Frequently Asked Questions

For the shallow fast moving rivers we fish, a jet boat is the ultimate tool! we currently utilize a 17ft custom center console jet boat, with a 115/80 Yamaha on the back of it. This setup lets us cover water safely and efficiently, while providing a comfortable and stable fishing platform.

All rods, flies, baits, and gear are provided, but you are more than welcome to bring your own if desired! Please reach out to Capt. David beforehand to see if the equipment will suit our needs for the day.

Outside of equipment, bring food/beverages for yourselves along with proper clothing/rain gear for the forecast. Sunscreen is recommended during the summer months!

- MN licenses (Mississippi and St Croix river) can be purchased at - https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html

- WI licenses (Chippewa and St Croix river) can be purchased at - 

https://gowild.wi.gov/

* Either MN or WI license will suffice for St Croix river*

All payments methods are accepted, however cash/electronic (venmo/paypal) is preferred. Payments in full on a card will be charged an additional 3.5%.

If possible, yes! Gratuity is always appreciated. An amount of 10-20% of your trip cost is typical.

Absolutely!! The Upper Mississippi river is one of the best Smallmouth Bass and Musky fisheries in the State of Minnesota. With our specialized boat and equipment, we are able to reach unpressured fish, and regularly see trophy class fish. 

Smallmouth bass in the 18-20" range are not uncommon on the Upper Mississippi River, with a very healthy size of 16-17".

River Musky grow fast and are incredibly strong! On the Upper Mississippi, fish in the mid to high 40" are plentiful, with individuals well over 50"!

Throughout the year, bait selection varies widely. Spring time typically requires more finesse presentations, while summer and fall periods tend to lean on larger aggressive baits like topwaters or spinnerbaits! 

Some of our favorites are 3.2" Divine Swimbaits, Provoke 97X Jerkbait, Kona Finesse Swim Jigs, and the Divine Spinnerbait from our fantastic partner 6th Sense Fishing.

https://6thsensefishing.com/

We employ a wide range of baits in our Musky arsenal!

Throughout the summer months, shallow and fast moving baits like bucktails, topwaters, and swimbaits get most of the attention! In specific scenarios, lesser utilized baits like over-sized jigs and light tackle produce well.

In the fall months, larger and slower moving baits that fish deeper become the staple such as rubber baits, or bigger wood jerkbaits.

Some of our favorite brands are - 

- Beavers Baits-  https://www.beaversbaits.com/

- Musky Frenzy Lures - https://muskyfrenzy.com/

- ZM Bait Co.

- Red October Baits

May through early August boasts some of the best smallmouth fishing of the year, with the best opportunities for topwater bites, impressive numbers of fish, and larger individuals!

Early season (May - Early June) patterns tend to focus on more finesse presentations on the bottom and in slower moving water.

Mid Summer (Late June - August) patterns typically involve faster moving reaction baits in the fastest moving water! Baits like topwaters, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits are key this time of year!

Musky season is open from early June through the end of November in Minnesota! 

The best time to catch a fish of a lifetime is in the fall (september - november), although there is great fishing to be had during the summer months! 

Typically June - August will show higher numbers of interactions with fish, and more aggressive fish, while the we regularly see true Minnesota trophy class fish later into the fall, fishing larger presentations.

Fly fishing for Smallmouth Bass is a very effective and exciting way to fish! Fishing styles can range from poppers, to streamers, to heavy crayfish flies. Our typical setup is an 8 weight fly rod and reel, paired with a floating or intermediate line.

Musky fly fishing is a challenging, and extremely rewarding pursuit! Especially in the fall, the large profile and suspending action of flies becomes irresistible to these large predators. Typical rod and reel setup is a 12-16 weight rod, paired with 450-550 grain sinking line.

Our favorite and trusted brands are - 

- Sage fly rods and reels - https://farbank.com/pages/sage

- Rio fly lines - https://farbank.com/pages/rio

- Thorne Brothers Custom Musky fly rods - https://www.thornebros.com/pages/flyanglerlandingpage