Ask a 'sotan: How many fish species are there in Minnesota?

Shawn Perich holds a brook trout he caught.
Shawn Perich holds a brook trout he caught in a creek off of the Gunflint Trail outside of Grand Marais, Minn. in June 2019.
Evan Frost | MPR News

Ask a 'sotan is an occasional series exploring the questions from curious Minnesotans about our state. Have a question about life in Minnesota? Ask it here.

We’re collecting questions from audience members at the Minnesota State Fair MPR Booth about what they’re most curious about. One question we received: How many types of fish are in Minnesota?

There are 162 species of fish found in Minnesota waters, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

A 2011 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey showed the most popular fish for anglers is walleye, followed by northern pike and muskies, then panfish, bass, crappies and trout.

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Think you know a lot about fish and fishing? Check out our opening day fishing quiz.

Follow-up question: what is the largest fish caught in Minnesota?

Darren Troseth of Jordan, Minn. caught a 78-inch lake sturgeon on the St. Croix River weighing an estimated 120 pounds in February. It currently holds the Lake Sturgeon catch and release state record.

Before that, the largest fish recorded was a lake sturgeon caught on the Kettle River in 1994, weighing 94 pounds and 70 inches long.


Have a question about life in Minnesota? Submit your question here.