With the ice now thawing, the snow melting, and the wildlife waking up from hibernation, it’s never been a better time to grab your fishing pole and hop on an e-bike. The great outdoors awaits! We’ve been showcasing the best e-bike routes in the U.S. over the last few months and today we are looking at how to combine those routes with some spring fishing action.
Minnesota, also known as The Land of Ten Thousand Lakes, is our focus. And for good reason. Boasting more named lakes than any other state in the U.S., Minnesota is well-known for a variety of water sports and recreational activities. Fishing, in particular, is a favorite pastime of Minnesota inhabitants due to the wide variety of fish found in their many bodies of water. With plenty of walleye, bass, and panfish just to name a few, you’ll be sure to land a catch during any fishing adventure in this beautiful aquatic state.
Having discussed all the fall colors of Northern Michigan and epic camping sites in Montana, it’s only fitting that we cover the wonderful fishing and e-biking which can be found in nearby Minnesota.
Minnesota’s Best Fishing and E-biking Spots
There are multiple biking routes and fishing spots to choose from in Minnesota, depending on your level of fishing expertise, fitness, and the amount of time you have for your adventure. Below we list three great e-bike friendly trails as well as a good local fishing spot nearby each.
Some of these trails are a bit long and will require plenty of time, hydration, and battery range to completely finish. This is why we recommend a long-range e-bike to ensure you don’t run out of juice halfway through your journey. There are plenty of other benefits of fishing with an electric bike that we’ve covered in a previous post. So, now let’s get into the specific recommendations to use these tips.
Cuyuna Lakes Big Tour - Crosby
Located in Crosby, Minnesota, Cuyuna Lakes Big Tour is an epic 21-mile single track perfect for an electric mountain bike enthusiast. Located in Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area off Miner’s Mountain Road, you can park, use the facilities, and unload your e-bike. The trails here provide ample options for any rider looking to practice their mountain biking skills. Riders typically rate this trail at an intermediate skill level. The best part – you’ll be surrounded by lakes almost at all times. Beautiful views of this old iron ore mining area and bodies of water are everywhere.
Fishing: Not only can you e-bike to your heart’s content but there’s also some great trout fishing found here at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Starting in mid-April, trout season begins in Minnesota and these old mining pits have all turned into lakes offering plenty of catchable fish. In addition to trout, you’ll find bass, sunfish, and walleye. Bring your rod and your e-bike to Crosby, MN and check it out!
Minnesota River Bottoms – St. Paul
For those looking for a shorter ride to complement their fishing excursion, we recommend Minnesota River Bottoms in St. Paul. You can park at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge off Lyndale Ave South right next to highway 35W and the Minnesota River. Head east towards Mendota or west towards Bloomington Ferry Road depending on what piques your interest. By following the river, you’ll be able to navigate this linear trail for as long as you want. Typically, the 11-mile trail can be completed in just an hour, but you can extend it by doubling back as many times as you’d like.
Lush foliage and pristine trees dot the banks of the river as you ride over bridges both natural and man-made next to the water. This trail is perfect for beginners who want a light dirt track to practice on. Watch for riders coming in the opposite direction as you take in the views and sounds of this peaceful escape of St. Paul.
Fishing: Fishing on the Minnesota River is totally possible, but if you don’t mind going a bit further, there is a nice shore fishing spot nearby at South St. Paul in a designated area near the boat launch. To get there, exit I-494 at Concord Street and follow the signs to Hardman Ave. Turn east off Hardman onto the first road north of I-494 (Villaume Ave). Follow Villaume Ave. under the I-494 bridge to the access dock. You’ll find bass, bluegill, northern pike, and some catfish here.
Tips for Fishing and E-biking in Minnesota
Finally, we want to leave you with some tips about the laws governing fishing and e-biking in this fine state:
- If you’re going to be fishing and you are 16 years of age or older, you’ll need to grab yourself a fishing license first from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
- Certain fish, such as northern pike, can only be caught during certain times of the year, so be sure to check the local law for the time of year that you go fishing.
- There is a limit to the number of fish you can catch each day in particular areas. Use DNR resources to determine this number for your location and species of fish. No matter the number of fish you need to carry, a sturdy cargo bike such as the Himiway Big Dog will be sure to help you carry the cooler back to your base camp after a long day of fishing.
- Pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed on state trails, or wherever normal bicycles are allowed as long as they meet the definition of an e-bike under Minnesota law. However, E-bikes are not allowed on specifically designated non-motorized trails.
- The E-bike must have an electric motor of 1,000 watts or less and have quality brakes that slow and stop the bike when applied.
- You do not need a license or registration to ride an e-bike in Minnesota at the time of publishing this article.
- You are required to wear a helmet while e-biking in Minnesota.
That’s it for our fishing and e-biking routes in Minnesota. We wish you the best of luck on your fishing adventure. Happy casting!
