Fish Facts

Minnesota waters are home to white and black crappies, which are a part of the sunfish family. They're commonly found in lakes and ponds throughout Minnesota. Because they are good to eat, crappies are a favorite fish among anglers.

Identification General description: Black crappies and white crappies are hard to tell apart. Both are small, flat-bodied, white-and-black fish found in medium-sized lakes and larger streams. They grow to 12 inches in about 8 years.

Length: Adults average about 6 to 8 inches.

Weight: Adults average 1 pound or less.

Color: Black-and-white and gray

Minnesota is first nationally in the sales of fishing licenses per capita.

Fish species: 158

Fishing waters: 3,800,000 acres

Fishable lakes: 5,493

Fishable streams (cold and warm water): 15,000 miles

Trout streams: 1,900 miles

Trout stream improvements: 410 miles

Trout lakes rehabilitated: 134

Warm water lakes rehabilitated: 79.

Fish hatcheries: 5 coldwater ( trout and salmon), 12 cool and warm water (walleye, muskie, catfish, etc.)

Walleye rearing ponds used annually (on average): 325

Northern pike spawning areas used annually (on average): 10

Source MN DNR