Minnesota Walleye Fishing Charters
Minnesota Walleye Fishing Charters
Top Minnesota Walleye Fishing Destinations
Top Minnesota Walleye Fishing Destinations
Best Walleye Fishing Charters in Minnesota
Best Walleye Fishing Charters in Minnesota
Top Walleye Fishing Charters in Minnesota
Top Walleye Fishing Charters in Minnesota
Walleye Fishing in Minnesota
Walleye Fishing in Minnesota
- Size 1 to 10 lbs
- Food Value Excellent
- Game Qualities Excellent
- Habitats River, Lake
(Stizostedion vitreum)
The Walleye fishing Minnesota has to offer is some of the best in the world. The North Star State may not have the all-tackle record – yet – but you couldn’t ask for a better mix of habitats and fishing styles. Spend the summer combing the depths of the lakes, battle big “Walters” in the shallows in the spring, or fish through the ice throughout the winter months. However you do it, you’re in for a tough fight and some delicious fish at the end of it. And isn’t that what life is all about?
Walleye Fishing Spots
Minnesota is one big, beautiful Walleye fishery. “Gravel Lizards” thrive in lakes and rivers all around the state. Lake of the Woods and Mille Lacs Lake both compete for the title of “Walleye Capital of the World” and both are worthy of the name. The shallow sloping floor of Mille Lacs seems to be carved out specifically with trophy Walleye in mind. Lake of the Woods is such a popular spot that America and Canada have been forced to share it. The lake has more than enough fish to share, though.
The current state record was caught deep in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which still produces incredible catches each year. But you don’t have to spend two days paddling into the wilds to take on monster fish. Even in the suburbs of Minneapolis, anglers can catch as many as 50 “Pickerel” in a single day!
Walleye Fishing Techniques
Every species in Minnesota is fished for differently depending on the time of year and Walleye is no exception. In the spring, Walleye are caught by bottom bouncing jig-and-minnow rigs in shallow water. Come summer, the fish move to rocky piles in deeper water. Live leeches or nightcrawlers on slip floats are great in early summer but trolled crankbaits or stickbaits take the cake later on in the season.
Simple live bait rigs work best when the fish move back into the shallows as the waters cool down again. In the winter, flash spoons and swimming lures are jigged through the ice to bring in these tasty fish. Light-medium spinning gear works well year-round, although many anglers use special ice fishing rods and reels in the winter.
Need to Know
You will need to buy a fishing license in order to target Walleye. You can also buy a special Walleye stamp, which costs an $5 extra. These are not required by law to catch or keep Walleye. Think of it as your way of giving back to the species. Proceeds allow the DNR to continue stocking over 3,000 lakes state-wide. This costs an incredible $3 million each year, which local anglers are more than happy to contribute to if it keeps the fisheries this good!
If you’re planning on ice fishing for Walleye, make sure you take sensible precautions. Fish with someone who knows the waters well and don’t go near dark or cracked ice. Fishing with a guide is the best way to stay safe in winter. It’s also the top way to find big fish any time of year.
Minnesota has a staggering 2 million acres of Walleye-filled waters. Head to the right place at the right time, and you’ll be battling fish bigger than anything you thought possible. Whether you’ve been chasing Walleye for years or have never heard of them until now, battling these beasts in Minnesota is some serious bucket list fishing, and more importantly, it’s great fun!
Minnesota Walleye Fishing Seasons
Minnesota Walleye Fishing Seasons
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Seasonality
Walleye fishing in Minnesota is highly variable throughout the year. High season is May to June and September to October. Closed season is March to April.
Minnesota
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