Fishing Charters in Minnesota
Browse fishing charters in Minnesota that can help you catch muskellunge.


Fathead Guide Service
Bemidji, Minnesota
Fathead Guide Service offers fully guided fishing trips both during the open water and hard water season. Fathead Guides Service offers fully guided trips specializing on Lake Bemidji, Cass Lake Chain, Leech Lake, and many other area lakes.


Briggs Guide Service
Baudette, Minnesota


Wings And Walleyes Guide Service
Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Northern Minnesota’s premium four-season fishing guide service and guided waterfowl hunts for all ages and experience levels


Fishrapper
Deer River, Minnesota
Up to date, reliable fishing reports, fishing articles and fishing videos for anglers who fish lakes in Minnesota. Use this page for links that reference an archive containing hundreds of saved fish reports from previous seasons. You'll also find links to fishing videos, articles and reviews about popular fishing products and services.


Als Vermilion Fishing
Tower, Minnesota


Gods Country Mn Guide Service
Aurora, Minnesota


Boreal Triangle Guide Service
Two Harbors, Minnesota


Coles Guide Service
Northome, Minnesota


Trophies Only Rentals
Williams, Minnesota
Trophies Only Provides Ice Fishing Guide Service and Luxury Fish House Rentals on Lake of the Woods


Angle Andy
East Grand Forks, Minnesota
Angle Andy's Guide Service is located at the Northwest Angle and Islands ("The Angle") on Lake of the Woods. Whether you are looking to catch a trophy fish, or good "eaters," Angle Andy's will put you on the fish.


Reel Adventures Fishing Service
Warroad, Minnesota


Fishing Guides Detroit Lakes Mn
Ponsford, Minnesota
Fishing guides Fargo Moorhead and Detroit lakes area. Seayacharter,inc [email protected]
Best Time to Catch Muskellunge
Peak season: May, June. Also good: April, July, August, September, October. Right now in February, activity is poor.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Muskellunge
Brainerd, Minnesota, is a musky angler's paradise, offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities within a relatively small area. The famed Gull Lake Chain is a major draw, but don't overlook smaller, less-pressured lakes like North Long Lake and the Whitefish Chain. The musky season here mirrors the statewide opener, with early summer (June) and fall (September-October) being particularly productive. Focus on emerging weed beds and shallow bays during the post-spawn period, and transition to deeper structure, points, and reefs as the water warms. In the fall, large suckers rigged with quick-strike rigs can be deadly. Local tip: the Brainerd area is popular, so book your lodging and guides well in advance, especially for peak season. Also, be aware of boat traffic on larger lakes like Gull, and consider fishing during weekdays or off-peak hours. The muskies in the Brainerd area are known for their willingness to chase lures, making it an exciting destination for both experienced and novice musky anglers.
How to Catch Muskellunge
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Muskellunge in Brainerd.
Muskellunge Fishing Regulations in Minnesota
Open Season
Varies by zone; check regulations
Daily Bag Limit
1 per day
Size Limit
40-inch minimum; may vary by waterbody
License Required
Freshwater fishing license
Size limits can vary by specific water body, so consult the regulations pamphlet. Some waters have higher minimum sizes or protected slot limits.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Minnesota state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for Muskie around Brainerd, MN?
Large bucktails, crankbaits, and jerkbaits are popular choices for Muskie in the Brainerd area. Experiment with different colors and retrieves to see what the fish are responding to.
What is the minimum length requirement for Muskies in the Brainerd area?
The minimum size limit for Muskellunge in Minnesota is generally 40 inches, but it can vary by waterbody. Always consult the specific regulations for the lake you plan to fish.
What time of year is Muskie season open near Brainerd?
Muskie season dates vary by zone in Minnesota. Check the current regulations to confirm the opening and closing dates for the specific area you intend to fish.
If I catch a huge Muskie near Brainerd, how many can I keep?
You can only keep one Muskie per day in Minnesota, provided it meets or exceeds the minimum length requirement for that specific waterbody.
More Muskellunge Fishing in Minnesota
Ready to Catch Muskellunge in Brainerd?
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