Tom Neustrom is a professional fishing guide, owner of MN Fishing Connections guide service, and an inductee of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame.

In the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area there are 1,140 lakes to catch fish. These lakes range in size from a couple of acres to tens of thousands of acres. There are a wide variety of species of fish that you can catch on these thousand grand lakes as well. There are panfish like crappie, bluegill, sunfish, perch, rock bass and bullheads. There are trophy fish such as walleye, northern pike, musky and smallmouth and largemouth bass. And then there are trout species like brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout and splake (a hybrid of two fish species resulting from the crossing of a male brook trout and a female lake trout). *Note: you will need to purchase the trout stamp in order to fish in designated trout waters and to possess trout.

There are a good number of tourists in the area looking to catch fish, and most are looking for walleye, but they just want to catch fish. Right now, the fishing started out really good early in the season. But the water temperatures have not warmed up like they are needed to for the bite to pick up. The walleyes are acting lethargic and not overly active, but as the water warms up to 60+ degrees the fishing will pick up. Right now, many of the lakes are between 56-58 degrees. Lakes that have reached 60 degrees or warmer are: Bowstring, Round, and Splithand and people have been catching more walleyes on these lakes.

Do not look for the fish to be shallow, right now they are in transitional feet of 12-14 feet of water. A jig and a minnow are working to catch fish, as is a leech and split bobber. Being prepared with several presentation options is needed to catch fish. Cannot rely on one presentation right now and be ready to fish for whatever is biting. Some of the other lakes that have been producing well are Sugar, North end of Bass Lake, Bowstring.  On Bowstring Lake the bite has been out deeper in 18-20 ft. And the lake level has come up and the MN DNR has opened the boat landings to the public again.

Crappies are starting to spawn on many of the lakes. Look for pencil reeds and 4-6 ft of water. A slip bobber, a minnow, and jig will provide lots of action. Lakes to consider to fish for crappies right now are: Splithand, Little Splithand, Bowstring, Jessie and Little Cut Foot.

The smallmouth bass season has opened for the Grand Rapids, MN area lakes. Many anglers are out looking for smallmouth bass in their spawning beds. Lakes to consider for smallmouth bass are: Deer Lake, Wabana, and Pokegama.

The Grand Rapids, Minnesota area is the perfect fishing vacation destination where you will find many area lakes to fish, numerous boat landings with good access, and a wide variety of species of fish you can catch. There are a lot of overnight lodging options from in town Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, and Air BnB’s to Minnesota Lake Resorts and Lake Vacation Rentals. Visit Grand Rapids represents 35 lodging properties that offer night by night to long term stays less than 30 days. Check out the STAY PAGE to book lodging before you arrive.

Bring the entire family and make a Family Vacation at a going to the lake destination in Grand Rapids. There is something for the entire family, young and old alike. You will find cozy lodging to fit the entire family’s needs from family suites to full cabin and home rentals. You will find fun places to eat and drink, boutique style shops, historic sites and attractions, weekly live music and entertainment, fun summer events, and beautiful art and cultural experiences. Come together this summer in Grand Rapids, Minnesota where you will reconnect, relax and recharge in Minnesota’s nature.  Find THINGS TO DO in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area.