Notable Minnesotans recall their summer dreams

Mike Freeman
Hennepin County Attorney

My favorite trips are to Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake — two big bodies of water on the Minnesota-Ontario border. Lake of the Woods is known for its walleyes, of course, and muskies. But it also has big lake trout, which I love to fish. Rainy Lake is a different kind of experience, especially when traveled by houseboat. And swimming there is almost as memorable as the walleye fishing. Now I just need a longer break from my day job, so I can catch more fish!
Kent Hrbek
Retired Twins All-Star first baseman

Minnesota has great fishing lakes in all directions, including in the south. Up North, Rainy and Vermilion are terrific. And I've fished quite a bit in South Dakota. But when people ask me where I like to fish most, my answer is always the same: It's anywhere I can put my boat in the water. This can vary by season, of course: I chase perch in winter, and walleyes in summer. But if you told me I could only fish one more day in my life, I'd probably get Griz [St. Paul river guide Dick Grzywinski] and fish the Mississippi. That's what I'd do.
Peggy Ladner
Minnesota director of The Nature Conservancy

One of my favorite places is Burntside Lake near Ely. We took our children there every summer when they were young. A few years ago, my husband, Clif, and I paddled out from the North Arm to camp along the lake, and the next morning I slipped the canoe onto a small bay and started casting. On my third cast, a largemouth bass took the lure, and I pulled up a good-size fish — probably a foot long and over a pound — and called to Clif, who could see my catch from the distance before I let it go. What a great morning. What a great lake!
Bill Lunn
KSTP-TV anchor

My fishing dream lies a couple of short portages from Clearwater Lake off the Gunflint Trail. I can't remember the name of the lake, and those who guard its secret would be angry if I gave it away. I had the best walleye fishing of my life one June evening. My wife and all three of my brothers were present, catching solid fish 2 to 5 pounds nearly every cast on jigs and Twister Tails. I'm bringing my three sons there this June hoping to recapture that magic.
Jack Morris
Minnesota Twins
World Series MVP

My favorite lake is Lac Seul in Ontario. It's far enough away that every Ma and Pa can't drive to it to fish it out. It's always been a great lake, and very productive for walleyes.
Most land around it is owned by the Crown, so it won't be developed. Dream lakes I'd like to fish? Great pike waters like Reindeer and Athabasca, also in Canada.

Sue Prom
Owner with her husband, Mike, of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters