Minnesota fishing calendar: what's biting each month
Twelve months of freshwater and coastal fishing in Minnesota — seasonal bites, spawning runs and what's biting each month.
Month-by-month fishing in Minnesota
January
On northeastern lakes where the winter trout season is open and ice conditions permit travel, lake trout remain active beneath the ice. DNR suggests starting around 15–40 feet with jigs or spoons, then moving until fish respond. Brook trout in designated lakes often favor shallower water; confirm the particular lake's winter rules rather than applying one trout season statewide.
Key targets: Lake Trout · Brook Trout · Splake
February
Where the season remains open, winter walleye anglers can work points, humps and drop-offs on lakes such as Leech or Mille Lacs. DNR describes dawn and dusk as productive windows and recommends jigging close to bottom with a minnow-tipped lure. Check current lake-specific rules and ice conditions before traveling, and change lure action when fish inspect a bait without taking it.
Key targets: Walleye · Yellow Perch · Northern Pike
March
Crappie and bluegill offer late-winter options where sound ice remains, but shoreline access can deteriorate before the main lake looks different. DNR's 2026 inland shelter-removal dates were March 2 south of its dividing line and March 16 north of it, with separate border-water rules. Fish small jigs at suspended panfish depths, and check current conditions before carrying equipment onto ice.
Key targets: Black Crappie · Bluegill · Yellow Perch
April
The 2026 Minnesota guide lists April 11 as the stream trout harvest opener, with special stream rules and separate lake seasons still important. Where open, try small spinners or a natural drift through manageable trout water. As northern lakes lose ice, DNR notes that lake trout use shoreline shallows and reefs; verify the lake season before turning that habitat pattern into a trip.
Key targets: Brown Trout · Brook Trout · Rainbow Trout · Lake Trout
May
The statewide 2026 walleye and northern pike opener was May 9, with exceptions requiring a water-specific check. DNR describes spring walleye feeding near shore, including broad sand flats with shiner minnows. Try a jig-and-minnow presentation that reaches bottom without excessive weight, then vary depth as fish move; do not assume the first crowded shoreline is the only productive option.
Key targets: Walleye · Northern Pike · Black Crappie
June
Minnesota's 2026 inland muskellunge opener was June 6, while bass opportunities include the new year-round inland catch-and-release framework and regional harvest differences. Work bass around weedlines, boulders and submerged wood, using tackle strong enough to keep fish clear of cover. DNR identifies spring shallows as useful bass habitat; adjust the search as the lake warms instead of staying on abandoned shoreline spots.
Key targets: Muskellunge · Largemouth Bass · Smallmouth Bass
July
Summer lake trout move into cool water deeper than 40 feet, according to DNR's trout-lake guidance. On open northeastern lakes, vertical jigging or trolling a spoon at the fish's depth can replace spring shoreline casting. Stocked rainbow trout offer another approach in designated lakes, where June and July insect feeding can favor an evening fly or small-lure presentation near accessible water.
Key targets: Lake Trout · Rainbow Trout · Brook Trout
August
DNR advises looking deeper for bass during summer heat, with weedlines and wood or rock structure remaining useful search features. On Minnesota lakes, work a bait along the outside edge of cover rather than repeatedly casting into the same shallow pocket. River smallmouth provide another option around eddies and structure, but choose access and presentations that suit the actual current.
Key targets: Largemouth Bass · Smallmouth Bass · Walleye
September
As summer eases, walleye gradually return toward shoreline locations, though some remain deep, DNR explains. Troll a small hard bait along a weedline, gravel bar or point, then follow the depth that produces fish. Bass also use autumn shallows; check the current regional smallmouth rules, since catch-and-release periods differ from the largemouth harvest framework in much of Minnesota.
Key targets: Walleye · Smallmouth Bass · Largemouth Bass
October
West Metro stocking plans typically place fall rainbow trout at Quarry and Courthouse lakes around October 15–21 when water temperatures allow; that is a plan, not confirmation that a truck has arrived. Check LakeFinder's completed reports before going. Where trout fishing is open, cast small spoons or spinners along accessible shoreline, while continuing to check the different seasons for designated trout lakes.
Key targets: Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout · Brook Trout
November
Before ice closes open-water access, Lake Harriet offers a shore-based walleye option in Minneapolis. DNR describes a late-fall dusk approach using a large minnow on a floating jig about 15 inches above a sliding sinker. Mississippi River Pool 2 is another regional option with year-round catch-and-release rules for walleye and sauger; confirm access and stay clear of strong current and navigation traffic.
Key targets: Walleye · Sauger · Yellow Perch
December
Early winter panfish trips depend on verified local ice conditions rather than the date. DNR notes that crappies often suspend between surface and bottom, including near bay mouths leading toward deeper water; use a small minnow or jig and test several levels. Keep jigging subtle once fish approach, and remember that appearance or snow cover cannot establish ice strength.
Key targets: Black Crappie · Bluegill · Yellow Perch
Year at a glance
| Month | Season / Pattern | Key species |
|---|---|---|
| January | Northern trout ice | Lake Trout, Brook Trout, Splake |
| February | Low light walleye | Walleye, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike |
| March | Late ice decisions | Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch |
| April | Stream trout return | Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout |
| May | Opener and shallows | Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie |
| June | Muskie and bass | Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass |
| July | Trout at depth | Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout |
| August | Structure beyond shore | Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye |
| September | Return toward shallows | Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass |
| October | Coolwater stocking options | Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout |
| November | Urban walleye dusk | Walleye, Sauger, Yellow Perch |
| December | First ice panfish | Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch |
Sources
- Minnesota DNR: Trout Lake Fishing Tips
- Minnesota DNR: 2026 Fishing Regulations
- Minnesota DNR: Ice Fishing for Walleye
- Minnesota DNR: Ice Shelters
- Minnesota DNR: Ice Fishing for Crappie
- Minnesota DNR: Ice Safety
- Minnesota DNR: How to Catch a Walleye
- Minnesota DNR: Bass Fishing
- Minnesota DNR: West Metro Stocking Plans
- Minnesota DNR: Lake Harriet
- Minnesota DNR: Mississippi River Pool 2
Sources: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · State fisheries calendar records. Checked: Nov 3, 2026. Official links open the agency page. How we use data