UTERLake sturgeon fishing in Minnesota freshwater
In Minnesota freshwater, lake sturgeon peak April–May and October and are around April–October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Rainy River catch-and-release sturgeon — the spring classic.
Fall Rainy River sturgeon.
Lake sturgeon in Minnesota freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilPeakRainy River catch-and-release sturgeon — the spring classic.
- MayPeak
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeakFall Rainy River sturgeon.
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish lake sturgeon near Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake
The land of lakes: walleye, pike, muskie, perch and crappie on ten thousand lakes, half the year through the ice — Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech, Red — plus the Rainy River's walleye and sturgeon.
What to use for lake sturgeon
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–70°F water, best at 45–60°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch lake sturgeon in Minnesota freshwater?
Peak season is April–May and October. Lake sturgeon are in Minnesota freshwater April–October. April: Rainy River catch-and-release sturgeon — the spring classic.
Where do lake sturgeon hold in Minnesota freshwater?
Look on river, lake — around Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake, Upper Red Lake, Lake Vermilion, Rainy River.
What is the best bait for lake sturgeon in Minnesota freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers. Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for lake sturgeon in Minnesota freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/index.html before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/fishing/index.html.
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All about lake sturgeon · Minnesota fresh water, the whole year