Full-Day Guided Fishing on Minnesota Lakes
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour guided fishing on Detroit Lakes or Lake of the WoodsTarget walleye, northern pike, bass, sturgeon, and steelhead troutAll gear, bait, cleaning, and beverages included in trip
Nothing beats a solid day on the water with Captain Mark Noonan, targeting some of Minnesota's best fish across Detroit Lakes and Lake of the Woods. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking six full hours of prime fishing time, giving you the chance to really dial in on what's biting and make the most of these world-class waters. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to up your game or someone who just loves being on the water, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Captain Mark knows these lakes like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference when you're chasing multiple species. We'll be targeting walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake sturgeon, and rainbow trout – a lineup that keeps things interesting all day long. The season runs from May 15th through September 1st, covering the absolute best fishing months when these fish are active and feeding. You'll get live bait, a full selection of lures, and top-tier gear that's perfectly matched to what we're after. Mark handles the catch cleaning too, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about the mess. We keep water and pop on board, and you're welcome to bring your own beverages if you want something stronger. Just remember to grab your Minnesota fishing license before we head out – it's required, and conservation officers do check.
These waters call for different approaches depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding. For walleye, we'll often run live bait rigs with leeches or crawlers, working the structure and drop-offs where they like to hang out. When the pike are active, we'll switch to bigger presentations – spoons, spinnerbaits, and large minnows that trigger those aggressive strikes. Smallmouth bass love rocky areas and current breaks, so we'll pitch jigs and soft plastics into the spots where they ambush prey. The sturgeon fishing is a whole different game – we'll anchor up with heavy tackle and fresh bait, waiting for these prehistoric giants to find our offering. Rainbow trout require finesse, often calling for lighter tackle and presentations that mimic their natural forage. Mark's boat is rigged with quality electronics to locate fish and structure, plus all the rod holders, nets, and tackle storage you need for a comfortable day. The key is staying flexible – these fish don't always cooperate with our plans, so we'll adjust techniques and locations based on what's working.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Minnesota fishing, and both Detroit Lakes and Lake of the Woods hold some beautiful fish. These golden beauties typically run 15-25 inches, with occasional lunkers pushing 28 inches or better. Early season finds them in shallower water post-spawn, while summer patterns have them relating to deeper structure and drop-offs. They're fantastic table fare and fight with that characteristic head-shaking battle that walleye anglers love. The bite often picks up during low-light periods, making dawn and dusk prime time, though we'll find active fish throughout the day with the right approach.
Northern pike bring the aggression factor to this fishery, with their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Lake of the Woods is particularly famous for its pike population, producing fish from 24 inches up to genuine 40-inch-plus giants. These apex predators patrol weed lines, points, and shallow bays, always looking for an easy meal. Pike fishing peaks during spring and fall when they're most active, though summer can produce excellent action early and late in the day. They're built for speed and power, making every hookup an adventure.
Smallmouth bass thrive in the rocky, clear waters of both lakes, offering some of the most exciting fighting pound-for-pound in freshwater. These bronze fighters typically range from 12-18 inches, with trophy fish pushing 20 inches and beyond. They love rocky structure, current areas, and drop-offs where they can ambush crayfish and baitfish. Summer is prime time for smallmouth, when they're aggressive and relatively shallow. The fight is legendary – multiple jumps, long runs, and that bulldog determination that makes every smallie feel twice its actual size.
Lake sturgeon represent something special – these ancient fish have been swimming these waters since before the ice age. They can live over 100 years and reach massive sizes, with fish over 50 inches and 40 pounds not uncommon. Sturgeon are bottom feeders with a gentle bite, but once hooked, they use their size and strength to test your tackle and patience. They're catch-and-release only, making every encounter a privilege. The best fishing typically happens during summer months when they're most active in deeper water.
Rainbow trout, particularly the steelhead strain, offer world-class light-tackle fishing. These silver bullets typically run 16-24 inches and fight like fish twice their size. They're incredibly acrobatic, known for spectacular jumps and blistering runs that test your drag system. Spring and early summer provide the best action as they chase baitfish in open water. These fish demand respect – light line, sharp hooks, and smooth drag settings are essential for success.
At $600 for up to two adults (kids are welcome), this represents serious value for six hours of guided fishing on some of Minnesota's top-rated waters. Captain Mark's local expertise, quality equipment, and comprehensive service – including bait, lures, cleaning, and drinks – means you're getting a complete package that's hard to beat. The season books up fast, especially for prime summer dates, so don't wait too long to secure your spot. Remember the 3-day cancellation policy, and plan ahead for the best selection of dates. Whether you're looking to put together a memorable fishing trip with a friend or introduce someone to the sport, this is the kind of day on the
Captain Mark's 25ft Sportcraft is your ticket to the best fishing spots on Detroit Lakes and Lake of the Woods. This well-equipped fishing machine cruises at 35mph, cutting travel time so you spend more hours with lines in the water. The boat's fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of walleye and northern pike, while GPS navigation gets you to those secret honey holes every angler dreams about. Built for serious fishing, it handles Minnesota's big waters with ease and comfort. The radar system keeps you safe when morning fog rolls in, and the VHF radio maintains contact with shore. With room for gear, bait, and your catch, plus an onboard toilet for those long fishing days, this boat is perfectly set up for productive six-hour trips chasing walleye, bass, pike, and even sturgeon in these legendary Minnesota waters.
Acipenser FulvescensThese prehistoric giants are some of the coolest fish you'll encounter on our waters. Most run 3-6 feet and 30-100 pounds, though they can live over a century. They're bottom feeders with four whisker-like barbels that help them find food along sandy and gravel lake beds. You'll find them around deep holes and drop-offs, especially during our May-September season. What makes them special? They're living fossils that have barely changed in 200 million years. The fight is unique - more like a heavy, steady pull than explosive runs. They're surprisingly docile despite their intimidating size and armor-like plates. My tip: use a glob of nightcrawlers on the bottom and be patient. When you feel that steady weight, don't rush it - these fish will test your drag system and your patience, but the reward is holding a piece of natural history.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the apex predators of our lakes - aggressive, toothy, and always ready to fight. These olive-green torpedoes average 2-3 feet and 5-15 pounds, with razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through most lines. They lurk in shallow, weedy bays and along drop-offs where baitfish gather, especially during spring and fall. Summer pushes them deeper into cooler water. What makes pike fishing exciting? They're pure aggression - they'll hit big lures hard and fight dirty with head shakes and runs. Plus, they're not picky eaters, so they're great for kids and beginners. The key to pike success: use a steel leader or heavy braid, and work your lure slow and steady to mimic injured prey. My best tip? When you feel that first hit, don't set the hook right away. Pike often grab prey sideways first, then turn it to swallow. Give them a few seconds, then set hard and hang on.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are some of the most beautiful fish we target, with that distinctive pink stripe and spotted tail. Most range 12-20 inches and 2-6 pounds. They need cold, clean water and plenty of oxygen, so we find them in deeper, cooler areas during summer months. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're more active and feeding heavily. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - these fish jump and run like nothing else. They're also excellent table fare with that pink flesh and mild, slightly nutty flavor. Being related to salmon, they're full of healthy omega-3s. They feed on insects, small fish, and crustaceans. My local secret: focus on areas with current or wind action that brings oxygen into the water. Also, don't overlook fishing at dusk when they come up to feed on emerging insects. Light tackle makes the fight even better.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the scrappiest fighters we have on these lakes. Most run 12-18 inches and 2-4 pounds, with bronze-colored bodies and dark vertical stripes. They love rocky areas, gravel bottoms, and clear water around 10-15 feet deep. Summer finds them deeper in cooler water, but spring and fall they're more aggressive in the shallows. What makes them special? They fight like fish twice their size - jumping, diving, and never giving up until they're in the net. The meat is firm and tasty too, though many folks release these fighters. They're ambush predators that hide behind rocks and logs, then explode on baitfish. My go-to tip for smallmouth: early morning or late evening with light tackle and smaller baits. A weightless soft plastic worked slowly around rocky structure is deadly. Don't horse them - let that drag work and enjoy the fight.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the bread and butter of our Minnesota lakes - and for good reason. These golden-olive beauties average 1-3 pounds, though we see plenty of 5+ pounders. Those reflective eyes give them a huge advantage in low light, which is when they're most active. During the day, they hang out 10-20 feet deep around rock piles, weed edges, and drop-offs. Come evening, they move shallow to feed. Spring and fall are prime time when they're more active in daylight hours. Guests love them because they're excellent fighters with that classic head-shake, plus they're hands-down the best eating fish in these waters - mild, flaky, and sweet. Here's my local trick: when trolling live bait rigs, slow way down. Most people go too fast. Keep it just fast enough to feel your sinker ticking bottom, and you'll catch more walleye than the next boat.
Ponsford, MN