Lake Minnetonka

Known as a popular resort destination, Lake Minnetonka is also the favorite destination for any fisherman seeking to catch northern pike.

Located west-southwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Lake Minnetonka covers 14,000 acres and is famous for holding dozens of fishing tournaments each and every year. While the northern pike is the fish of choice, the lake is loaded with yellow perch, sunfish, largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, and muskie as well. The muskies, in particular, grow rather large and are often targeted with bucktails, surface lures, and spoons.

Even novice fishermen should have no trouble bagging a northern pike or two. They're very aggressive fish, always eager to bite lures and bait. A typical northern pike will weigh between two and three pounds, but trophy pikes weighing more than 20 pounds have been hauled from the lake. Northern pike are recognizable for their dark markings on a light background and their rounded tailfins. Best of all, they make for good eating. Their chunky, white fillets are the equal of walleye.

There's also a very interesting legend surrounding Lake Minnetonka. Numerous area residents have seen an enormous sturgeon reported to be more than 10 feet in length lurking within the lake. The gigantic fish has even been given the nickname "Lou." So if you can't catch any northern pike or muskie, maybe Lou will give you a nibble.