Minnesota fishing facts

[Lee Borgersen]

            Minnesota fishing facts

(Released April 14, 2014)

The following information about fishing can be used in stories in preparation for the fishing opener on Saturday, May 10.

Anglers and waters

◾About 1.5 million licensed anglers.
◾About 500,000 people are expected to fish on opening day of the walleye and northern pike season, Saturday, May 10.
◾Minnesota has 11,842 lakes, 5,400 of which are managed by DNR fisheries. There are 18,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams, including 3,600 miles of trout streams.
◾Average annual expenditure per angler is about $1,500.
◾Although not every kind of fish lives everywhere, 162 species of fish can be found in Minnesota waters.
Participation and the economy

◾Fishing contributes $2.4 billion to the state’s economy in direct retail sales, ranking Minnesota fourth in the nation for angler expenditures.
◾Fishing supports 35,400 Minnesota jobs.
◾Minnesota ranks second in resident fishing participation at 32 percent, second only to Alaska.
◾Minnesota is the third most-popular inland fishing destination in the country. 1
◾Minnesota ranks sixth among states with the highest number of anglers. The top three states are Florida, Texas and Michigan.
Who goes fishing

◾Most resident anglers – 855,000 of them in fact – are from urban areas. The remaining 474,000 resident anglers live in greater Minnesota.
◾Men account for 66 percent of resident anglers. Women account for 34 percent.
Fishing habits

◾Significantly more time is spent fishing on lakes rather than rivers and streams.
◾The average Minnesota angler spends 15 days fishing each year, with 84 percent of resident anglers never fishing anywhere else but Minnesota.
◾The most sought-after fish species, in order of preference, are crappie, panfish, walleye and northern pike.

 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

[Bobby Bass]

I am surprised that Crappie are number one on the sought after list. I don't know anyone up my ways that goes for them other then an bonus catch.

[Lee Borgersen]

I see that bass aren't even on the list. Hey, that's ok by us a Bobby. The best fighters are there for the best fisherman.

                                     

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[dew2]

Crappie have me baffled also! I thought the eye would be #1.Lee give me a decent bass lake and you'll find me there 50% of my fishing time,I go for sunnies,eyes,nords,bass,and catfish.Not in that specific order.Spring iceout is crappie off the dock,only time I target them.
   I do have 2 favorite bass lakes around here,Large mouth,Even tho green lake is loaded with smallies,They look sick to me not the bronze color and purddy their different!

[Bobby Bass]

There are very few bass fishermen up my way, Some fish will be caught by guys looking for northern but for the most part when I fish a lake I am all alone looking for bass. Of course the farther down south you get the more fishermen you have and the guys chasing bass increase. We are spoiled up north, here pretty much having lakes to ourselves during the week and usually the landings are empty. The only time when I target crappies is in the spring on a few lakes where I know they are going to be. I have stumbled on these spots over the years and now I look to fish them when I am there but I don't go out making a fishing trip just for crappies. Now Rockbass, O Yea Baby we pack the truck for them dudes ! haha 

[corny13]

            Minnesota fishing facts
 
◾The most sought-after fish species, in order of preference, are crappie, panfish(ROCKBASS), walleye and northern pike.

 

[DDSBYDAY]

 It is interesting that a 10" rock bass qualifies for a master angler award and entry into the freshwater hall of fame.   

    http://www.fishinghalloffamemn.com/master-anglers/master-angler-qualifying-fish/

[DDSBYDAY]

   It carries the same prestige as a 40 inch pike.    

[Bobby Bass]

Well there is two awards that DDS will never have to worry about.