Make the most of your time in Minneapolis and go fishing with Old School Fishing Guide Service. Your guide for the day is Captain Dave, which means you'll tap into their knowledge and experience.
"I sought out Captain Dave for a day of lake fishing with my 11 year old son with an aim for catching Northern Pike and potentially Muskie." — Bryan,
Hi, my name is Yaroslav, and I would like to offer a good fishing time on one of the best lakes in Metro Minnesota. If you like fishing or just would like to try fishing, you are in the right place.
"Fished with Yaroslav and had an absolute blast. He did everything possible to make sure we were comfortable, happy, and on fish all day." — Evin,
Nate Berg Fishing Guides operate from Brainerd Lakes Area, one of the most enticing freshwater destinations when it comes to diversity of species and fishing locations.
"This trip was bittersweet as we used to fish with my father before he passed away." — Sarah,
If you're in the market for a day to remember, look no further than FishLouie. These waters are known for Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, and more – with any luck, you'll have tight lines in no time.
"Louie has immense knowledge and expertise in all of the Great Lakes of Minnesota and really prioritized the experience we received
I’ve never seen a guide go so above and beyond to make sure our trip was worthwhile!" — Arnold,
At The Fish Guyd Guide Service, we cater your trip to exactly what you are looking for. We have many styles of fishing and different bodies of water to have the best experience possible.
"I am almost 80 years old and my handicapped brotheris 73 .We also had my 11 year old grandson and at the last minute we added my daughters partner and her 2 kids 8 and 15 so we out with a total of 6 on a 8 hour trip." — Art,
If you're ready to try fishing in the Brainerd Lakes area, Gull, Pelican, North Long, Lake Edward, and a few secret ones I won't list, look no further than Lucky Lynch's Guide Service.
"Caught several fish and learned a ton. Marcus was great, knew the lake very well and took to the best spots." — Hayan,
Book your next trip with The Fish Guyd Guide Service your go-to Brainerd Minnesota Fishing Guide Service. With Captain Nick at the helm, you're in knowledgeable and experienced hands. I cover a large area in central Minnesota.
"Nick saved the day! After a bummer of a day fishing on our own and catching nothing, Nick’s trip boosted much needed morale." — Teri,
Hawg Hunterz Guide Service has a fishing trip with your name on it along the stunning waters of Breezy Point, Mille Lacs Lake, Brainerd Lakes Area Crosby/Ironton/Cuyuna, Crosslake or Nisswa Area.
"First, we caught 3.5 lbs of cleaned fish to bring home - yum!" — Josh,
Book your next trip with Mega Muskies Guide Service and find out what you’re missing in Alexandria. Having logged many hours on these lakes, Dakota or Justin can tell you all about the local fishery.
"The weather didn't cooperate and we got a little wet. We also ended up switching boats and lakes after the wind picked up really bad." — Patrick,
Private half-day (around 4 hours) fishing trips in Minnesota typically cost $375–$550, while private full-day (around 8 hours) trips run $500–$750. Prices vary based on factors such as the length of the trip, the type of fishing experience offered, the equipment and services included, and the overall scope of the trip. Longer trips, more specialized fishing styles, and packages that include additional services or amenities generally cost more than shorter, more straightforward outings. Multi-day trips are typically priced higher than standard day trips.
Minnesota charters put clients on big-water action for Walleye and Northern Pike, and many trips focus on getting lines in quickly and staying efficient when the bite is slow. Local captains tend to bring the right tackle and bait for the season, coach on technique, and make it easy for first-timers with a clean, well-prepared boat plus gear that’s ready to use. If you want a trip that targets Crappie too, look for a charter that’s flexible across species and keeps working locations until the fish are on.
Lake Trout bite well in Minnesota in June and September. Anglers also commonly catch Walleye in May and June, along with Northern Pike in September and October. Crappie are a great option in April and May, and Largemouth Bass heat up in July and August. If you’re chasing bass or panfish, Smallmouth Bass bite in July and August, and Sunfish turn on in May and June.
Minnesota’s open-water action is strongest from May through September, when warming water fires up Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Crappie in the spring and shifts into Musky, Lake Trout, and summer bass later on. June and July usually bring the steadiest mix of topwater and structure fishing, while September starts the fall push for Northern Pike and Musky as water temperatures drop.
Walleye are a go-to species in November in Minnesota, prized for the challenge of getting them off the right depths and structures. Anglers also target Sauger and Crappie for their fast action and strong fight in cold-water conditions, while Sunfish and Muskellunge round out the season with their own style of bites.
Yes, Minnesota fishing trips often work well for families and kids, with many reviewers saying everyone on board caught fish even on first-timer outings. Families especially mention crews being welcoming and keeping the experience enjoyable, with kids getting chances to reel in and learn along the way. Reviewers also report catching Walleye, Northern Pike, and Crappie on Minnesota charters, making it an easy outing to look forward to together.
Minnesota fishing can be a smooth first step for beginners, since many trips get newcomers out onto big waters like Lake Superior and onto fish quickly. First-timers often book trips with all equipment provided, and they usually focus on simple onboard fishing aimed at species like Walleye, Northern Pike, and Crappie.
Minnesota fishing trips can mean cool mornings, bright lake days, and a lot of time on freshwater, so a light jacket or extra layer is smart even in warmer months. On bigger lakes, wind can make the ride chilly and choppy, so a windproof outer layer and a bag for anything you want to keep dry are practical choices. Nearly all local charters in Minnesota provide fishing gear, and nearly all also provide bait and lures, so you can pack light on tackle and focus on comfortable clothing, sun protection, and any motion-sickness medicine if you know open-water rides bother you.
Yes, Minnesota is good for ice fishing: a large share of the local charters run these trips. Ice fishing trips around Minnesota tend to be straightforward and very productive on the water, with anglers consistently coming home with fish. The stronger action is often centered on species like Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Muskellunge, and guides work hard to keep lines in the right spots through changing conditions. Many charters also offer trolling and jigging for open-water days.
Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, offers world-class freshwater fishing adventures across iconic destinations like Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters. Anglers target trophy Walleye—Minnesota's state fish—alongside aggressive Northern Pike and elusive Muskellunge, colloquially known as the 'Fish of 10,000 Casts' for their challenging nature. The state's diverse waters also teem with Smallmouth Bass, Lake Trout, Salmon, and panfish like Crappie, providing year-round opportunities from open-water trolling to thrilling ice fishing.
Lake Superior's North Shore delivers exceptional shore and boat fishing for Steelhead, Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout, with dawn and dusk being prime times. Inland lakes and rivers across the state, including renowned hotspots like Leech Lake and Lake Vermilion, support multi-species action in both secluded wilderness and accessible urban settings. Whether casting in summer's warmth or drilling through winter ice, Minnesota's pristine landscapes and abundant fisheries create unforgettable angling experiences.
