All the responses I had to this question were lost in the system shuffle.
I’m going to be in Minneapolis over Memorial Day week, and would like some direction regarding guides for Smallmouth on the St. Croix, and trout on some of the streams in the area.
I promise to print the responses this time. Thanks to all who posted before and of course, to those who can offer their thoughts this time.
Found your original post on Dec 12th, but have no idea how to link it to this thread. Next best thing? Copy and paste!!
bill santner
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: fort lauderdale, fl
Posts: 18
Minneapolis this coming Memorial Day
I’ll be up to visit friends newly transferred to the area this coming Memorial Day. I’ve never fished in the area, but will try to steal away for a day (or two) to get some guided fishing in. Names I’ve heard so far include the St. Croix, the Brule, and the Boundary Waters area - all of which look awfully interesting on the Internet.
I come to the board (as usual) in near-total ignorance…but the folks here have never steered me wrong.
Your recommendations for a good day or two’s worth of trip in that area?
Thank you all in advance.
#2
12-10-2007, 02:42 PM
BLUEWINGOLIVE
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Countryside, Illinois
Posts: 27
Re: Minneapolis this coming Memorial Day
Get in touch with either of these guys:
Kip is a fine guide on both the Upper Mississippi and the St. Croix rivers if smallies are your quarry.
http://www.wildwoodfloattrips.com/
Dave also is a quality guide for wade trips for trout a little south of the Twin Cities.
http://www.ontheflyguiding.com/
Joseph
#3
12-10-2007, 02:48 PM
Take-a-Gander
Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Austin, Mn
Posts: 34
Re: Minneapolis this coming Memorial Day
I would second fishing with Dave at On the Fly Guiding. Excellent instructor/guide and a very good steward of the resource.
I can’t comment on fishing the St Croix. The BWCA is awsome but would require a 4-5 hr drive and an outfitter for travel, if you have the time it is well worth it. If you are heading to the Boundary Waters I would recommend Debbie at Seagul Outfitters on the Gunflint trail www.seagulloutfitters.com.
Give me a shout if you need any more help.
TaG
#4
12-11-2007, 09:24 AM
steve olson
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: HAYDEN, ID
Posts: 13
Re: Minneapolis this coming Memorial Day
Bill, Southeastern Minnesota trout fishing is a blast. Being originally from the rochester area I grew up on those streams. Not big fish but trout none the less. The other added bonus is that area around lansboro is bluff country, neat small towns and great country. The people are awesome! ROOT RIVER ROCKS!!!
#5
12-11-2007, 11:56 AM
MNFisher
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Plymouth, MN USA
Posts: 214
Re: Minneapolis this coming Memorial Day
There are lots of possibilities at that time of year. Give us a little more information (how much time you have, the ability to drive and preferred distance, target species of fish etc.) and you’ll get more specific feedback. For example:
Within 45 minutes of downtown Minneapolis you can find excellent SMB on the Mississippi or good brown / brook trout across the border in WI. (Good defined as browns up to 15")
2 - 2 1/2 hours away opens lots of small stream trout possibilities - both in SE MN and NE MN. Not much further to the driftless area in WI.
As mentioned, the Boundary waters is about twice that far away, depending on where you go - a great place but maybe not the best choice if you only have a day or two.
Panfish opportunities are everywhere (esp crappie and bluegill) and that is generally about the time they spawn so you’ll find hot action - even within the city limits. Walleye and Northern are open then as well.
If none of that strikes your fancy, there are always carp to be caught!
So, what’s your pleasure?
#6
12-11-2007, 01:08 PM
hutjensmpg
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 16
Re: Minneapolis this coming Memorial Day
Not sure if you’re 100% set on a guided trip, but if you’ve got trout experience I wouldn’t think it’s necessary on most local streams as there is a good number of fish per mile and plenty of public access. We’ve got two good fly shops in the TC’s, both will give you good advice and point out a spot or two to try it, either in Western WI or SE MN.
You can try Mike at www.bobmitchellsflyshop.com or Andy at www.bentleysoutfitters.com. Both shops will also recommend or set you up with guides.
This link takes you to an interactive map that’s easy to use for mapping out WI streams with public access.
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/...s_mapping.html
This link takes you to the excellent published maps on MN trout streams and also shows public access.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/t...ams/index.html
There’s a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot. - Steven Wright
#7
12-12-2007, 06:16 AM
bill santner
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: fort lauderdale, fl
Posts: 18
Re: Minneapolis this coming Memorial Day
I’m pretty much open to almost any new experience, so anything within 3 or 4 hours drive is fair game. I’ll pass on carp and bluegill - not because I won’t enjoy them, but I can get all I want of that at home. The closest trout fishing is about 400 miles from here, and SMB about the same, so that’s what I’ll be seeking…
I tend to look for a guide when I’m in a new area for just a day or so, so these links will be invaluable. Thanks so much for your responses. This board is awesome!
#8
12-12-2007, 08:41 AM
Jeremy
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Coon Rapids, MN.
Posts: 554
Re: Minneapolis this coming Memorial Day
Bill,
Along with the good info you have, if you want a good try at some SMB fishing on the Miss. R. you can talk to Scott Struif, gen. mgr. of The Fly Angler in Fridley, another good fly shop. He does a lot of warmwater ff’ing and can help you either with good info. or can guide if you like.
Good luck. We have some good fishing avail.
Jeremy.
#9
12-12-2007, 09:24 AM
white43
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Clara City, MN USA
Posts: 1,482
Re: Minneapolis this coming Memorial Day
Bill, I’d second Andy at Bentley’s if it’s trout you want. He’s about as “western” as anyone around here that I’ve met. A great guy who is very knowledgeable and who has a great gift of gab. The only time I’ve used a guide was on Lake El Salto because it was required, but if I was ever to use one Andy’d be the one. As for smallie fishing, Tim Holschleg would be a great choice. google smallmouth fishing Minnesota and his site will surely show up. He’s written the bible on smallmouth fishing. JGW
#10
12-12-2007, 05:28 PM
stevehaun
Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: hudson, wi, usa
Posts: 42
Re: Minneapolis this coming Memorial Day
I live close to 3 good trout streams but spend most of my time float fishing for smallies. I love trout fishing but our smallie fishing is much better than our trout fishing.
End of May is not the best time of year for smallmouth bass but if ya want to fish for smallies, I would also recommend Kip Vieth (Wildwood Float Trips). He is a great guy and knows the mississippi and St. Croix like the back of his hand. He’ll take ya out in a drift boat and get you onto some big smallies.
Have fun!
Betty,
That was very nice of you… G
Oh sure!
Now will someone just tell me how to link the threads?:rolleyes:
Sure ,Betty, just right click on the thread…then click on properties then copy and paste the url that comes up.
Betty, thank you so much.
Looks like Betty hooked ya up.
Here is all ya really need to know:
http://www.wildwoodfloattrips.com/
steve haun
hudson, wi (on the “other side of the river”)