Most people head toward the southeast and that can be a bit of a haul as well (trout stream maps of both the southeast and north shore are available from DNR or on their website). If you live in the eastern part of the Cities I know Wisconsin has some good streams and is quite a bit closer. Otherwise make the trips for trout when you can, and when you can't go hit up one of your area lakes for bass or panfish...it's a good way to work on your casting especially if you're new to the sport. Good Luck!