For those looking for their next outdoor excursion, they’d better start seriously considering Minneapolis, MN and the surrounding area. The city creates an incredible opportunity for any avid outdoorsman, especially fishermen. Lake Minnetonka intertwines with a huge part of the city making for a unique set up you just can’t quite find any other place in the United States. Talk about convenience. During my stay at the Double Tree by Hilton Minneapolis North, I found I could make it to the Wayzata launch point on Lake Minnetonka in under 30 minutes.
But if Lake Minnetonka doesn’t suit your fancy, there are hundreds of large bodies of water within a couple hours of the major metropolitan area. They are all filled with fish – big ones – and less boat traffic as well. If you want your best experience, especially for muskie, you should consider planning a trip during the early months of summer or in October, preferably a week or so after the first major cold snap of the fall. Just be sure you are ready to throw massive lures measuring well over 10 inches. Your arms will be tired, but if you can just keep casting, you are bound to hook into a trophy fish of a lifetime.
You have a great chance of landing a few other species in the process as well. Northern Pike and Walleye are very plentiful. Who knows, maybe it won’t take you 10,000 casts to land one of the elusive muskies. I had a 45 inch giant follow up on my third cast, but my inexperience left me in awe of the fish rather than with a mental focus that would have allowed me a better chance at hooking it.
Remember to check out some of the great food options around the lake as well. You can find a great view and some great eats close to the Bayview Event Center. I also strongly recommend stopping by Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge. We stopped there for lunch during a day trip on the water and ate a walleye sandwich so good my mouth has been watering several times since just thinking about it.
Check out the following video for some awesome examples of what you might experience on Lake Minnetonka:
While the early summer and fall bite is very good around the state, don’t forget about the amazing opportunities waiting for you during the winter. Ice fishing is a major sport up north. As a Missourian, I never thought much about venturing out on frozen lakes (I think deep down it has always seemed counterintuitive to my survival instincts). But after seeing photos and video from the Clam Outdoors Ice team, I’m thoroughly convinced I need to get up to Minnesota the first chance I get this winter. The assortment of gear and equipment Clam Outdoors has available is perfect for both beginning and veteran ice fisherman. Their selection ranges from ice houses, fishing equipment, and winter clothing, all the way to snow mobiles and trailers.
For more information about potential guiding services for Lake Minnetonka, check out the following links!