Minneapolis Fishing Guides
Minneapolis fishing charters offer year-round access to the Mississippi River, countless lakes, and nearby reservoirs for bass, walleye, musky, and pike.
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Minneapolis, MN Fishing Guide
Fishing around Minneapolis stays consistent all year—different seasons, same results if you know where to look. The Mississippi River runs right through the city, and it’s full of smallmouth, walleye, channel cats, and the occasional bonus flathead. On top of that, you’ve got dozens of lakes within 30 minutes—Lake Minnetonka, White Bear Lake, Bald Eagle, Medicine, and more—all with reliable bass, pike, crappie, and musky fishing. Local guides know how to shift gears with the weather, current, and water temps. Whether it’s a May bass trip, an August catfish run, or a January ice shack out on the chain, there’s always something to target.
Most Minneapolis fishing guides offer half-day and full-day trips, plus seasonal options like walk-and-wade sessions for river smallmouth or mobile ice fishing in winter. Boats vary based on the water: you’ll see deep-Vs, jet sleds, jon boats, and snowmobiles depending on the day. River trips typically launch from spots like Boom Island, Hidden Falls, or the St. Paul side. Lake trips head out from public ramps on Minnetonka or other metro lakes. Most runs are short—15 minutes or less—but full-day trips to Mille Lacs or the St. Croix are also on the table for big smallies or fall walleyes.
The Mississippi fishes strong from ice-out to freeze-up, with eddies, wing dams, and riprap holding smallmouth and walleye depending on the flow. Lakes fish best early and late in the season, but guides adjust with depth, clarity, and forage changes. Jig-and-minnow, live bait rigs, topwater, tubes, spoons, vertical jigging—whatever the fish need that week, we’re rigged and ready.
Winter flips the script. Ice guides use portables, sleds, tracked vehicles, or wheelhouses, depending on the lake and target species. Most of the metro options are panfish and pike, but you’ll get into bonus walleyes too. Heated shacks, sonar, and fresh bait are all part of the setup. You bring a license and warm boots—we’ll take care of the rest.
Fishing Seasons in Minneapolis
Spring (March–May)
Soon as the ice breaks, the rivers heat up. We’re drifting jigs or dragging live bait for smallmouth and early-season walleyes in the Mississippi. Panfish pile into shallow bays across the metro—perfect targets for light tackle and kids. Crappies move in first, then bluegill. Lake bass and pike pick up once things hit the 50s. Pike opens early May, and we’re tossing spoons, swimbaits, or bait rigs along weeds and rock. It’s cold in the morning, but the fish don’t mind.
Summer (June–August)
This is full-pattern season. Largemouth bite topwater early, then move to deeper weedlines mid-morning. We’re running spinnerbaits, Texas rigs, and jigs near docks, cabbage, or coontail. River trips shift toward smallmouth and catfish. Tubes, poppers, Ned rigs—whatever matches flow and forage. Flathead catfish get going after dark on the Mississippi with live bait. Mille Lacs trips fire up for smallies and big ‘eyes. If you want numbers or something to eat, panfish are always ready on the metro lakes.
Fall (September–November)
This is when things get serious. Water cools and everything feeds up. Musky guys start trolling bigger baits off main lake breaks. Walleyes slide shallow again and hit jigs or rigs in 8–15 feet. Crappies bunch up tight over deep brush or rock and bite well all day. The river comes alive again with smallmouth and walleye pushing back into the seams. Fewer boats, bigger fish, and steady action across the board. If I had one season to fish Minneapolis, this would be it.
Winter (December–February)
Once we’ve got 4+ inches of ice, we’re off and running. Most guides start on smaller lakes first—chasing bluegill and crappie in the weeds. Tip-ups for pike start right away, especially around shallow vegetation. By midwinter, we’re using sonar to fish basins, transitions, or cribs. Ice houses vary—pop-ups, flip-overs, or sleeper shacks depending on how you want to fish. The best part? No bugs, no boats, and just steady hardwater action if you know the lake.
Gamefish in Minneapolis
- Walleye – 15–28 inches. Caught in the Mississippi and Mille Lacs spring through fall; jigging, rigging, or trolling along current seams and rock edges.
- Smallmouth Bass – 12–20 inches. Targeted in rivers and Mille Lacs from May to October; best on tubes, spinnerbaits, and topwater along current breaks and boulders.
- Largemouth Bass – 12–22 inches. Common in metro lakes; hit frogs, jigs, and plastics near docks, weedlines, and shoreline cover.
- Muskellunge – 36–50+ inches. Found in Lake Minnetonka and other managed waters; caught casting big rubber or trolling deep breaks in fall.
- Northern Pike – 20–40 inches. Active year-round; caught casting spoons, spinnerbaits, and under tip-ups near weeds and drop-offs.
- Crappie – 8–13 inches. Found in most metro lakes; taken with jigs or minnows in spring shallows, fall transitions, and through the ice.
- Flathead Catfish – 15–40 pounds. Caught in the Mississippi in summer; live bait fished deep after dark near structure.
- Channel Catfish – 3–15 pounds. Targeted in warmer months using cut bait or stink bait in river holes and eddies.
- Bluegill – 6–10 inches. Available all year; caught with jigs, waxies, or plastics near weeds in open water and under the ice.
Minneapolis Fishing FAQs
What types of trips do Minneapolis fishing guides offer?
Most guides offer half-day and full-day outings on lakes or rivers. In summer, you’ll see walk-in wade trips and night runs for catfish. Winter brings guided ice fishing with portable or sleeper setups.
Where do Minneapolis fishing trips usually launch?
River trips use ramps at Boom Island, Hidden Falls, and St. Paul. Lake trips often launch from Lake Minnetonka, White Bear, or Bald Eagle, depending on target species and season.
Do I need to bring gear, or is it included?
Guides provide all the rods, reels, tackle, bait, and safety gear. You’ll need to bring a valid Minnesota fishing license, weather-appropriate clothes, and anything you want to eat or drink.
Is a fishing license required in Minneapolis?
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a Minnesota fishing license. You can get a daily or seasonal license online. Most guides will send a reminder before your trip.
When’s the best time to fish with a guide in Minneapolis?
Spring and fall have the most consistent action, but you can catch fish all year. Summer has the most variety, and winter brings steady panfish and pike under the ice.
Can kids come on these trips?
Absolutely. Many guides specialize in kid-friendly panfish trips or beginner bass outings. Just mention the group’s experience level when you book.
Do Minneapolis fishing guides run ice trips?
Yes, ice fishing is a big part of the guide calendar. Trips include gear, heated shelters, electronics, and help with setup and fish location.
How far do guides travel from Minneapolis?
Most trips are within 15–45 minutes of downtown. Longer trips to Mille Lacs or the St. Croix are available if you’re looking for trophies or something specific.
What techniques are common with local guides?
Light tackle, live bait rigs, jigging, topwater, fly fishing, trolling, and hardwater jigging are all used depending on the target species and season. Local guides adjust fast to conditions.