Good Crappie Lakes in MN

A couple of my buddys and I are wanting to start an annual trip to crappie fish. We all want to go north during the summer. We've all spent time in Canada hunting and fishing. Northern MN gives us the same terrain, but dont have to cross the border. Probly want to stay at a nice lodge, but can supply our equipment. Not so much worried about the spawn, but want to crappie and walleye fish. Id like to know some lakes with great crappie populations. Thanks in advance. Spent the night in Orr, MN once and liked it.

Rainy lake lake of the woods red lake

Is Red Lake still hot or was that a flash in the pan?

I am told by those, who still fish it, that one can still get large crappies there. I have only fished the other two. Frankly, there are so many good crappie lakes around brainerd, nisswa and pequot lakes that i do not make it up that far north anymore.

Thanks

Try Rainy River,Crane Lake,Vermillion,Leech,Upper Red,Winnibiggosh,Mille Lacs...and there are about a 1000 or more lakes surrounding most of those mentioned.Most of those also offer lodging right on the lakes.Good luck and happy fishing!

Lakefinder, on the MN DNR website, is your friend. You can't really go wrong going to Rainy Lake in the summer. The crappies in Mille Lacs are few and far between, with most being caught in the spring. The ones you get there are nice sized, but the window of time to get them is narrow. As was posted, the Brainerd lakes area has many decent lakes to choose from. Kabetogama is a decent fall crappie lake. Good luck with your choice.

Thanks for the replys. checking them out

Just to show you how much i know about fishing after 65 years of doing it. Fished earlier this month in colorado for trout. Caught sunfish, perch and numerous bass.... No trout.... Fished bush and hyland yesterday for crappies. Caught sunnies and bass.... If i wanted to be this frustrated with my outdoor activity, i would play more golf.