Fishing

The Chippewa National Forest offers excellent opportunities for hunting and fishing. The Forest's diverse landscape, from dense forests to expansive lakes, provides habitats for a variety of wildlife and fish species.

Lake and Pond Fishing

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates fishing seasons in Minnesota. The fishing season begins in early-May for northern pike and walleye, and early June for muskellunge. hese seasons run until the middle of February. Trout season runs from mid-April to October and mid-January to middle of March. Trout lakes in Cass County are closed to winter fishing. You can fill a stringer with panfish year long. Fishing on the Chippewa is good throughout the summer, but usually best in late spring and fall when waters are cool.

The DNR, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Chippewa National Forest are partners in managing the fishery resource. The DNR is the lead agency for surveying, stocking, removing rough fish, renovating lakes and streams, and improving lake access in Minnesota. Management by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe includes both game and non-game species. The Band conducts lake surveys, habitat improvement projects, rough fish removal, and operates a fish hatchery which is open to the public in early spring. The Chippewa National Forest is responsible for protection and enhancement of fish habitat, shoreline protection and providing boat access, in cooperation with the DNR and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.

Ice Fishing

When the temperatures get cold, the ice fishing heats up on the Chippewa National Forest. The Forest is a premier Minnesota ice fishing destination with 1,300 lakes on the Forest. This includes three of Minnesota's largest lakes, Leech Lake, Lake Winnibigoshish and Cass Lake.

A line dropped into the hole in the ice and the fish pulled back through the hole, whether trying to catch pan fish, perch, walleye, or northern pike, nothing better than ice fishing on the Chippewa. On a nice day, a fisherman can brave the elements perched on a bucket on the ice or choose a warm ice house. Important tips for ice fishing are to remember no ice is 100 percent safe and be prepared with a survival plan; check with the local DNR office for information about ice thickness and safety.

River and Stream Fishing

The walleye fishing opener officially kicks off the summer season. Many fishing enthusiasts try their luck on Cut Foot, Winnie and Cass lakes, but smaller lakes are popular for sunfish and bass. Visitors can try their hand at fly fishing for pan fish or bundle up to ice fish in the winter. There are many family fishing events hosted by local community and fishing groups throughout the year. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulates fishing seasons and a fishing license is required. Fishing Licenses can be purchased at local bait shops, sporting goods stores or the Minnesota DNR website.

Fishing Piers

Visitors don’t need a boat to enjoy fishing in northern Minnesota. Look for more than a dozen fishing piers located throughout the Forest. All fishing piers are handicap accessible.