Private 8 Hour Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Minnesota
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday guided Smallmouth Bass fishing on Minnesota RiverExpert instruction from fisheries biologist Eric AltenaPrivate 2person charter format with proven techniques
If you're serious about catching hard-fighting smallmouth bass, the Upper Minnesota River is where you want to be. This full-day private fishing charter with Evergreen Outfitting II puts you on some of the most productive smallmouth water in Central Minnesota for 8 solid hours. Guide Eric Altena, who happens to be a fisheries biologist, knows these river systems like the back of his hand and will put you on fish while teaching you the ins and outs of successful bass fishing. At $300 per person (plus $300 for a second angler), this isn't just another guided trip – it's a masterclass in smallmouth bass fishing tailored specifically for you and one other angler maximum.
Your day starts early on the winding waters of the Upper Minnesota River, where the current creates perfect habitat for aggressive smallmouth bass. Eric's approach combines his scientific background with decades of guiding experience, so you're not just casting blindly – you're learning why certain spots hold fish and how to read the water like a pro. The private charter format means you get personalized attention without fighting for casting space or waiting your turn to work prime structure. You'll cover miles of river, hitting classic smallmouth spots like rock piles, current breaks, and submerged timber. The Minnesota River's flow creates natural feeding lanes that concentrate baitfish, and Eric knows exactly where these bronze-backed fighters like to ambush their next meal. Bring your camera because the scenery along this stretch is as good as the fishing, with towering bluffs and pristine wilderness that feels a world away from civilization.
Eric brings a biologist's understanding to every aspect of your fishing strategy, from bait selection to presentation techniques that trigger strikes from even the most finicky bass. You'll learn multiple approaches throughout the day – everything from working soft plastics along rocky bottom structure to throwing topwater baits during prime feeding times. The Upper Minnesota River demands versatility, and Eric will have you switching between techniques based on current conditions, water temperature, and fish behavior. He provides all the gear you'll need, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you prefer familiar tackle. The key to consistent success on this river system is understanding how smallmouth relate to current and structure, and Eric breaks down these concepts in ways that will make you a better angler long after your trip ends. You'll master techniques like dragging tubes through rocky areas, swimming grubs along current seams, and working spinnerbaits around fallen timber that holds feeding bass.
The Minnesota River consistently produces quality smallmouth bass that fight like fish twice their size, with most catches ranging from 12 to 18 inches of pure muscle and attitude. These aren't your typical lake smallmouth – river fish are conditioned by constant current and abundant food sources, making them some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter anywhere in Minnesota. The best action typically happens during spring and fall when bass are actively feeding and positioned in predictable areas, but summer fishing can be outstanding early and late in the day. Eric's scientific approach to fish behavior means he's constantly adapting to seasonal patterns and daily conditions that affect bass activity. Many anglers walk away with personal bests, not just because of the quality fish in this system, but because Eric's instruction helps you hook and land fish you might have lost on your own. The combination of technique refinement and prime fishing locations creates the perfect setup for memorable catches and improved skills that transfer to your home waters.
Smallmouth bass are the undisputed kings of the Upper Minnesota River, and once you hook into one of these bronze-backed bulldogs, you'll understand why anglers become obsessed with them. These fish are built for current – thick shoulders, powerful tails, and an aggressive attitude that makes every fight a battle. Minnesota River smallmouth typically run 1-3 pounds, but don't let the size fool you. A 2-pound river smallmouth will test your drag and your skills like nothing else, often jumping multiple times and making screaming runs toward cover. They're most active when water temperatures hit the 60-75 degree range, usually from late spring through early fall, though Eric has dialed in seasonal patterns that keep the action consistent throughout the fishing season. What makes these fish special is their opportunistic feeding behavior – they'll crush everything from crayfish patterns to small minnow imitations, giving you plenty of options to figure out what they want on any given day. The rocky structure and current breaks of the Minnesota River create perfect ambush points where these bass wait to pounce on unsuspecting prey, and learning to identify and fish these spots effectively is what separates good smallmouth anglers from great ones.
This private 8-hour smallmouth bass charter represents some of the best guided fishing available in Central Minnesota, combining Eric's expertise as both a fisheries biologist and seasoned guide with access to top-rated smallmouth water that many anglers never discover on their own. The personalized instruction, proven techniques, and quality fishing make this trip a customer favorite for both beginners looking to build skills and experienced anglers wanting to take their game to the next level. At $300 per person, you're getting a full day of world-class smallmouth bass fishing with gear, instruction, and local knowledge that would take years to develop on your own. The intimate 2-person maximum ensures you get the attention and coaching that larger group trips simply can't provide. Don't wait – prime dates fill up quickly, especially during peak smallmouth season when these river bass are most active and aggressive. Contact Evergreen Outfitting II today to reserve your spot for what could be your best day of bass fishing in Minnesota waters.
Our 2012 18-foot River Pro Low Profile is purpose-built for chasing smallmouth bass in Minnesota's shallow river systems. The 200 HP Optimax inboard gets you to prime fishing spots fast, hitting speeds up to 45 knots when you need to cover water quickly. This boat's low-profile design cuts through tight river bends and navigates rocky shallows where those bronze fighters love to hide. With room for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space while staying maneuverable in narrow channels. The stable platform gives you solid footing for working jigs around structure or fighting that bucket-mouth smallie trying to wrap you around a log. Perfect for accessing those back-channel spots on the Minnesota River where the big bass stack up.
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