We are located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Clear Lake, MN, just an hour north of Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport. This prime location puts us in the heart of trophy Smallmouth Bass and Muskie fishing on the Upper Mississippi. Our home waters stretch below the St. Cloud Dam, with Monticello—known for incredible smallmouth fishing—just 20 minutes south, and the Brainerd section, famous for giant muskies, to the north. We fish all these waters and can’t wait to show you how amazing they truly are.
We guide you down the river in a 16-foot Clackacraft Eddy drift boat—a favorite among fly fishing guides. You’ll be fishing with top-of-the-line Sage fly rods and reels, matched with the best fly lines for every presentation. Whether you’re throwing streamers, poppers, frogs, or giant bucktail muskie flies, we’ll have the right setup dialed in. We don’t just float—we work as a team to make every cast count. From perfecting your smallmouth bass techniques to catching your first or biggest muskie, or even picking up a fly rod for the first time, we’ll make sure it’s a day to remember. Along the way, we’ll teach casting techniques, fish behavior, and fly presentation, all while swapping some great fishing stories.
We’re not weekend warriors—we’re on the river almost every single day. Fly fishing isn’t just something we do; it’s who we are. Whether you’re here for the fish, the experience, or to learn, we can’t wait to share this incredible stretch of the Mississippi River in
Minnesota with you.
Our full-day trips are the absolute best — it’s the ultimate river adventure! A full day on the water lets you soak in everything the river has to offer, plus you’ll hit multiple feeding windows throughout the day for maximum action. This trip is perfect for anglers who want to experience it all. Included in your full-day adventure: a professional guide, a ClackaCraft drift boat, river shuttle, Sage fly rods, flies, terminal tackle, a delicious lunch, and plenty of drinks to keep you fueled. Get ready for a day you won’t forget! *Gratuity for your guide is not included in the trip price*
Short on time but still want to hit the water? Our half-day trips are perfect for squeezing in some fishing fun without committing to a full day. We offer both morning and afternoon trips (depending on availability) — because sometimes that after-work popper bite is just too good to miss! Each half-day adventure includes: a professional guide, a ClackaCraft drift boat, river shuttle, Sage fly rods, flies, terminal tackle, and drinks to keep you refreshed. *Gratuity for your guide is not included in the trip price*
Our guided fly fishing trips offer an unforgettable experience, combining expert guidance, breathtaking landscapes, and the thrill of reeling in your perfect catch.
Season: Mid-May – Mid-October
Fly fishing for Upper Mississippi River Smallmouth is something every angler should experience. Whether fishing streamers or topwater flies, you’ll be amazed at how aggressively these fish attack a fly. Mississippi River smallmouth are the hardest-fighting smallies we’ve ever come across—their explosive strikes and aerial fights will have you grateful for that 7 or 8-weight rod (and its fighting butt) by the end of the day.
Clients are often surprised by how clear our tannic water
is, making it even more rewarding to watch smallmouth hunt your fly. Smallies are our favorite fish to target on this river, and they live up to their reputation as the strongest freshwater fish pound for pound.
*Season is water temperature dependent
Season: June – November & Mid October – November
Fly fishing for muskie is the ultimate test of skill and patience. The “fish of ten thousand casts” is a bucket-list accomplishment for any fly angler. The Upper Mississippi is a true trophy muskie fishery, home to the Leech Lake strain, known for growing to incredible sizes.
We’ve been fly fishing for muskie on the Mississippi for over a decade, and we have the knowledge to give you the best shot at landing your first or biggest muskie on the fly. We provide top-of-the-line 10 -12-weight rods, custom-tied flies (8–16+ inches), and the best terminal tackle available—so when you hook into a fish
of a lifetime, you’ll have the gear to handle it.
*Season is water temperature dependent
Season: All
We started offering Carp and Buffalo trips after realizing how much fun experienced anglers were having targeting these species. We often joke, “You’ll come for the trophy smallmouth, but you’ll leave talking about the carp and buffalo.”
Certain stretches of the river feature amazing “Freshwater Flats”, where we can take a break from chasing smallmouth or muskie and sight-fish to trophy carp and buffalo. These fish will have you feeling like you’re on the flats in Mexico, stalking bonefish or permit—except right here on the Upper Mississippi.
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