Best Shore fishing within 2 hours of MPLS (non-panfish)

[Erock]

I'm wondering what some of the best lakes or rivers within about 2 hours of the mpls metro area are for shore fishing. I'm not looking to travel that far to catch some bluegills because I can do that here. If anyone has some helpful tips on where I can get into some good walleye or northern from the bank that would be great. Maybe there are some good spots on minnetonka somewhere?

Also, I prefer a bit more calm atmosphere if possible. I know i can go stand shoulder to shoulder with someone on calhoun and probably get into something but I'm into solitude when I am out. thats primarily why im looking to travel. sick of busy boat ramps, busy fishing piers, and busy community parks and want to get out into the woods and do some real fishin.

Thanks for all your help.

eric

[goblueM]

well fishing the metro lakes from shore you won't be shoulder to shoulder with fishermen, as long as you stay off the pier. I rarely see folks fishing Calhoun outside of the docks.

As far as walleyes, no need to travel any farther than the Mississippi. Below Ford Dam by Minnehaha Creek, or at Hidden Falls, there are lots of great opportunities for walleyes from shore.

The St. Croix also has plenty of options - you might want to try posting in that forum for some better shore fishing advice in that area.

[JBMasterAngler]

I would also suggest the st. croix. Aside from pike and 'eyes you'll catch a who's who of fish. And even though catching sheephead and redhorse can get annoying, it's still alot better than potato chip sunnies

Also, if your looking for something a little more challenging, I'd suggest the snake river below the cross lake dam. You could wade all the way down to the croix if you wanted (that's a long ways though). Nice and scenic and you'll be by yourself once you get downstream from the access. It's almost exclusively smallmouth bass, but I've also caught some pike, largemouth bass, walleye, and rock bass. That's where I'll be going on the bass opener

[deadeye]

Well with what your saying the St croix sounds like a winner. Out of town far enough that you don't have all the city stuff to deal with but not more than 2 hours away.

If you have got a canoe or dont mind researchig shore spots you could also try some of the southern Minnesota rivers too. Blue earth, watanwon, minnesota, maple river all have plenty of eyes and are nice and quiet.