Top Minnesota Fall Fishing Vacations

You just can't beat a fall in Northern Minnesota. The colors are eye-popping, the weather spectacular, and the hospitality (as always) superb. Nowhere is this more prevalent than Gunflint Lodge.

From the luxuriously appointed cabins at Gunflint Lodge, you'll have unparalleled access to Gunflint Lake. You'll have the option to embark on a guided fishing trip or to simply set off on your own, for the more adept anglers in your group. Regardless, you'll be catching a plethora of native Minnesota fish, including walleye, lake trout, smallmouth bass and northern pike. After catching dinner, return to the cabin and your warm fireplace, whirlpool, or sauna, and get ready to eat like royalty!

Address

143 South Gunflint Lake Grand Marais, Minnesota 55604

Number of runs/trails/roads/etc.

In wintertime there are 200 kilometers of cross-country trails for you to explore!

Related Onsite Offerings

The Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters store is onsite and has everything you need for any outdoor adventure. Get the gear and guidance you need!

Fishing is a stupendous activity regardless of season, especially at Nelson's. Get over there this fall!

Relax on the lake with a plethora of colors surrounding you. Walleye, bass, and more await you, eager to bite. Back at the resort, you'll enjoy a breakfast of a Fisherman’s Platter with a walleye fillet, eggs and more. At the dinner bell, the whole gang will rush to the table for honey pecan crusted halibut, Ruben rolls and ribs. There’s even a kids’ menu for tykes still attached to mini-corndogs and chicken strips. Fish and eat like a champion at Nelson's!

Address

7632 Nelson Road, Crane Lake, MN 55725

Related activities

Another home-like feature you and the kids can both enjoy at Nelson’s is Millie’s Garden. Breathe in the sweet scent of cabbage, lettuce, asparagus, orange marigolds and more.

Related Onsite Offerings

Fish wrapping and freezing services, sauna, playground, hiking trail, game room, volleyball, canoes and a boat launch.

Located on the famed Gunflint Trail that winds through Northern Minnesota from Grand Marais to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is Clearwater Historic Lodge and Canoe Outfitters.

With a history that dates back to 1915, Clearwater is not just the oldest and largest free-standing hand-hawn log structure in the area, but a destination with over 100 years of outfitting experience. Their professional staff and trained guides know the area like the back of their hand and are ready to assist you in preparing for the fishing adventure of a lifetime. Five local lakes await for you in this magical Minnesota location. Clearwater Lake, just steps away, is ideal for when you don’t want to go too far. Teeming with lake trout and smallmouth bass, Clearwater provides a calm fishing experience. Caribou Lake, accessible from Clearwater, is abundant with walleye, northern pike, and some of the best smallmouth bass with over 20” fish caught each year. If you’re looking to catch something for dinner, then Mountain Lake is your best bet, with plenty of lake trout waiting for you. To top it all off are the Deer and Moon Lakes, two smaller-sized lakes on Clearwater’s south side, featuring shallow reefs, walleyes and northerns!

Address

774 Clearwater Road Grand Marais, MN 55604

Highlights

Clearwater Historic Lodge's onsite tackle shop has everything you need for a successful fishing trip. They offer lures, leeches and night crawlers for sale, along with other items you might need to make your getaway that much easier!

Related activities

If you need a break from the fishing, enjoy some of the best canoeing in the state in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area! Clearwater can help you plan a truly unforgettable trip out on the water!

The charming collection of cabins offered by Isle O' Dreams Lodge is located on a unique peninsula offering magnificent views of Bad Axe Lake from almost every window!

The more than 2000-feet of beautiful shoreline offer plenty of opportunities for younger anglers to land their first catch. But if you want to land the big one, grab a boat and head off into the middle of Bad Axe, where a huge variety of famous Minnesota fishes will be (hopefully) waiting for you. Perch, northern pike, bullhead, muskie, largemouth bass, crappie, smallmouth bass, catfish, walleye, bream, bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish all call at least a portion of Bad Axe home, and it's up to you to find them! Lucky for you, even if the fish aren't biting you can still enjoy beautiful views of the changing colors on the shoreline!

Address

29137 Just a Dream Trail, Park Rapids, MN 56470

Related activities

The resort is 15.2 miles from downtown Park Rapids.

Related Onsite Offerings

Other amenities include a beach with free canoes, kayaks and paddle boats, kids' activities, and guest laundry.

River Bend's Resort is a real catch, offering spools of modern conveniences while keeping the traditional beauty of fishing alive in its atmosphere!

Located along 65,000 miles of incredible shoreline, River Bend's Resort is a Lake of the Woods vacation unlike any other. Come one, come all! River Bend's Resort offers incomparable fishing and superb hospitality, even by Minnesota standards. Fishing enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy casting their line for walleye, crappie, muskie and northern pike. The resort offers fishing charter packages that include all equipment, a coast guard-certified charter captain and much more. In the winter, fishing is still strong as the resort offers ice houses for you to use!

Address

3343 Red Oak Rd NW, Baudette, MN 56623

Related activities

Looking for a hunting experience that you'll never forget? Hunters can be sure to find plenty of game at River Bend's Resort & Walleye Inn. There are numerous hunting options, including big game like deer, bear, and even Moose! There's also varieties of grouse, and waterfowl to hunt on 9,000 feet of shoreline. Guides can also enhance your hunting experience.

Getting there

The lodge is 11 miles from Baudette International Airport, and 12 miles from downtown Baudette.

As America's youngest and only water-based national park, Voyageurs National Park is a stunning tapestry of interconnected waterways, ancient rock formations, and hundreds of uninhabited islands. What better way to enjoy it than on a houseboat with a fishing rod in your hands?

Wildlife is everywhere you look while on Crane Lake. From your luxurious houseboat you'll witness bald eagles, moose, loons, black bear, and white-tailed deer along the rugged boreal-forested shoreline. But under the boat is where the real action is taking place. Walleye, northern pike, bass, muskie, and panfish are all numerous and ever-biting. With 3,088 acres of space, you'll have plenty of lake to explore and plumb if you truly want to catch "The big one".

Address

7576 Gold Coast Rd, Crane Lake, MN 55725

Related activities

Enjoy the more quaint aquatic activities of the 3,088-acre Crane Lake or set off on the grand waters of the 25,760-acre Kabetogama Lake!

Fun facts

Voyageurs National Park spans nearly 220,000 acres of lakes, wetlands, and forest. This means there's plenty of space for exploration!

Head out to Big Boy Lake for a protected harbor, swimming beach, a family friendly atmosphere. Head out to Big Boy Lake for Timber Trails Resort.

Timber Trails' 10 cabins come with all the comforts of home. It's incredibly cozy, but you'll be spending most of your time outside anyway! Big Boy Lake is a 3,452-acre lake that has 26.2 miles of minimally developed shoreline and great clarity. The fishing is some of the best in the state, with more walleye, Northern Pike, and Crappies than you can shake a rod at! When you're not casting away, you'll be sunbathing, water skiing, reading a book, or just catching some rays!

Address

3014 S Boy Lake Dr NE, Remer Township, MN 56672

Population

The population of Remer was 370 at the 2010 census.

Highlights

There's no need to stop in town for a fishing license, bait, or gas- Timber Trails has you covered.

Appeldoorn's Sunset Bay Resort combines cozy accommodations with a beautiful location on Lake Mille Lacs. While its a sought-after destination year-round, fall is perhaps when the area is the most breathtaking.

Lake Mille Lacs is both gigantic (132,000 acres) and famous for its spectacular fishing- from its smallmouth bass (Ranked 10th in Bassmaster’s “100 Best Bass Lakes of 2015,” and Voted “Best smallmouth bass fishing in Minnesota” by the Star Tribune) to its massive northern pike. Sit on a boat and relax as you listen to the cries of loons watch the eponymous sunset. Afterwards, return to your colonial cabin or room and drift off to sleep, dreaming of what you'll catch in the morning.

Address

45401 Mille Lacs Pkwy, Isle, MN 56342

Related activities

The resort is 7.2 miles from the Fiddlestix Golf Course and 23.4 miles from Grand Casino Mille Lacs.

Related Onsite Offerings

There's also an on-site convenience store, a gift shop and a fire pit.

As the only resort situated on the shores of the idyllic Star Lake, Pine Terrace gives guests their pick of the best fishing spots, all while providing a secluded natural retreat.

Whether you cast off on boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or water bike, you'll easily navigate Star Lake's calm, clear waters. If you have your own boat, take advantage of the resort's private boat ramp, and find a perfect shaded alcove. Largemouth bass, northern pike, sunfish, and crappies, among others, call Star Lake home, and in those alcoves you'll find them more often than not quite hungry for worms. Once you've had your fill, return to your lakefront cabin and soak in the serenity in the spacious living room areas and in front of the wood-burning fireplace!

Address

35101 Pine Terrace Road, Crosslake, Minnesota 56442

Highlights

Star Lake is surrounded by towering pines and birches, perfect for strolling through and observing the changing colors!

Fun facts

Star Lake is one of the six connected lakes known as the Ossawinamakee chain of lakes, located just south of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes.

Din't be fooled by the name- Sand Lake is very much filled with water, and that water is filled with fish just waiting to be caught!

First things first: you'll be staying in colonial comfort during your stay at Sand Lake Resort. The are seven cabins to choose from, each sleeping anywhere from three to six people. They're fantastic places to kick back and take some well-earned rest, but when you're at SLR you'll be spending most of your time out on the lake! Sand Lake is a naturally fed 4,300 acre lake that attracts area fisherman at anytime of year. The size and scope of the lake means that the multitudes of Walleye can be more active the whole year through, and thus more likely to be caught!

Address

94154 Co Hwy 61, Sturgeon Lake, MN 55783

Getting there

The resort lies 0.7 miles from Moose Lake Carlton County Airport

Related Onsite Offerings

There's also a game room with a ping pong table!

Explore the land of 10,000 lakes and plan an unforgettable fall fishing trip.

Come live the best Minnesota fishing experience on beautiful Pleasant Lake when you stay with Twin Springs Resort. This lake offers year-round fishing adventures, but if you visit it during the fall season, you will be delighted by the color of the leaves. This lake is primarily managed for walleye and northern pike and secondarily for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and tullibee. Cast a line here and there and build great family memories!

Address

3837 N Pleasant Lake Dr. NW Hackensack, MN 56452-2097 US

Total area

The Pleasant Lake is located in Ramsey County, Minnesota. This lake is 607 acres in size, and its deepest point is approximately 58 feet.

Highlights

Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Black Bullhead, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Channel Catfish, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, White Bass, White Crappie, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch.

Cast out a line as you relax next to a tranquil lake as the sun sets- Eagle Ridge Resort is like something out of an outdoors enthusiast magazine!

Spring-fed Gulf Lake is known for its great fishing and crystal clear water- you'll practically be able to see the fish biting! Grab a canoe, kayak, paddle-boat, or stand-up paddle board, or rent the pontoon boat and head out onto the lake for a fun-filled day of rods and reels. While most of the charm is in the outdoors, Eagle Ridge knows that modern conveniences are also critical in facilitating an excellent vacation. Thus, they provide their guests with free Wi-Fi throughout the resort! It's the perfect combination of old and new!

Address

10246 Stallion Ct. NE Tenstrike, MN 56683

Dates and Times

Eagle Ridge Resort opens in May for the annual fishing opener, and stays open through the glory days of September!

Fun facts

Over 70 different species of birds have been identified and documented at Eagle Ridge!

Combine a beautiful lodge, luxury cabins, and superb fishing, and your end-result will be Moonlight Bay Resort!

Whether you're casting away on the dock or relaxing in your cabin, you can't escape having a stupendous time at Moonlight! here are two onsite fishing boats available to guests, from which you'll anglers searching for walleye, northern pike, bass, muskie and panfish. When you aren't reeling them in, you'll be putting your feet up! Resort amenities include a heated outdoor pool, covered dock slips, a golf course across the street, and high-speed wireless internet service... We could go on, but it'd just be easier for you to come see for yourself!

Address

6409 Wedgewood Dr NW, Walker, MN 56484

Population

The population of Walker was 941 at the 2010 census.

Fun facts

The nearby Chippewa Forest has the highest concentration of bald eagles anywhere in the continental U.S, with almost 200 pairs.

Set on the sparkling shores of Bay Lake, Ruttger's has plenty to offer the aspiring fisherman, adventure-seeking couple, and extended family!

All of the usual suspects are here, from crappie and walleye to bass and rainbow trout. Regardless of your experience level, fishing guide Lynn Harker will be more than happy to take you out and tutor your in the subtle nuances of fishing Bay Lake. Lynn always likes to encourage the “Catch & Release” method of fishing, but you're more than welcome to keep your catch for a delicious dinner! As Ruttger's states so eloquently on their webiste, "From the experienced fisherman to fun family outings, everyone is guaranteed to have a great time on their next fishing vacation at Ruttger’s, one of the most fun fishing resorts in MN.".

Address

25039 Tame Fish Lake Road, Deerwood, MN 56444

Extra Stops

The Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails are only eight miles from Ruttger’s. The 22-mile trail winds through a rugged area created by 70 years of former iron ore mining.

Highlights

Make sire you check out The Lakes, the resort's 18-hole Championship golf course.

Looking for a traditional Northern Minnesota escape? Head to Niemeyer's Rugged River Resort for a good time to be had by all. Each of the six cozy cabins feature at-home amenities to keep you feeling rugged yet comfortable!

With over 30 years of experience under their belts, the Niemeyer's Rugged River Resort knows how to make the most out of your Minnesota fishing vacation. The beautiful Mississippi River is teeming with northern, walleye, small and largemouth bass, muskie, and panfish. Get out onto the water with a guide leading you to the best spots, and cast your line for that trophy catch!

Address

12241 Stallman Road, Brainerd, Minnesota 56401

Highlights

An onsite swing set and sandbox are great for the little ones, while shuffle board, bocce ball, and ping pong are available for everyone. With the shores of the Mississippi River just steps away, you can head out on fishing trips or take it easy with a paddle-boat ride. The Paul Bunyan Trail is perfect for a day of hiking or biking!

Fun facts

Niemeyer's Rugged River Resort offers over 120 acres of breathtaking beauty, and miles of shoreline along the Mississippi River.

For the ultimate Minnesota experience, look no further than Hidden Haven Resort. This secluded retreat rests on 30 acres along the shores of Big Bass Lake, just 12 miles northwest of Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Hidden Haven Resort makes it easy to plan your next fall fishing trip. Included with your cabin rental is a free boat slip at the dock so you can quickly head out onto the waters of Big Bass Lake. Cast your line for plenty of walleye, northern, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie and jumbo yellow perch! It's the perfect destination for your Minnesota fishing adventure! Surrounded by the Deer River Municipal Forest and resting on the shores of Big Bass Lake, Hidden Haven Resort is the perfect fall nature retreat!

Address

31516 Malbay Rd, Cohasset, Minnesota 55721

Highlights

Big Bass Lake is seven miles long and two miles wide and offers a truly unforgettable setting for your Minnesota lake vacation. Making up over 2,000 acres, the lake is chock full of walleye, northern, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie and jumbo yellow perch, making it the perfect choice for your fishing trip. And that's not all--the resort offers complimentary kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards so you can explore the waters at your leisure!

Related Onsite Offerings

Complete with full kitchen, large deck with charcoal grill, comfortable living spaces, and your own free dock slip, these cabins are the perfect home-away-from-home.

In the heart of the majestic Chippewa National Forest, on ten acres of pristine forested land, you'll find Driftwood Resort. Each of their cabins are fully equipped and provide breathtaking views of the Minnesota Northwoods.

Fishing, especially in the fall, is practically a way of life up here! Driftwood Resort offers excellent fall fishing adventures for both experts and beginners. You'll love the chance to cast your line from the comfort of your boat on Sand Lake. Breathe in the crisp natural autumn air and wait for the fish to bite! The lake is teeming with walleye, northern pike, bass, crappie, perch, and panfish, so you're sure to reel in plenty of beauties during your stay!

Address

56029 County Road 157, Max, Minnesota 56659

Population

142

Elevation

1,371'

Highlights

Spend your days hiking through miles of forest trails and keeping your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife!

Muskego Point Resort, located on beautiful and colorful Lake Vermillion, is home to 11 modern cabins each boasting their own sets of amenities ranging from cribs and firewood to full kitchens and canoes! Spend your day on the lake fishing, with boat rentals available from the resort. If you prefer to stay fish on land throw your line in from the dock.

Boasting one of the most excellent fish populations in Minnesota, have fun casting for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, muskellunge, sunfish, and crappie! Also, Muskego Point Resort has all sorts of fishing equipment available for rental! So all you have to worry about is catching that trophy fish!

Address

8147 Bayview Rd, Cook, Minnesota 55723

Population

568

Highlights

Spacious cabins, a lake full of fish, and the quintessential north woods atmosphere create the perfect vacation destination! Come discover for yourself why families love coming back to Muskego Point Resort year after year!

Don't let Leech Lake's name fool you: yes, there are probably a few leeches in it, but they simply serve as food for the plethora of sizable and very catch-able fish!

Leech Lake's irregular shape is packed with large and small bays and an estimated 201 miles of shoreline, giving the knowledgeable fisherman tons of opportunities to land the big one. And while Leech Lake is the most prominent lake near BlueWater, the surrounding area is packed with hundreds of pristine Minnesota lakes of all sizes, providing excellent fishing for walleyes, pike, muskies, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappies and sunfish. Whether you're a bright-eyed rookie or a seasoned fishing veteran, the Leech Lake area (and BlueWater Lodge) has it all!

Address

7051 Wintergreen Trail NW, Walker, MN 56484

Highlights

The one-bedroom loft lodge rooms have full kitchens, gas fireplaces, pull-out sofas, and washer/dryers.

Related Onsite Offerings

Boat rentals are available at a marina, and there's a boat ramp.

The eye-popping cornucopia of oranges, reds, and yellows that accompany fall in Akeley are best observed on a boat, in the middle of Howard Lake, while staying at Moore Springs. It's just a fact.

Swimming and canoeing around the crystal-clear waters of Howard Lake are always popular, but fishing is where there real fun is at. Howard Lake is 736 acres of fishing paradise. 39 feet deep at its deepest point, you can almost see all the way to the bottom throughout the entire lake (a testament to the lakes cleanliness, more than anything else). Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Catch one worthy of telling your friends when you get back home!

Address

5127 Howard Lake Rd NW, Akeley, MN 56433

Highlights

The resort features 1100 feet of beautiful shoreline!

Related Onsite Offerings

If it's camping you want, you can choose sites that are lakeside, or wooded on the upper tier of the resort.