fly fishing trips minnesota

11 Best Places to Fly Fish in Minnesota: MAPS INCLUDED

The “Land of 10,000 Lakes” gets overrun with spin and ice anglers every year. After the six month polar vortex, ice houses are replaced with boats and the search for large bass and walleye begins. Stuck between popular places like Red Lake and Mille Lacs are a large amount of streams/rivers filled with trout, pike and bass that are more than willing to hit a fly. There are over 3,800 miles of designated trout streams in the state, but you’ll have to work hard to reach them all.

The beauty of the Lake Superior landscape in Northern Minnesota and tight wooded streams in the southeast provide great opportunities for hiking and exploring in the midst of wetting a line.

Best Places to Fly Fish in Minnesota

1. Whitewater River for Trout

The Whitewater River in Southeastern Minnesota is a part of the Driftless Region that can also be found in Western Wisconsin and Northern Iowa. The Whitewater is a tributary of the Mississippi River. The clear water is filled with stocked brown, rainbow and brook trout. The wide variety of access points and large number of fish make it a great spot for anglers to try.

Where to Fly Fish on the Whitewater

The river flows through a large wildlife management area as well as two State Parks. Since there are four different branches of the river, you will have plenty of access. The Main River has the most rainbow trout and the Middle Branch has the majority of the brook trout. Use nymphs and strike indicators because it’s slower moving water. This is a decent river to kayak or canoe. The State Parks provide many access points, but wade fishing is going to be more successful.

Access the Middle Fork of the Whitewater Here:

Want to learn how to setup a fly rod for dry fly fishing? Get a FREE 20 minute video describing everything. Rods, leaders, tippet, knots and more! Enter email below.

[sibwp_form id=2]

2. Trout Run Creek

Yes, the name of this creek does make it a popular spot for fly anglers, but don’t fret. It’s estimated to have 2,000 to 4,000 trout per mile and it covers numerous types of landscapes. There are slow, free flowing waters and plenty of fast runs. It holds both wild and stocked brown and brook trout. It’s near the beautiful town of Lanesboro which is perfect for a weekend getaway.

Where to Fish Trout Run Creek

The creek is over 12 miles long, but a stretch between Saratoga and Bucksnort Dam is going to be the highest quality fishing on the stream. This area is the most recent to receive improvements. Be sure to bring along long and light leaders and keep careful watch for Trico hatches. Otherwise, any sort of midge fly will catch fish all year long. Stick to wade fishing, the changes in landscape make it too difficult to canoe.

Access Trout Run Creek Here:

Do you want to find more spots to Fly Fishing in Minnesota ? I highly recommend the book  Flyfisher’s Guide to Minnesota (Amazon link). A great book to planning your next fly fishing trip or exploring some new water.

3. St. Croix River

Let’s get away from the trout for a minute. The St. Croix River in Eastern Minnesota is historic. The natural beauty and opportunities it presents fishermen are a few of the things that keep bringing people back. Anglers can find world class smallmouth bass and muskies in the deeper water near structure. Sturgeon and catfish also lurk in the St. Croix waters. Be patient, these fish will bite, but it may take some time. This river provides solid opportunities for float trips. If you don’t have access to a boat, the wide open casting lanes along the banks make for a great place for beginners to learn.

Where to fish on the St. Croix River

The close proximity to Minneapolis makes this river easy to access. It’s large enough that you will rarely feel too close to other anglers. The stretch of river between the Riverside landing to Wild River State Park will give you the most success. Be sure to throw minnow patterns, some bass poppers and a streamer similar to the TeQueeley.

Here is Good Access Point Within Wild River State Park:

4. Badger Creek for Casting a Fly

Badger Creek is another stream within the Minnesota section of the Driftless Region. This stream is tight and compact. Your best bet is wearing waders and standing in the river to get decent casting lanes. It has a large native population of brook and brown trout. The DNR quit stocking the river in the 1970’s and trout have had no problem reproducing ever since.

Bring along the 4 weight with some light leader and tippet. Pay attention to the hatches. The trout will eat Little Black Caddis and any sort of mayfly. Also, beadhead nymphs do surprisingly well right before hatches begin. If you find a deep pool that you can’t resist to fish, tie on a large Woolly Bugger and see what happens. The stream can be accessed just south of the town of Houston on the intersection of Highway 76 and County Road 10.

5. Baptism River

Let’s take our first trip up north. The tributaries off of Lake Superior provide anglers with days of entertainment. The Baptism River is one of the gems. Migratory steelhead and coho salmon visit the river during their spawn. Brook trout as well as rainbow trout are available all throughout it. The river is wide enough to fish from shore, but bringing waders along will help you reach spots that most others aren’t able.

The river is close to Tettegouche State park. Most anglers fish the area between the Highway 1 Bridge and the Cascades. Head further upstream towards the headwaters and you’ll find more success. If you’re searching for steelhead or salmon go ahead and try some pheasant tails or Prince Nymphs. If the water you’re fishing is fast and dirty, try a pink or orange egg pattern. Size 8 Wooly Buggers in darker colors stripped in quickly can work as well.

6. French River for Fly Fishing

Another option for those wanting to venture up north is the French River. It’s located 11 miles north of Duluth on Highway 61. It can be best accessed on Highway 43. Any fish that you find in Superior can be found here. The French River Hatchery also feeds a lot of fish to the river. The most popular fish caught here are rainbow and brown trout. You’ll find the most fish in the stretch between the hatchery and the lake.

If the water is flowing slower and clarity is decent, use a Copper John or Zebra Midge. Otherwise tie on the Wooly Bugger and get to work. Ripping it through the current will anger those bigger trout. Water level and temperature can be a bit tricky to predict. Since many of the North Shore rivers aren’t spring fed, the further you get from the lake, the worse the trout habitat is. Stay close to the headwaters and check water temperatures. A few days after a rain will give you good water flow rate.

7. Root River Quality Trout Through-Out

The Root River system in Southeast Minnesota is another quality trout fishery. Brook, brown and rainbow trout are all plentiful throughout it. If you want diversity, be sure to fish the South Branch. The upper and lower sections of the South Branch are divided by the town of Preston. The Upper South Branch near Forestville has more wild trout than the lower branch. It’s an easier section of the stream to wade as well.

Park at Forestville Park and start your day. Fish this section mid-week because it fills up quickly on the weekends. If you follow County Road 12 below Forestville, the Root flows through pastures and small wooded areas. There are a few public easements along the way. The Lower South Branch is suitable for a canoe. Deep pools hold some large trout. You can access the stream in the town of Preston.

Parachute BWO’s, Trico’s and Caddis patterns size 18-20 will all be successful. Wait until late fall and you can throw streamers. They’ll anger a few of the big browns.

8. Stony Brook – Easy Access for the Fly Fisher

This body of water is a bit more of a manageable drive for those who live in the Twin Cities. Located in Brainerd, this stream is home to large brook trout. The trout naturally reproduce and can be upwards of five pounds. Crappies and bass are also easy to find near the mouth. It flows into to Upper Gull Lake, a popular fishery in Central Minnesota. Access can be found at Fritz Loven Park on Ridge Road.

There is quite a bit of brush and overhanging trees along the river so you may have to wade to fully cast. It’s a stream that requires a bit more experience to fish. If you want a warm up, go ahead and cast along the shores of Gull Lake and see what you can find. There are Hex hatches that occur throughout the summer so pay close attention to the spider webs and see if any are soon to be spider food. Also, any sort of beadhead nymph will get the browns more active.

9. Cannon River – Great Access

A recent fish count done by the Minnesota DNR showed a wide-variety of fish thriving in the Cannon River. The river flows right through Cannon Falls which is an hour south of Minneapolis. You never know what you’re going to catch, so don’t hesitate to try all sorts of different patterns. Also, the wide and slower waters on this river allow for you to slip your canoe in and drift. It’s easy to pull off to the side and wade in to see what type of fish you can find. Launch from Riverside Park carry-in access and paddle the seven miles to Miesville Ravine County Park. This will take you about two hours without any stops. Fly options depend on what you’re targeting. If you’re searching for bass, any sort of popper will suffice. The browns can be caught on Wooly Buggers and pheasant tails.

10. Boundary Waters – Fly Fishing From a Canoe

Now, I know this it a little vague, but a canoe trip through the Boundary Waters is a must. This group of lakes is filled with smallmouth bass, walleye, pike and lake trout. Visit this area in June, but beware of rain. Chances are you’ll get poured on a few times during your visit. Also, you’ll need a permit when entering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. There are several local guides near the Boundary Waters that can offer you some tips. Listen to this podcast for some valuable information regarding fly fishing in the Boundary Waters.

11. Cloquet River

This is the final recommendation on this list. The Cloquet River can be accessed 10 miles north of Duluth on County Road 48 near Fredenburg. It’s easy to fish from the bank as well as a boat. The brown trout are stocked, but wild brook trout can be found off of some of the tributaries. It’s a great stream for a beginner due to the castable areas off of the bank. Nymphs are going to be your best option on the Cloquet. If you want some smallmouth bass, try tying on a popper or a minnow pattern.

Recommended Gear For Fly Fishing Minnesota

Many of the streams on this list are easily fishable with a 4 to 6 wt. rod. Use a 9-12 foot leader with 4 to 5x tippet. However, if you plan on fishing the St. Croix or the Boundary Waters bring your more heavy duty equipment. An 8 or 10 wt. rod with an 8 foot leader and 2x tippet will work just fine. Nymphs and streamers are going to be more successful than dries. However, if you’re fishing the streams in the driftless (Badger, Trout Run, Whitewater) go ahead and tie on some BWO’s or Trico flies.

Official References for Fly Fishing in Minnesota

• Minnesota State Fishery: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fisheries/index.html
• Minnesota Trout Stocking Report: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/trout_streams/stocking.html
• Lew Jewett Fly Fishers Club: http://lewjewett.org
• Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota: http://flyfishingwomenmn.com
• Arrowhead Fly Fishers: http://arrowheadflyfishers.com

Popular Fly Shops in Minnesota

• Bob Mitchell’s Fly Shop: http://www.bobmitchellsflyshop.com
• Great Lakes Fly Shop: https://www.greatlakesflyfish.com
• Driftless Fly Fishing Company: https://www.minnesotaflyfishing.com

Fishing For All

Let’s go fishing.

We are a Minnesota Fishing Guide Service that’s all about fun, learning, and building community.

Explore Our Offerings →

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man. – Heraclitus

Fishing For All LLC is a Minnesota-based fishing guide service that specializes in fly, spin, and ice fishing trips in our region.

We bring anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience-levels to the lakes, rivers, and streams in our region. We also offer classes and hosted travel fishing trips to grow your angling skills and our community.

Our team prioritizes fun and learning on all of our fishing experiences. Whether you’re going fishing for the first time, want to target a new fish species, learn a new fishing technique, or you just need to escape everyday life for a while- we’ve got you covered!

We are fully insured and licensed to run guided fishing trips on the St. Croix River, Mississippi River, Driftless region trout streams in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the Brule River in northern Wisconsin, and many small lakes and ponds around Minneapolis.

Our Most Popular TRips

These are some of our most popular trip options that our community keeps coming back for!

8hr Bass, Pike, Muskie Float

Take a drift boat down the St. Croix or Mississippi Rivers fly fishing for smallmouth bass, northern pike, or muskies.

8hr Carp Trip

Wade or float on the urban Mississippi River and other obscure waters for the challenge of fly fishing for carp.

8hr Driftless Trout Trip

Wade or Float on the streams of the Driftless area in Southeastern Minnesota & Western Wisconsin to fly fish for wild trout.

4hr Big River Shore Fishing

Cast your bait from the shores of the Mississippi or St. Croix Rivers for catfish, carp, suckers, or sturgeon!

What People Say:

Had an awesome trip with Evan. He was Incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Was able to get me on some beautiful trout, while also coaching me on technique and making sure I was having a good time. Can’t recommend enough and look forward to booking with him again.

— Andrew Swartz

Evan, our guide, is the best! He’s kind, funny, knowledgeable, and very patient. We will definitely be taking another fishing trip with him the next time we come to Minnesota.

— Susan Cooper

Excellent anglers focused on education. They don’t just take you fishing, they teach the skills to fish alone.

— Tyler Winter

My wife gifted me the Trout Camp Weekend in April with Evan and Ricky, and it was one of the best presents ever. Both Evan and Ricky were both so knowledgeable guides, sharing as much knowledge as they could with me someone who literally never casted into water with a fly rod before, and now I’m hooked. I had no gear, but that wasn’t an issue as they had waders and a rod I was able to borrow, making it incredibly approachable. On top of knowing their stuff, they also cooked some epic meals for us, and overall just brought some really great energy. Less than a year later I am now an avid fly fisher, and can’t wait to do more guide trips with this team.

— Simeon Teaopaco

I am a dyed-in-the-wool trout angler, and I never thought I would go after carp with a fly, but somehow I wound up on a half-day trip in Eden Prairie and Edina with Evan Griggs. It was like what I have heard about sight fishing in New Zealand! Evan was up on the bank spotting the carp and telling me where to cast and how to move my fly, and when to set the hook. He got me into a nice carp which I even managed to land. Great instruction, great patience, great time!

— Robert Luck

We are so excited to fish with you! Whether it’s your absolute first time, or you’re a seasoned angler looking for a new adventure- we’ve got you covered.

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Report this content
• View site in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

7 Best Minnesota Fly Fishing Tour Guides

Fly fishing is one of the best things to do in Minnesota apart from hunting. There is a vast supply of trout in the state, but it would be best if you hire guides to get you to the right spots.

Today, I will provide seven of the best Minnesota fly fishing tour guides, especially those who can take you to areas with lots of trout.

1. Namebini

Website: https://www.namebini.com/

Phone: 218-525-2381

Namebini offers guided fly fishing. They offer not only locations in Minnesota but also in Wisconsin. With their services, you can choose between wading and walking. You also have the option to use a canoe or motorboat.

Here are the types of fish you can catch:

• Rainbow trout
• Brown trout
• Smallmouth bass

Here are the rates:

• Full Day Guided – $400
• Additional Angler – $40
• Float Trip Full Day – $475
• Half Day Guided Flyfishing – $250

You can rent waders, boots, and rods for $35. They offer personalized trips based on your abilities, interests and expertise. They require a deposit of $50 if you call for reservations.

2. Wheezy Outdoors

Website: https://wheezyoutdoors.com/fly-fishing/

Phone: 218-275-7525

If you are looking for an artistic way to fish, Wheezy Outdoors has a plan for you. There are several species of fish you can catch here. In addition, they offer several services for both the novice and experts.

Here are some of the types of fish you can catch:

The rates are not available on the website. You must contact the company to get the rates. Before you call, decide what type of fishing you want to do as they offer summer fishing, ice fishing, river fishing, and fly fishing.  

3. Moosetrack Adventures         

Website: https://moosetrackadventures.com/guided-fly-fishing-ely/

Phone: 218-365-4106

Moosetrack Adventures can take you to the Boundary Waters and Quetico. They allow you to experience fly fishing for several species of fish. This guide is different because they know where to find trophy-sized fish.

Here are the species you can catch:

• Largemouth bass
• Full Day – $495 for two people
• Half-Day – $375 for two people

The trip includes a guide, a boat or canoe, and gas. You can add more people if you want, but you will pay extra per head. The full-day tour is for eight hours, and the half-day is for four hours only.

4. Headwaters Fly Fishing Company

Headwaters has been around since 1987. They offer guided flyfishing in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. They specialize in fly fishing float trips.

Here are the fishes you can catch:

• Wild steelhead
• Smallmouth bass float trips – $495 per day for up to 2 anglers
• Spring creek trout walk-in trips – $350 per day for two anglers
• Steelhead trips – $425 per day for two anglers
• Fly fishing schools  – $200 per person

Headwaters can customize the trip if you want. For example, they can take you to places that are excellent for beginners. They also have an option for experts.

Website: https://bobmitchellsflyshop.com/guided-trips/

Phone: 651-770-5854

BMFS offers a fully guided tour. They also sell many items in their store. Do not worry if you do not have the gear; you can rent it from them.

What makes them an ideal fly-fishing guide is that they offer many types of fly fishing and wading services. Their guides are also extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their craft.

• Float and Boat Trips – from $300 to $500
• Beginner’s Trip – $250
• Urban Adventure – from $300 to $400

Trips that last between six and eight hours include non-alcoholic beverages and food. Trips are for two people only, and you have to pay extra for a third person.

6. Root River

Website: https://rootriverrodco.com/guided-fly-fishing-trips

Phone: 507-467-2101

Root River offers both full and half-day driftless fly fishing, where you can explore up to 70 miles of water. They will take you to hundreds of miles of wadable streams in Southeast Minnesota.

Trout is their speciality, and as far as accommodations are concerned, there are several options such as resorts, inns, and campgrounds. You can even rent a whole house. Note that these establishments are different from the tour guide.

• Full Day – $500
• Half-Day – $400

Guided wade trip is less expensive at $450 for the full-day trip and $350 for a half-day. If you want, you can also call them for their class schedules.

Trips are for one or two people. The trip includes a guide, shuttle, fishing equipment, and food. However, the fishing license is not included.

7. Livin’ the Dream

Website: http://www.livinthedreamguideservice.com/best-minnesota-fishing-guides

Phone: 763-482-0216

Livin’ the Dream takes you to the heart of Minnesota, where you can explore Brainerd lakes. The best thing about this company is that they offer charters all year round.

The company has a positive reputation that they were even part of a film their trips with TV personalities like Jason Mitchell.

The trip prices vary, and you must know that they charge a $250 deposit. The cost does not include gratuity. They will provide the rods, reels, tackle, and bait. You will use live and artificial baits depending on what you want to catch.

You must bring some things with you to make the best out of the trip. For example, you need a valid fishing license, camera, polarized glasses, weather-appropriate clothing, and fishing gear. Although the gear is not required, expert anglers are free to bring their gears with them if they like.

Different guides have different offers. Some of them provide you with the gear, and some don’t. Make sure you give them a call so you know what to expect. It is also best to tell them your fishing expertise level, so they can guide you well.

Recent Posts

Top 6 Trout Fishing Lakes in New Zealand's North Island

New Zealand's North Island is a paradise for anglers, offering some of the most spectacular freshwater fishing spots in the world. Known for its pristine waters teeming with trout, the North Island...

6 Simple Methods to Prevent Trout Line Tangling for Beginners

Trout fishing can be a serene and rewarding experience, especially for beginners who are just getting their feet wet in the world of angling. However, the tranquil waters can quickly turn into a...

• (218) 525-2381
• Trip Options
• Book a Trip/Rates
• Guided Fly Fishing Photos
• Make a Deposit
• Photography + Writing
• Pioneer Farm

Guided Fly Fishing

Guided fly fishing trips travel to a variety of fishing destinations in Minnesota and Wisconsin where we catch brook, brown and rainbow trout, as well as steelhead, salmon, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Walk and wade, as well as drift boat, canoe and motorboat trips are available. We specialize in the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota and the South Shore in Wisconsin, as well as inland fisheries in both states.

We strive to create personalized trips that match your interests and abilities. We welcome all anglers from beginner to expert, and enjoy working with youth anglers.

Fly Fishing Minnesota

• Detailed information on hundreds of waters
• Over 60 maps of lakes, rivers and streams
• 200+ full color photos
• Techniques for trout, bass, pike, muskies, and more
• Fly recipes from regional tiers
• Expert advice from guides
• Regional hatch charts
• 8.5 x 11″ 358 pages

All orders ship via USPS Priority Mail.

Minnesota fly fishing maps.

• Spiral bound, lay-flat book to take along on your next trip or plan at home.
• Over 70 pages of full color maps tailored for the Minnesota fly angler.
• Access, easements, boat launches, public land, campgrounds, hiking trails and more.
• Trout streams throughout the state, including the North Shore of Lake Superior and the Driftless Area.
• Warmwater locations such as the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, Driftless rivers like the Root River, and outstate locations.
• Over 650 streams, rivers, lakes and locations indexed for easy navigation.

Guided fly fishing, writing & 📸 from Duluth, MN. Guide service for @superior_fly_angler. Manager of @gwflyfishingexpo. Author of "Fly Fishing MN" 📖