Expert-Guided Minnesota Lake Fishing Adventures

Full-Day Minnesota Lake Fishing Adventure

Ready to hit the water for some of the best fishing Minnesota has to offer? Join Captain Mark Noonan of Noonan Outdoors for a full day of angling action on either Detroit Lakes or Lake of the Woods. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, this 6-hour guided trip is tailor-made for a day of big catches and even bigger memories.

Trip Overview

From May 15th to September 1st, Captain Mark's boat becomes your gateway to Minnesota's fish-filled waters. We'll spend a solid 6 hours on either Detroit Lakes or Lake of the Woods, depending on where the fish are biting best. You'll be targeting some of the state's most prized catches – Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Sturgeon, and even Rainbow Trout (Steelhead). Don't worry about gear or know-how; we've got you covered with top-notch equipment and all the local knowledge you need to land the big one.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts bright and early as we load up the boat with everything needed for a successful outing. We provide all the live bait and lures you'll need, so there's no need to swing by the bait shop. As we motor out to the day's hot spots, Captain Mark will fill you in on the game plan. We use a mix of techniques depending on what's working – could be trolling for Walleye, casting for Pike, or even bottom fishing for those monster Sturgeon. Throughout the day, we'll move around to different areas of the lake to maximize your chances of a diverse catch. And when you do land that trophy, we'll take care of cleaning it for you so it's ready for the dinner table or freezer.

Top Catches This Season

This year has been red hot for Walleye, with many anglers pulling in their personal bests. The Smallmouth Bass action has been non-stop, especially around rocky points and submerged timber. For those looking for a real arm-wrestler, the Lake Sturgeon have been making quite a showing, with several 50+ inchers brought to the boat. The Northern Pike have been aggressive as always, providing exciting topwater action on calm mornings.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks love our trips because we keep things relaxed but productive. There's nothing quite like the feeling of your line going tight and the drag starting to sing. We've had families create yearly traditions around these trips, and solo anglers who've checked off bucket list catches. The scenery alone is worth the trip – bald eagles soaring overhead, loons calling in the distance, and some of the most beautiful sunrises you'll ever see. Plus, with drinks provided (water and pop) and the option to BYOB, you can kick back and enjoy the day exactly how you want.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye: The state fish of Minnesota and for good reason. These golden-eyed beauties are not only delicious but put up a great fight. They tend to hang around structure and drop-offs, often most active during low light conditions. We'll target them using live bait rigs or jigging, depending on their mood. The average size is 15-20 inches, but don't be surprised if we hook into a 30-inch monster!

Northern Pike: Known as the "water wolf," these toothy predators are pure aggression on the end of your line. We often find them lurking in weed beds or along the edges of drop-offs. Casting big spoons or crankbaits is a favorite method, and the strikes can be explosive. While most run 24-30 inches, there's always the chance of tangling with a 40+ inch behemoth.

Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, these bronze backs are some of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. They love rocky areas and will hit a variety of lures from topwater to soft plastics. The acrobatic jumps of a hooked smallmouth are a sight to behold. We typically catch them in the 2-4 pound range, but 5+ pounders are not uncommon.

Lake Sturgeon: These living fossils are the true giants of our lakes. Found primarily in Lake of the Woods, hooking into one of these prehistoric fish is an experience you'll never forget. We use heavy tackle and often fish on the bottom with large baits. Sturgeon can reach lengths over 6 feet and weights over 100 pounds – talk about a fish of a lifetime!

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): While less common, the opportunity to catch a steelhead in these lakes is a special treat. These hard-fighting fish are known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. We target them by trolling with spoons or small crankbaits. The average size is 5-8 pounds, but larger specimens are always a possibility.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to make some fishing memories? For just $600, you and a buddy (plus kids if you want to make it a family day) can experience some of the best fishing Minnesota has to offer. Remember, you'll need a valid Minnesota fishing license, which we can help you obtain if needed. We recommend booking early, especially for peak summer dates, as spots fill up fast. And if plans change, no worries – just give us 3 days' notice for cancellations.

Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, land that trophy fish, or just enjoy a day on the water with good company, Captain Mark and Noonan Outdoors have got you covered. Don't let another fishing season slip by – grab your spot on the boat and get ready for a day of world-class Minnesota fishing. The big ones are waiting, so let's go catch 'em!