Minnesota guides

Looking for opinions and advice on fishing guides for next year. I’ve never been in the area so am pretty much clueless. TIA.

There are a ton of them and they generally specialize on one area or lake. Where are you looking to go?

Again, I am truly clueless. I have no idea.

I’m trying to expand my fishing horizons.

Looking for opinions and ideas.

Like Werm said – It all depends on what you want to fish and what area’s you are look at fishing. A few more details and I’m sure you will get a fair amount of good choices.

I’m looking for the typical, walleye, pike,perch. Wanting to fill the freezer. 🤪

Really have no idea on areas. Never been there before.

Well here’s quick breakdown off the top of my head:

Mille Lacs: Walleye Capital of Minnesota, great walleye, smallmouth bass, musky and northern fishing. Not the ideal lake for keeping fish to eat. A bunch of really good guides. Similar awesome all around BIG lakes, with better ability to catch and eat are Leech, Winnibigoshish, Vermillion, Pepin (Southeastern MN), Red, Rainy, Crane, Kabetogema and Cass.

Lake of the Woods: Walleye Capital of the World, Borders Canada, great walleye/saugers and northern in the MN half. Mainly Charter boat guides, and maybe travelling 15+ miles out.

Lake Superior: Fresh water ocean, Salmon and Trout. Mainly Charter boat guides, and maybe travelling 15+ miles out.

Then there are the quintessential MN “Up North” areas with somewhat smaller lakes, area’s like Detroit Lakes, Alexandria, Park Rapids, Grand Rapids, Bemidji, and Brainerd (Among others). These are all great areas with beautiful lakes and great fishing with many local guides available.

So it really depends on what experience you want, if it’s solely a fishing trip and what type of fish you want to chase, or if you want a relaxing trip in nature, if you’d like a town nearby for shopping/other recreation, camping vs rental cabin vs VRBO vs High end resort etc.

Craig E Stevens wrote:

I’m looking for the typical, walleye, pike,perch. Wanting to fill the freezer.

If that’s your sole goal, I’d say keep driving to Devil’s Lake. North Dakota has much more lax regulations, and Devil’s Lake is full of all 3 of those species.

I guess in my minds eye, I’m thinking of the “up north” experience.

I’ll name a few that I know several people have fished with and had a great experience. In the Alexandria area there is Joe Scegura ( He’s a member here as well ) I know he does a good job of putting people on fish and is more than willing to share his knowledge to show you how to do things. In the Walker area I’d look into Jack Shriver – He can be found at the bait store he owns in downtown walker ( Shrivers bait and tackle ). Great guide for walleyes and Muskie for sure. There are also tons of large pike and perch in leech lake as well. Those are two great guides that come to mind on two great fishing areas.

My “Bucket List” in no particular order: Would love to spend a day in the boat with all of these guides.

Mississippi River – Marty Hahn

https://www.mississippiriverwalleyes.com/

St Croix River – Turk Gierke

https://www.croixsippi.com/

Mille Lacs – Brad Hawthorne

https://www.millelacslakeguide.com/

Rainey Lake – Chris Granrud

http://www.rainydazeoutdoors.com/website_2018/

Winne (or Grand Rapids area lakes) – Tom Neustrom

http://www.mnfishingconnections.com/guided-fishing-trips/

-J.

A BIG 2X for Chris Granrud on Rainey – Not sure how I missed thinking of him when I made my original post.

How susceptible is your party to getting sea sick? A bunch of people laying chum lines can put a damper on the enjoyment. However there is a certain entertainment value for those that aren’t sick. Rough water tolerance could influence what size water may be best.

Good point. Something to consider. Thanks.

I would go to Rainey if you want the up north feel. Rainey is beautiful, good fishing. The scenery is amazing. Lots of wildlife to see while out fishing. Its hard not to fall in love.
Do your selves a favor and rent a house boat and get the real “up north” feels

Bear, what are the best months for Rainey? Would like to go when its not so crowded.

tim hurley wrote:

Bear, what are the best months for Rainey? Would like to go when its not so crowded.

If you don’t want crowds wait until the border is open again. otherwise June.

Thanks Dutch

Dutchboy wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>tim hurley wrote:</div>
Bear, what are the best months for Rainey? Would like to go when its not so crowded.

If you don’t want crowds wait until the border is open again. otherwise June.

I Don’t really think I’ve seen Rainy “crowded” by any other huge lake standard (LOW, MLacs), it’s predominately in a National Park so if you are on a houseboat past the Brule you won’t see many people even when it’s “busy” by their standards.

Oops meant the Rainey River.

Rainy Lake with Rainy Lake Guiding specifically with Captain Bruce Jean.

Tony Roach is a fantastic guide as well. He is usually on Mille Lacs, but travels to other lakes where you can keep Walleyes as well.

Leech Lake with the Leisure Outdoors guys is another option.

“In the Alexandria area there is Joe Scegura ( He’s a member here as well )”

This X2. Joe has put me on PB walleye and smallmouth. Alexandria lakes for sure, but don’t miss out on the river smallmouth bite in the Fall… truly an epic experience..!

I would recommend Outright Angling with Capt. Phil Bauerly. He’s an expert on Leech and probably other lakes. Had a great trip with him and look forward to going with him again.