By Mike Frisch
Many people who vacation across the Midwest want to go to locations that offer top fishing for a variety of fish species. With that in mind, here are some of the top multi-species fishing spots we have been to at Fishing the Midwest TV.
Alexandria, MN
I live close to Alexandria and so lots of my fishing is in the area. Quite simply, I love it because of its diverse fishing opportunities. “Alex” is world renowned for its top bass fishing opportunities. The area has lots of lakes with lots of bass and lots of ways to catch them. For example, the area has shallow, off-colored water lakes where anglers who like to fish heavy cover pitching jigs and Texas rigs can do so. Other lakes are deeper and clearer where more finesse style methods like Ned rigs and drop-shot rigs prevail.
In addition to bass, however, Alexandria has lots of walleyes, northern pike, and panfish too. Plus, several lakes with muskies present are available too.
As an example of the area’s diversity, we filmed a TV show there early summer where we threw Tungsten Thunder Crickets tipped with Blade Minnows over emerging weeds. A bunch of largemouth over 3 pounds came to the boat. Plus, several chunky northern pike and a couple of big walleyes ate our baits too. To learn more visit www.explorealex.com
Big Stone Lake, MN/SD border
Big Stone Lake has a long reputation as a top walleye lake. Plus, its winter perch are a top draw too. However, Big Stone also has lots of largemouth bass and a booming population of big bluegills. In fact, the Minnesota state record bluegill was caught not once, but twice from Big Stone so far this year.
Early this summer we targeted the big bluegills and the lake’s growing population of crappies for a TV segment. We caught lots of bluegills in the 10-inch size range and a bunch of crappies in the 12- to 13-inch range. A simple slip-bobber rig fished with a Shoo Shiner Jig was very effective. To learn more about Big Stone visit www.bigstonelakechamber.com.
Kabetogama Lake, MN
KAB as we like to call it is a long-time favorite destination for Fishing the Midwest. We’ve been going to this scenic northern Minnesota fishery for years. Walleyes in all sizes and good numbers, big crappies, and giant smallmouth bass have all come in our boats over the years at KAB.
In fact, the biggest smallmouth bass of my fishing career was caught on a fall trip to KAB a few years ago. The next day, we got in on a great bite for big walleyes too. We’re headed back to this favorite area in September. To learn more, visit www.kabetogama.com.
Mike Frisch hosts the popular Fishing the Midwest TV series. Visit www.fishingthemidwest.com to learn more.
PHOTO – Mike Frisch lands a crappie. Crappies are just one of the many fish present in the areas mentioned here.
