What trips do we offer?

We can host a variety of trips. If you are looking for trout we have literally over a hundred miles of trout water within 30 minutes of the River Falls area. Trout trips are walk and wade and we can accommodate up to three anglers. We have connections with other guides if you have a larger party.

If you are looking for a walleye, bass, pike, and musky trips we have large rivers and many lakes that are less than an hour from River Falls and the Twin Cities area. These trips are mostly run with a boat that can accommodate up to three anglers comfortably. If you have a larger party we know of other guides who also have boats. We also offer one man guided trips out of a raft that we use to get into some smaller remote sections of smaller rivers for smallmouth, pike, and musky.

What gear do I need?

Sun glasses are a must and preferably polarized. If you don’t have any let me know I always keep a few extra pairs around. A hat and sunscreen is definitely needed during our sunnier/hotter days. If we are doing walk and wade trout trips during the cooler months waders definitely needed for a comfortable day.

As far as rods, flies and lures go we have you covered. We use 5 weight fly rods primarily when targeting our trout. For our bigger rivers a lakes we have plenty of 8 weight fly rods, spinning gear for bass/walleye, and also musky class fly rod/casting gear. If you like to bring your own gear you are welcome to do so.

No need to bring your own flies and lures we have plenty of that to, but it is always fun to have customers bring their favorite lures/flies and see them in action.

What fish will we target?

If we are doing walk and wade trips we primarily will catch brown and brook trout. There are a few streams in the area that hold some rainbow. On some of our trout streams we also have the ability to hook into some smallmouth, pike, white bass, and walleye while targeting trout. It’s always a fun day when you can catch multiple species.

In the big boat is where we let the day dictate what we catch. Somedays the walleye are on fire and others the bass are. Usually, it’s a mix bag of bass, walleye, white bass, pike, and when everything lines up we bag a muskie. Our larger rivers and lakes are very dynamic and many days we are locating large schools of baitfish looking for the predators. Somedays it feels very much like saltwater fishing when flocks of seagulls are diving down on baitfish with schools of bass, walleye, and white bass pushing them to the surface. Somedays we are fishing tight to structure on the banks, fishing large current breaks and windblown shorelines, and somedays we are looking for busting bait on the surface.

What does a day on the water look like?

Most days we want to start early and catch that early morning low light bite window. If you are doing a full day we try and start around 7 and fish a full 8-9 hours. We will take breaks and eat/snack and on those hot bright days we like to find the shady areas of our streams and larger rivers; fish like to escape the sun too. For our half days it depends on when you can go. Mornings are usually good, but after work is also a good choice those last few hours of daylight can be magic.

Do you provide instruction?

As a teacher and guide now for almost 20 years, everyday provides teachable moments. If are a newcomer to fly fishing or fishing in general, we will work with you on and off the water to make your experience the best it can be. Casting and managing your line is usually the biggest barrier to catching fish, but we have plenty of time spent shortening the learning curve for casting and managing line.

We also spend a lot of time discussing the why, when, and how we choose our flies and lures. We also want people to come away with new knowledge and appreciation for the waters we spend our time on and love.

Are there places to stay in the area and what if I want to purchase gear?

The town of River Falls has several nice hotels and homes to rent within the area. If you need recommendations let us know.

If you are looking for gear, Lunds Fly Shop in town offers a wide range of fly fishing and casting gear. The folks at the shop are very knowledgeable and helpful and can set you up with what you need.