St. Paul Fishing Guides
St. Paul fishing charters put anglers right on the Mississippi River and close to dozens of metro lakes, with easy options for river, inshore, and nearshore action targeting walleye, pike, smallmouth, and more.
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St. Paul, MN Fishing Guide
Fishing in St. Paul, Minnesota revolves around the upper Mississippi River system and an interconnected network of urban and suburban lakes scattered throughout the metro area. Local guides offer half-day and full-day trips, with most inshore charters launching near Hidden Falls Regional Park, Harriet Island, or nearby ramps in South St. Paul. There’s very little long-distance running involved—most bites are within 10 minutes of launch, especially on the river.
The Mississippi River here fishes more like a slow-moving lake in some stretches and a hard-charging current seam in others. It’s full of wing dams, drop-offs, riprap banks, and eddy holes, making it ideal for vertical jigging, slip bobber rigs, and live bait presentations with leeches or nightcrawlers. Trolling cranks or spinner rigs along channel edges can also be productive for walleye and sauger. Light tackle and medium rods are the norm, with some fly fishing opportunities on smaller feeder streams like Battle Creek or nearby urban ponds for panfish and stocked trout.
Summer is peak season for most species, but the spring bite is strong when water temps start rising. Pike, smallmouth bass, and catfish all get active in shallow backwaters and along current breaks. During the winter, some charters switch to ice fishing on nearby lakes like Phalen, Como, or Gervais, offering a different kind of experience for those who don’t mind the cold. St. Paul fishing charters tend to focus on quality over quantity, with guides who know how to pattern fish through changing flows and urban pressure. It’s a working man’s fishery, but if you know where to go, you’ll stay on fish all year.
Fishing Seasons in St. Paul
Spring (March–May)
As the ice comes off in March and April, river fishing kicks into gear. Walleye and sauger move upstream toward dams and deeper holes, and local guides run early-season trips near the Ford Dam or up toward the confluence with the Minnesota River. Pike are also cruising the shallows in nearby lakes. Water levels can fluctuate with snowmelt, so reading current seams and eddies is key. Most spring trips rely on jig-and-minnow combos or drifting live bait. Expect chilly starts, but some of the best action of the year.
Summer (June–August)
From June through August, this is the bread-and-butter season. Warm water pushes bass, catfish, and panfish into predictable summer patterns. Smallmouth hold near rocks and current seams on the Mississippi, while largemouth fill up weedy metro lakes like Lake Gervais and Lake Phalen. Catfish charters target deeper holes with cut bait, and some run evening or night trips. Trolling is productive for walleye, especially in the early morning. Surface temps climb fast, so early and late in the day often produce best.
Fall (September–November)
Fall brings crisp air, lower boat traffic, and hungry fish. Walleye fire up again in late September and October as water temps cool down. Sauger move back into the river’s deeper runs, and the bite can be excellent along channel edges and wing dams. Northern pike and musky get more aggressive in area lakes, with trolling big baits or casting jerkbaits being common tactics. It’s a transition time, and good guides adjust to the day’s conditions. Fewer pleasure boats means more water to work.
Winter (December–February)
Ice fishing takes over by mid-December on most metro lakes. While river fishing slows down (or stops altogether due to ice flow and ramp closures), lakes like Como, Phalen, and White Bear offer good opportunities for panfish, pike, and even some stocked trout. Charters provide portable shacks or pop-ups, heaters, and sonar for those who want to try it. Common tactics include jigging small spoons or using tip-ups with shiners for pike. Winter fishing is slower, but the right lake on the right day can still produce.
Gamefish in St. Paul
- Walleye – 15–28 inches. Caught spring and fall on the Mississippi using jigs, live bait rigs, and cranks around wing dams and current seams. Also found in metro lakes year-round.
- Sauger – 12–20 inches. Common in the Mississippi River, especially in early spring and late fall. Targeted with vertical jigs and minnows.
- Northern Pike – 20–36 inches. Found in lakes like Phalen, Gervais, and Pickerel. Best targeted in spring and fall with live bait or flashy spoons.
- Smallmouth Bass – 12–20 inches. Hold near rocks and current breaks in the river. Hit crankbaits, tubes, or soft plastics.
- Largemouth Bass – 12–22 inches. Found in weedy metro lakes. Commonly caught with frogs, spinnerbaits, and jigs.
- Channel Catfish – 18–30 inches. Targeted on the Mississippi with cut bait or stink bait in deeper holes and eddies.
- Bluegill – 6–10 inches. Found in nearly all area lakes. Ice fishing and summer bobber fishing both effective.
- Crappie – 8–14 inches. School up in lakes in spring and fall. Jigs and minnows around structure are go-tos.
- Muskellunge – 36–50 inches. Occasionally targeted in larger area lakes. Fall is best, using big baits and trolling passes.
St. Paul Fishing FAQs
Do St. Paul fishing charters run on the Mississippi River?
Yes, most fishing guides in St. Paul target stretches of the Mississippi River between downtown and the confluence with the Minnesota River.
What kind of fish can I catch around St. Paul?
You’ll find walleye, sauger, smallmouth bass, northern pike, catfish, and panfish in both the river and nearby lakes.
Are there half-day charters available in St. Paul?
Yes, many local guides offer half-day trips focused on either the river or a specific metro lake. These are great for beginners or those on a tighter schedule.
Where do charters usually launch in St. Paul?
Popular ramps include Hidden Falls, Harriet Island, and South St. Paul. Some trips may launch farther south depending on target species and river levels.
Can I fish year-round in St. Paul?
Yes. Open water season runs from March through November, and ice fishing picks up from December to February on area lakes.
Is live bait commonly used by local guides?
Definitely. Live minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches are go-to baits on the river and in the lakes, especially for walleye and panfish.
Do I need a fishing license for a guided trip in St. Paul?
Yes, anglers 16 and older need a Minnesota fishing license, even when fishing with a guide. You can get one online or at local retailers.
What should I bring on a charter?
Dress for the weather, bring snacks and water, and wear non-slip shoes. Most gear and bait is provided by the guide.
Are there good options for fly fishing near St. Paul?
Fly fishing opportunities exist in smaller streams and urban ponds for trout and panfish, but most charters focus on spinning or baitcasting gear.