Battered and fried over a campfire, roasted whole on sticks, baked in hobo packets on hot coals—no matter how it’s fixed, freshly caught fish can be the highlight of a meal enjoyed after a day of successful fishing, that is, if the catch is properly cared for before cooking.
Lakes in Minnesota
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Although it's called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota has many more than that! In fact, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, it boasts 11,842 lakes that are over 10 acres in size. The largest one that's completely within the state is Red Lake at 288,800 acres, followed by Mille Lacs Lake at 132,516 acres. Other large lakes totally within Minnesota's borders include Leech Lake (11,527 acres), Lake Winnibigoshish (58,544 acres) and Lake Vermilion (40,557 acres). Parts of Lake Superior and Lake of the Woods also lie with Minnesota. Minnesota's lakes and rivers contain an abundance of bass, muskie, northern pike, panfish, trout and walleye, with is the state fish. Freshwater fishing, as well as other water sports, such as scuba diving, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and waterskiing, are popular pastimes there. In fact, Minnesota is the birthplace of waterskiing, which was first performed there in 1922. |
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Featured lakes in Minnesota |
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According to the Department of Natural Resource, Lake Koronis near Paynesville, Minnesota, is an excellent place to fish, with large populations of walleye, rock bass, and northern pike. It also contains largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and bluegill. The lake has five public access points, two parks, two resorts, and two seasonal campgrounds; nevertheless, thanks to its large size (3,015 acres) it rarely crowded, even on holidays. In addition to fishing, boating and waterskiing are popular there. |
Lake Minnetonka, located southwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, has historically been a resort area. It has many bays and islands along its 125-mile shoreline and is well-loved by anglers, who may catch sight of the legendary 10-foot sturgeon dubbed Lou who's been spotted in its waters for over 30 years. Lake Minnetonka also contains large populations of rock bass, largemouth bass, walleye and yellow perch. |
East Spirit Lake is a 544-acre lake approximately three miles southwest of Vergas in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Most of its north and south shorelines are developed. Public access to the lake is located on County Road 4 along its northwest shore. The angling is good at Spirit Lake. Fishers can expect to catch black bullhead, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and bluegill. |
Popular Minnesota lakes
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