For a veritable smorgasbord of angling opportunities, one has to look no further than southern Minnesota.

Walleye, perch, bullhead, trout, crappie, sunfish, catfish, bass, muskie, northern pike - the list of piscatorial pleasures to be found in the lakes, rivers and streams of southern Minnesota is “amazing,” said Huon Newburg, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) southern region fisheries manager at New Ulm.

“I was born and raised in the Grand Rapids area,” Newburg noted, “and I loved that part of the state. The natural resources up there, obviously, are tremendous. But when it comes to angling diversity, you just can’t beat southern Minnesota. We not only grow lots of fish down here, we also grow ‘em big!”

With sky-high prices at the gas pumps, more anglers could choose to stay closer to home when the fishing opener rolls around on May 14.

“Finding a quality fishing hole in this part of the state is easy,” Newburg said. “Whether it’s the Minnesota River, Green Lake, or the Root River in the southeast, there’s plenty of outstanding fishing action to be had.”

In anticipation of the 2005 opener, DNR area fisheries managers offer the following waters as good possibilities.

OKABENA LAKE

Located in Nobles County at Worthington, this 785-acre lake has good walleye and yellow perch populations, along with some nice “keeper” bullheads. There are several public accesses at city parks around the lake.

LAKE SARAH

This 1,176-acre lake in Murray County holds walleye up to 27 inches, maintained entirely by natural reproduction. There are also nice perch in the lake, which can be accessed by public launches on the east, west and northwest sides.

LAKE SHETEK

The largest lake in southwestern Minnesota at 3,596 acres. It has good populations of walleye and perch and dandy black crappie numbers. Channel catfish are also present in this Murray County lake that features several public accesses.

CEDAR LAKE

Northern pike are abundant, black crappie up to 14 inches can be found, and “eater size” walleyes are fairly abundant in this 726-acre Martin County lake that features four county-owned public accesses.

FOX LAKE

Situated in Martin County near Sherburn, this is the only designated muskie lake in southwestern Minnesota. Many of the original muskies stocked in 1999 are now more than 40 inches. At 1,041 acres, this lake has several DNR and local public accesses.

MEEKER COUNTY

There are a number of lakes in Meeker County that hold promise for the opener. Belle Lake has lots of 12-inch walleye and experienced a good crappie bite this winter. Little Mud is unique in that 3,000 rainbow trout were stocked there in April, while Silver Lake appears to have quality walleye and black crappie populations. Swan Lake has a quality walleye population, while northern pike anglers will want to try Jennie and Greenleaf lakes. Good bets for nice bluegills are Minniebelle and Ripley.

BROWN COUNTY

Clear Lake appears to have the best looking walleye population in the county, while Lake Hanska has decent walleye populations and some northern pike exceeding 30 inches.

TRAVERSE LAKE

With numerous public accesses and excellent camping facilities at the county park, this 11,528-acre lake currently supports a strong walleye population in the 16- to 21-inch range. There is also a good population of nice northern pike in this Traverse County lake.

LAC QUI PARLE LAKE

Low forage levels may increase walleye catch rates in this 5,589-acre lake. There is a strong 2001 year class now in the 14- to 15-inch range. Several public accesses are available around this Lac qui Parle County lake.

ARTICHOKE LAKE

Located in Big Stone and Swift counties, Artichoke has an excellent walleye population in the 24- to 32-inch range and strong year classes of walleye from 1999 and 2000 has resulted in numerous walleye in the 12- to 17-inch range. Black crappie in the 10- to 11-inch size round out the possibilities.

LAKE HENDRICKS

Located in Lincoln County, this 1,557-acre lake sports walleye up to 27 inches, with good numbers in the 14- to 25-inch category. Yellow perch are also present in healthy numbers, averaging 9- to 11-inches.

RIVERS AND STREAMS

The South Fork Crow River, downstream from the dam at Hutchinson, historically produces some of the best walleye angling in the region for those willing to fish at night.

The Minnesota River offers ample opportunity to catch flathead catfish exceeding 40 pounds and also has an excellent channel catfish fishery with cats exceeding 15 pounds. For those who know the river, walleye catch rates are outstanding.