Each year, when the new Minnesota Fishing season begins, a kind of excitement fills the air, and freshly reorganized and replenished tackle boxes seem to sprout from one hand while the other seems to have newly respooled rods and reels attached.

In Minnesota, fishing is a tradition passed down from generation to generation, but you do not have to be a Minnesota native to enjoy this tradition! If you are traveling to the region, do stop by during the spring through fall months of the year. You will appreciate all that this location has to offer.

Most anglers have made a decision which lakes to fish and when to fish them based on years of experience, but if you are a novice to Minnesota fishing, you might need a little guidance! Sometimes you can get even the most successful old timer to acknowledge that fishing for in Minnesota is at least partially about luck, but planning can be key as well.

Some considerations for fishing in Minnesota are the numbers present on the lakes they consider, the fish to water ratios, the strength of the base for forage, weather, and simple experience based decisions such as the personal history of a particular body of water.

When fishing opening season for in Minnesota, consider when the ice came off. If the melt was early and it is warm, the fish will tend to be more prevalent in the north with fish that have already spawned. If the ice melted later and the weather

has stayed cool, the southern region lakes will tend to be the most promising.

A few places are always good choices for fishing in Minnesota. Here are some of the ones that you do not want to miss when you visit.

* Lake Okabena is located in Nobles County in the southwestern part of the state. This shallow lake (from eight to seventeen feet deep) is heavily stocked, and there are always a lot of fish present there. Fishing minnows, and slow trolling diving crankbaits are good choices for Minnesota fishing at Lake Okabena, but jig and minnow use also works well. tend to hit the bait as it settles after you have jerked the jig off the bottom and are allowing it to settle again.

* Lake Allie is another good choice. This shallow lake in Renville County just southwest of Hutchinson is taken care of very well and kept full of table sized walleye. Using a sinker on a spinner is effective. The fish tend to stay at between eight and six feet deep. Using a heavy walking sinker or a slip bobber will enhance your chances as well.

* Belle Lake is located in Meeker County North of Hutchinson. This lake is held in high esteem by most of the anglers who are experienced in this area. You may have to spend a little time looking for your fish on Belle lake, because they literally can be anywhere on this lake. Using spinners or trolling with crankbaits can increase your chances for success at Belle Lake.

* Lake Florida is located in Kandiyohi County. It is a lake known for its exceptional clarity. In the Southwestern corner of the lake you will find fish in the shoreline weeded area at about sixteen feet depth. You should have good luck if you concentrate there using a three in. twister tail body and eighth oz. jig.