Fishing Tips for Fall in Minnesota

From Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Newsletter
October 22, 2025

Fall Bass Fishing Tips

For tips and tricks on fishing for and catching bass in the fall, check out the MNDNR recorded webinar.

Want to read more about fall bass fishing? Read this fall bass fishing editorial from In-Fisherman magazine.

Also a reminder: on inland waters (except northeast zone), smallmouth bass are catch and release this time of year.

Pike Packing on the Weight

Northern pike attain some of their largest weights of the season as they feast ahead of winter. In large lakes with deepwater habitats, northerns will be targeting cisco, which spawn in November in shallow waters.

Time for some fall pike fishing? Learn more about fishing for northern pike on the DNR learn to fish webpage.

Keeping any northern pike? Pike zone regulation information is available on page 31 of the Minnesota Fishing Regulations handbook.

Muskie Anglers on the Hunt in Fall

Despite cooler temperatures, or even stinging wind laced with snowflakes, plenty of muskellunge anglers look forward to this time of year. Some of the largest muskie are caught in October and November, when the fish are actively feeding before winter. The inland water muskie season is open through Thursday, Dec. 1.

Want to learn how to fish for muskies? Check out the Minnesota DNR learn to fish webpage on how to catch a muskie.

Catch and Release Tips

Prefer to catch and release? Help a fish out! When it comes to catching and releasing large fish, there are some best practices to follow to maximize survival:

• Use proper equipment
• Minimize the amount of time the fish is out of the water
• Protect the fish’s slime coat
• Hold the fish properly
• Help the fish recover

Watch the MNDNR video to see these tips in action.