plenty of northern pike. She likes frozen smelt and suckers.

“My go to pike baits are frozen smelt or 8-10 inch frozen suckers. Either of which work great in early spring shortly after ice off. Pike will cruise large shallow flats in search of schools of bait fish, so often shore fishing is more productive than fishing from a boat. The large shallows warm up quicker than deeper areas which attracts the bait fish to feed on early insect hatches.

A simple rig of a 3-4 oz. no roll bait, sinker stopper, and swivel, followed by a 12 inch, 50 lb test leader of mono, with a baited circle hook has proven effective for shore fishing. When ice fishing, we switch to a pike rig that is created with a 8 inch loop of wire leader containing two treble hooks. Each hook goes into the bait fish, one at the front, one at the back.

When a pike then takes the bait, the two hooks slide together and will have a better chance of hooking up. Steel leader will prevent breaking line on sharp teeth. This rig is particularly effective when using automatic fishermen, jaw jackers, or other self setting tip-ups.”

live baits for pike fishing

Most anglers northern pike fishing with live bait use some type of fish. Minnows such as chubs work well for smaller to average sized pike. Those targeting larger fish will opt for a larger bait such as a perch or sucker. The same rig used for frozen bait, minus the sinker, fished under a float works well. Nightcrawlers and frogs can also be used.

Ice fishing for northern pike

Many northern pike are taken through the ice as well. Anglers fishing the “hard water” do well using both lures and lives baits, often combining the two. A jig and minnow is a top producer. Special plugs that are worked vertically like a jig are also effective. Live minnows and suckers will catch fish, too. The same spots that produce in the fall will also do well for anglers ice fishing. Submerged weed beds, points, ledges, and structure in 8′ to 20′ of water are good spots to try.

Northern pike fishing tips

This article with our ladies shares northern pike fishing tips. Northern pike are a very popular game fish. They are found in the northern United States and Canada, as well as other parts of the world.

Northern pike love weeds!