Northerns can be taken on large trolled lures - spinners, plugs, spoons and on sucker minnows. As they are primarily daytime feeders, it is common on some lakes to land,photograph, and release 25 or more of these fighters in a single day. Many anglers will keep only the occasional trophy for the taxidermist, and a couple of 30-inchers for supper. Lake trout are often taken through the ice in January and February by jigging with artificial lures or still fishing with live or dead minnows. They move into the shallows after the spring ice breakup and are commonly caught by casting with artificial lures or by still fishing with live or dead minnows or cut bait.
Lake trout inhabit deeper water during mid-summer and therefore are more difficult to catch.
The fighting qualities of the rainbow make it the favorite of most Minnesota trout anglers. Local resorts and outfitters have information on what lakes hold these and other species of trout, how to get to many of these lakes and the access available. In smaller lakes, they are caught by still fishing with night crawlers or salmon eggs, or by casting or trolling with various types of artificial lures including spinners, small spoons and flies. Crappies aren't just a summer fish, they're a favorite of many ice fishermen too, sometimes providing unbelievable winter action. Perch A favorite of many anglers, perch can be found in a variety of lakes.