I'll be visiting a close friend in MN this August.  They are in the twin cities area, and I intend to do some fishing while I'm there. 

 

I grew up reading and watching In-Fisherman, so I'm somewhat familiar with the bigger lakes. Do you have any recommendations for a guide? I want to chase smallmouth and maybe keep a walleye or two. 

 

Thanks

3 hours ago, PourMyOwn said:

I want to chase smallmouth and maybe keep a walleye or two. 

I don't know if you're able or willing to drive out of the greater metro area or not, but in order to get on some decent smallmouth or walleye fishing, you have two options:

 

1) The Mississippi River pools 2, 3, or 4.  Pool 2 is mandatory release of all species.  Pool 4 is very popular near Red Wing, MN and has quality numbers of keeper sized walleye/sauger.

 

2) Drive about 2 hours north to the Brainerd Lakes Area or Mille Lacs.  There are a number of lakes in the Brainerd area that might produce.

 

Unfortunately, August is a tough time of year for both smallmouth and walleye because the water is very warm.  July and August would be the two most difficult months of the season to target these species because of this.  There are a lot of guides that specifically focus on Mille Lacs.  Lake Minnetonka has guides as well, but for largemouth, not smallmouth or walleye.

Thank you @gimruis. I have my eyes on Mille Lacs, but I am still researching individual guides. If anyone reading has one in mind, I'm all ears. 

 

July and August aren't the best here in NH either, but unfortunately it's when I get to be on vacation-HS teacher. (It's not that unfortunate,  it's a big reason I stay, honestly)

 

If I have any other questions I'll pop them in this thread. Thanks again!

It’s mostly going to be finesse vertical presentations on deeper offshore structure that time of year. Not really my jam. I’m sure a guide will have it dialed in though.

1 minute ago, gimruis said:

It’s mostly going to be finesse vertical presentations on deeper offshore structure that time of year. Not really my jam.

You just need to learn patience, young padawan.

If you want an amazing guide, check out Josh Douglas on Mille Lacs.  Elite series pro who will only guide out of state clients.  You will catch fish and learn a ton. 

Check out Sam Rardin fishing as well on Mille Lacs.  I fished with him when I first moved here; super fun and he put me on small mouth.  

The regs came out for Mille Lacs and they are not permitting harvest of walleye this season. The OP originally was asking to keep a walleye or two with his initial request. If that is a priority, Mille Lacs is not your lake this season.

18 hours ago, gimruis said:

The regs came out for Mille Lacs and they are not permitting harvest of walleye this season. The OP originally was asking to keep a walleye or two with his initial request. If that is a priority, Mille Lacs is not your lake this season.

The DNR is so weird about the walleye on this lake.  It doesn’t affect me as I enjoy hammering some big walleyes while I smallmouth fish there.  It just seems bizarre with the regulations.  

1 minute ago, Fishin Dad said:

The DNR is so weird about the walleye on this lake.  It doesn’t affect me as I enjoy hammering some big walleyes while I smallmouth fish there.  It just seems bizarre with the regulations.  

I am with you.  Walleye is not my target there anymore, so the regulations with them is mostly irrelevant.  The treaty upheld by the Supreme Court that allows the natives to harvest a specific quota of them really ties the hands of the DNR.

 

I actually misspoke when I said they aren't allowing ANY harvest of walleye.  They have left the door open to harvest of 1 walleye of a specific size starting August 16.  There will be updates as the season goes along.  I wouldn't hold my breath.

Minnesota just needs to make their state bird a walleye

Minnesota is the new california, heard it from a friend who lives there.

 

 

 

It is getting really close.  Wife and I are actually looking outside the state.   Hard to leave all these darn awesome lakes though.  

Well Mille Lacs is the place to go this year.    That walleye catch and release regulation will take some pressure of the lake this year.  

I’d be fine with less pressure. The lack of a real winter probably helped ease ice fishing pressure too.

Bringing this back to life as I intend to do some smallmouth fishing at Mille Lacs later this week.  I have heard that water temps are in the mid 50's right now.  I think the smallmouth will be spawning earlier than usual this year.  Last year I went on Memorial Day weekend and they were still prespawn.  Don't think that will be the case this year.

Vicariously living through you.  Almost able to go get my boat so hopefully in a couple weeks I will be able to get out.  Stupid menards had to order my garage doors 4 different times so hopefully this last one is right so I can move back in!