The city of Rochester, MN is surrounded by a multitude of lakes, rivers, and streams that offer some of the best fishing spots in the state of Minnesota. The many rivers nearby are particularly good for trout fishing, so why not grab your fly-fishing gear and head out for a day by the water? Or, if fly fishing’s not your thing, then head to one of the many lakes within a short drive of the city where there’s sure to be the perfect spot for you.
1. Bear Creek Reservoir
Located just seven miles to the east of Rochester on Highway 14, Bear Creek Reservoir is a great place to fish for bluegill and largemouth bass, of which there are large populations present. You can also catch black crappie and channel catfish here, either from a boat or from one of the many fishing piers that surround the lake.
There are a few specific regulations for the reservoir. The combined possession limit for sunfish, crappie, and yellow perch is 10, with no more than five crappie, the possession limit for both large and smallmouth bass is one, the limit for trout is three, and for northern pike, you can only have one at any one time.
2. The Whitewater River
Part of the driftless region that runs through neighboring western Wisconsin and northern Iowa, this tributary of the Mississippi River is located to the south of Rochester, with many access points along its course. The water is remarkably clear and is full to the brim with stocked rainbow, brown, and brook trout.
Most of the access points are in the various state parks along the river, but local anglers report having more luck when wade fishing. The main river tends to have a larger population of rainbow trout, whereas the middle branch is better for brook trout.
3. Silver Creek Reservoir
Opened to fishing in 2007, silver creek reservoir is located just to the east of Rochester, and contains great populations of large and smallmouth bass, black crappie, perch, and bluegill. There is even a small population of northern pike in the lake. A public parking lot is near the lake, and there are plenty of places to fish along its shores.
The hours of fishing are limited by the local township, so make sure to check for local signs around the lake. The catch and possession limits are in effect here as well, but do be aware they also apply to fish you have at your campsite or home.
4. Trout Run Creek
As its name suggests, this small creek near the town of Lanesboro is 12 miles of dense trout fishing, with over 3,000 fish per mile. As well as the original wild brown trout, there is also plenty of stocked brook trout. The best places to fish are along the stretch from Saratoga to the Bucksnort Dam, which has the highest fish concentration of the creek.
There are plenty of other great places to fish near Rochester, so head out and explore and spend a relaxing day by the water. Need a new truck to carry all that fishing gear? Visit us at Rochester Toyota where our friendly team will be ready to help.
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