Tim Lesmeister.

APRIL
Lake Minnetonka
Hennepin County
Even with heavy fishing pressure, Lake Minnetonka keeps kicking out plenty of big crappies. Instead of joining the crowds in the bays, try the docks just outside of those popular backwater areas. They can be extremely productive just after ice-out.

Lone Lake
Aitkin County
Lone Lake bluegills will still be deep in April, but you can find them with your sonar. Fish them like you’re still presenting your bait through an ice hole for the best results. Wax worms on tiny jigs are still the ticket.

Lake of the Woods Lake of the Woods County There’s still ice in the Northwest Angle in April, and if it’s thick enough to walk on, you can find outstanding big perch fishing. Actually, these perch aren’t just big -- they’re huge because they’re left alone most of the year, so April is the perfect time to chase them.

MAY
Lake Winnibigoshish
Cass/Itasca Counties
Winnibigoshish is developing a reputation as the best opening-day lake in the state. You can slip into the Cutfoot Sioux and find some transitioning walleyes willing to bite. Or, you can hit sunken islands and reefs at midlake and find willing post-spawn walleyes. Pitching a jig to points is also a great presentation. There’s not much that won’t work on Winni on the opener.

Pleasant Lake
Cass County
It’s deep, it’s clear and it should be a poor choice for an opener, but there are plenty of walleyes in Pleasant Lake. Work minnows deep for an hour or two after the sun goes down. There are many 2-pounders swimming around to make this a pleasant experience.

Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs/Aitkin Counties
If you want to find fish that fit the keeper slot you must get to Mille Lacs early because soon they will all be gone. Of course, the fishing will be outstanding at least until August when things slow down. May is a good time to visit this big lake if you want to take a few fish home.

JUNE
Lake Calhoun
Hennepin County
Anglers have discovered there are some humongous bass in Lake Calhoun. Shadowed by the Minneapolis skyline, these anglers work spinnerbaits and plastic worms through the deep milfoil in search of largemouth bass that push the 22-inch mark and 5-pound range.

St. Croix River
Stillwater To Hastings
Wherever you find a current break or cover, you’re likely to find smallmouth bass on this popular stretch of the St. Croix River. Boat docks in marinas as well as riprap walls along the banks attract these crayfish-eating black bass that hit like trucks, jump high and fight hard.

Leech Lake
Cass County
Drag a minnow on a live-bait rig over sand flats in 10 to 12 feet of water and you will be amazed by the size of yellow perch in this tremendous fishery. Cormorants are in check, walleyes have been stocked, and the perch are still big. Leech Lake is a great place to be in June.