The Upper Mississippi River is one of the best warmwater fly fishing destinations in Minnesota. Just 45 minutes from Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, this section of the Mississippi River is home to world-class smallmouth bass and muskie fishing in a breathtaking, wild setting.
As you float down the river, you’ll see soaring bald eagles, hunting osprey, and wading great blue herons. The further north you go, the more remote and untouched the river becomes, offering a true wilderness fishing experience.
Thanks to a series of small dams, this section of the Upper Mississippi acts as a tailwater fishery, providing ideal conditions for big, aggressive smallmouth bass and massive muskie. The fish here thrive in clean, oxygen-rich water, gorging on baitfish, crayfish, and hatching insects. The result? Explosive topwater takes, epic streamer and swim fly eats, and hard fights that test your skills.
We guide fly fishing float trips on the best sections of the Mississippi River, from Monticello to Brainerd. Whether you want to sight-fish smallmouth in shallow flats, hunt muskie in deep pools, or enjoy a scenic float through Minnesota’s untouched wilderness, we’ll tailor your trip to your goals.
The Upper Mississippi River isn’t just a fishing spot—it’s a bucket-list destination for serious fly anglers. Let’s hit the water and chase giants!
Small Waters, Big Rewards
Beyond the Mississippi, Minnesota is home to incredible small rivers and tributaries—hidden gems that offer some of the best fly fishing for smallmouth bass in the Midwest. If you’re an intermediate to advanced angler looking for a new challenge, these clear, technical waters are calling your name.
Picture casting a popper into a deep pool, watching a bronze-backed smallmouth explode through the surface. These intimate, scenic rivers often fish better than the Mississippi in the spring, with crystal-clear water and aggressive fish that demand precise presentations.
These smaller rivers change rapidly based on rainfall, making each trip a unique experience. Whether you’re weaving through overhanging forests, casting along grassy banks, or fishing the bends of sandy-bottomed meanders, every trip offers new water and fresh opportunities.
If you’re looking for Minnesota’s best-kept fly fishing secrets, these tributaries are where you’ll find them.
Spring in the Arkansas River Valley is something special. Snow-capped peaks in the distance, Blue Wing Olives and caddis hatching, and wild brown and rainbow trout feeding aggressively in the fast-moving current.
John started his guiding career on the Arkansas River in 2011 and has worked with ArkAnglers Fly Shop in Salida and Buena Vista, CO for over a decade. Every April, we pack up the raft and head south to fish one of Colorado’s best spring trout fisheries.
The Arkansas River is a classic freestone river known for its pocket-water fishing, fast-moving runs, and technical drifts. April is one of the best times to fish here—before the high-water runoff, when the trout are aggressively feeding and competition is low.
Floating this river in the spring is an adventure—navigating through canyons, hitting untouched seams, and casting to wild trout in one of the most scenic river valleys in Colorado. If you’re looking for world-class spring fly fishing, the Arkansas River is where you need to be.
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