Minnesota Fish Facts
Minnesota has 11,842 lakes, 5,400 of which are managed by DNR fisheries; and 1.4 million licensed anglers.
Participation and the economy
Fishing contributes $4.7 billion to the state's economy.
Minnesota ranks fourth among states with the highest number of anglers. The top three states are Florida, Texas and California. Wisconsin is fifth. 1
As a percentage of population among those states, Minnesota boasts the largest number of resident anglers at 28 percent and is tied nationally with Alaska for the largest participation of resident anglers.
Anglers spend $2.8 billion on fishing each year in Minnesota. 2
Dollars directly spent on fishing in Minnesota create an additional $1.9 billion in economic activity, boosting angling's total statewide economic impact to $4.7 billion.2 Equipment (rods, reels, line, boats, trailers, etc.) accounted for $1.2 billion of the $2.8 billion spent. Trip-related expenses accounted for $860 million. Other expenses such as bait and equipment rental accounted for $646 million. 1
Salaries, wages and business earnings directly related to fishing total $1.3 billion. 2
Fishing creates Minnesota 43,812 jobs. 2
Minnesota angling generates $350 million in federal tax revenues and $342 million in state and local tax revenues. 2
Who goes fishing?
Most resident anglers – 755,000 of them in fact – are from the seven-county metropolitan area. The remaining 388,000 resident anglers live outside the Twin Cities. 1
Men account for 69 percent of resident anglers. Woman account for 31 percent. 1
The highest percentage of participation comes in the 35-44 year old age group. Most of the remaining participants come from the 45-64 year old age group, with those 16-24 years old accounting for only 12 percent of the people who fish. 1
An estimated 40 percent of Minnesota anglers have household incomes of $50,000-$100,000. Households that make less than $50,000 annually account for 27 percent of Minnesota anglers. 1
An estimated 388,000 children ages 6-15 go fishing each year, with Twin Cities-area kids accounting for 76 percent of the total. Although close, more girls (52 percent) went fishing than boys (48 percent). Participation among age groups (6-8 years, 9-11 years and 12-15 years) remained fairly constant. 1
Fishing habits
Significantly more time is spent fishing on lakes rather than rivers and streams. 1
The average Minnesota angler spends 20 days fishing each year, with 86 percent of resident anglers never fishing anywhere else but Minnesota. 1
Most sought-after fish species (in order): walleye, bluegill, northern pike, crappie, bass. 1
Most resident anglers spend nearly half their time fishing for walleye and bluegill. 1
1 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
2 Sportfishing in America, American Sportfishing Association
Fishing Report for 5/10/12
Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
Area DNR fisheries staff expect the amazing winter bite on Lake Mille Lacs to carry over into this summer. Hazard markers have been placed and all the docks are in at the public accesses. Look for most of the fish to be in 18 feet of water or less. Traditional opening day hot spots include the North End, Vineland Bay and Big Point, and these will likely have a lot of pressure. Toward evening, check out the more shallow rock reefs using leeches under a bobber in 6-10 feet of water. A modest-sized leech will often out-perform a jumbo early in the season. Anglers that prefer minnows should also be happy. Remember, you can fish at 12:01 a.m. on May 12--the night ban does not go into effect until 10:00 p.m. on May 14th at which time no one may fish for any species or possess fishing gear on the lake from 10:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m. until 12:01 a.m. on June 11.
Explore Minnesota Tourism
Brainerd Lakes Area
Wow! Are things ever happening. Opener is 9 days away? No way!! I need more hours in the day or I need to become more efficient, I guess I will try to focus on the latter. I have been out a couple of times chasing crappies and it was just mediocre. Things will get better in the crappie department once the weather decides to be a little more consistent. For now, I would suggest fishing with crappie minnows and a jig. And a Puddle Jumper on a jig head when the fish are active! Mills Fleet Farm is stocked to the hilt with fishing and hunting supplies. We have really been focusing on the gobblers and have now raised the average to .500. Cody score on Sunday by bagging a big Tom and then yesterday it was Noah Fransen with his first ever turkey (a nice Jake). It doesn't get more exciting than that! We are going to be filming my son Mac on his turkey hunt next week and he is hoping to bag one with his bow and arrow, this will more than likely be very interesting. The guide calendar is starting to fill-in nicely and I would suggest calling and booking your trip today. 218-839-5598. Please keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube! Enjoy today and try to get outdoors..it's nice out! Time to get organized, or at least try!
Walleyedan
