In the Land of 10,000 Lakes — 11,842 lakes to be precise — opportunities abound for Minnesotans to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

One of the state’s most popular pastimes is fishing.

Fishing is not only a great sport and hobby but a chance to sit back and celebrate the quiet moments in nature and reflect upon life. It’s also a great opportunity to bond with children or other friends and family.

Whether you’re fishing for fun or fishing for food, there’s plenty of opportunity to do so in Minnesota.

Of the 11,842 lakes in the state, about 5,400 of them are fishable, and there are over 18,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The agency states 162 species of fish can be found in Minnesota waters.

Some of the most common fish in the Albert Lea area are northern, walleye, bass, bluegill and crappie.

Judging by some of the photos submitted to our newspaper and posted on social media of fish caught on area lakes recently, the local fish population is doing well. With the dredging project underway, along with work being done to reduce the carp population in Fountain Lake, that will only get better.

If you’ve never gone fishing, get out there and give it a try. You just might enjoy yourself — or at least the time away to do a little reflection.

 

Fast facts about Minnesota fishing

• Of the state’s fishing license holders, 65 percent are males.

•The average Minnesota angler spends 15 days each year fishing.

• Walleye are the most sought-after fish in the state, followed by northern pike and muskie combined

— Information from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources