Upper Mississippi River Smallmouth Factory

NºRTHFISH Angling specializes in Fly and Light Tackle fishing for Smallmouth bass on the Upper Mississippi River and Crow Wing River between Brainerd, MN and Little Falls, MN.

The Upper Mississippi River/Crow Wing River fishery offers arguably the best river Smallmouth fishing you can find anywhere in the country. The fishery covers over 40 miles of river and is broken up into 5 sections, each with its own unique characteristics. The typical fish is 15”-19” long and it's not uncommon to catch a 20+” Smallie during a day of fishing.

At the 2025 Kayak Adventures Series tournament held on the Upper Mississippi River and Crow Wing River, the winner won with a 5 fish bag of 100.5” over the 1.5 day tournament. That’s an incredible average of over 20” per fish.

In its tournament recap, the Kayak Adventure Series highlighted that eight of the top ten finishers posted at least one Smallie of 20” or longer, three anglers had multiple 20” Smallies and there were fourteen Smallies of 20” or longer caught by the top fifteen anglers. The Kayak Adventure Series called the Upper Mississippi “a factory of trophy Smallmouth bass”. We couldn’t agree more with their assessment.

Whether you’ve been fishing for years, or are just learning, we’re the guide service for you. With extensive knowledge of the river systems, fish behavior and seasonality, as well as being able to accommodate both fly and light tackle anglers, we’ll work to create an unforgettable experience for you on the water.

What The Pros Say…

Owner/Guide - Steve Washburn

Steve started NºRTHFISH Angling because of his love for river Smallmouth fishing. After decades of chasing Muskies and Smallmouth on the rivers and lakes of northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, Steve developed a serious passion for river Smallmouth. Once Steve retired, he traveled to search out the best Smallmouth rivers in the country, which led him back to the Upper Mississippi River. If you talk to serious river Smallmouth fisherman anywhere you go, most will agree that the Upper Mississippi offers the biggest and least pressured Smallmouth in the country.

Stealthcraft Jet Boat

We fish out of a 2024 Stealthcraft 1654 Power Drifter jet boat which allows us maximum comfort, flexibility and efficiency when out on the river. The boat is 16’ long and 78” wide, offers large elevated front and rear casting decks covered with Aqua Traction marine flooring, and is powered by a 60/40 HP Mercury Jet outboard. This setup allows us not to have to use a shuttle and to be able to move around quickly and easily upriver or downriver.

With the jet boat we have the option of fishing both sides of the river and re-fishing and picking apart productive areas. If we run into unexpected dirty water conditions we can relocate to a part of the river with clearer water. If you forgot something important (your favorite box of flies) in your vehicle back at the boat ramp, we can quickly run back to the ramp and get right back on the water. We don’t waste time rowing and fishing unproductive water. The jet boat is a huge advantage.

Guide Trips - Upper Mississippi River

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Rates

Full day - 7 Hours - $550 - 1 or 2 anglers

Half day - 4 Hours - $350 - 1 or 2 anglers

Deposits and Cancellations

A 50% deposit is required when you book a trip. If you need to cancel for any reason this deposit is refundable up to 30 days prior to the trip date. Two days prior to your trip your credit card will be charged the remaining 50% of the trip fee. Weather or river conditions may require the cancelling and rescheduling of your trip. If we are not able to reschedule your trip to your satisfaction, a full refund will be made.

How It Works

The day prior to your trip we will contact you to provide you with the boat ramp location, confirm our start time and answer any questions you have. Typically we meet at the boat ramp at 8:00 AM, load the boat and run upriver to our starting point. We row you down the river, western drift boat style, and use the jet boat to move from spot to spot, maximizing your time fishing the most productive areas. You can fly fish or use light tackle, or a combination of both during the day, that decision is entirely up to you. We fish until 3:00 PM (Full Day), then we wrap things up and head back to the boat ramp.

Objectives For The Day

It’s your day, so you should decide how you want to spend it on the water. If you have some specific objectives in mind, please let your guide know. Some people want to catch a lot of fish, others want to catch the biggest fish and and others want education on casting, patterning fish, river knowledge, etc. We’re happy to provide you with the day that is going to be the most fulfilling for you. Please don’t be shy about communicating what you’d like. We love feedback.

What To Bring

We want to make your trip with us as easy and enjoyable as possible. We provide everything you’ll need for your day of fishing, including rods/reels, tackle, flies, safety equipment, etc. All you need to bring is a valid Minnesota fishing license, polarized sunglasses, rain jacket, water shoes, sun protection and insect repellent. We provide ice cold water and snacks, as well as a large cooler filled with ice for any food or drinks you want to bring along. If you want to bring your own rods/reels and tackle, that’s fine. Alcohol is allowed (responsibly). No guns, drugs or smoking allowed on the boat. Glass containers of any type are prohibited by law from being on the river.

Seasons

May/June - Pre-Spawn / Post Spawn

This is the time of year to catch large trophy Smallmouth in numbers. As the water temperatures rise into the mid 40’s the Smallies begin to migrate to their spawning areas and feed heavily. The bass are in the cycle of feeding up preparing to spawn or feeding up to recover after the spawn. This time of year Smallies can be very aggressive, going after reaction baits and flies of all types, making for some amazing bites. Many anglers consider this to be the best time of the year to fish for river Smallies.

July/August - Summer Stability

Summer typically brings a consistent pattern with stable temperatures, water levels and water clarity. The fish are in predictable locations and are usually feeding throughout the day. This is a great time of the year for fly fishing because the fish will often be tight against the banks in the shade and love to eat a fly that gets placed in their vicinity. Poppers, divers and streamers thrown tight to banks, blowdowns and protected points can provoke vicious strikes. Sometimes low, clear water can be the game and sight-casting finesse baits or flies can be very effective. If you’re using light tackle, Whopper Plopper’s, soft jerkbaits, chatterbaits and jigs consistently produce fish.

September/October - Fall Transition

Summer giving way to fall, and the leaves turning, is a beautiful time of the year to be on the river. The loss of daylight and colder weather triggers bass to feed and get ready for winter. With colder nights and shorter days you’ll see fish start to group up, migrate downstream and eat more aggressively. With the fish moving out of their summer spots, they can be more difficult to locate and pattern, but it can produce some of the best fishing of the year.

Lodging and Accommodations

Baxter, MN

Baxter is the most convenient place to stay for fishing, being closest to the boat ramps. Baxter has plenty of hotels, restaurants and stores. If you’re thinking of camping, there is the Crow Wing Lake Campground (full service) and Crow Wing State Park Campground (electric/water only) that are just south of Baxter and offer beautiful RV and tent camping.

Brainerd, MN

Brainerd borders Baxter on its south side. Brainerd is a well known vacation area with many great resorts. If you’re thinking of bringing your family along, Brainerd’s resorts offer something for everyone.

Little Falls, MN

Little Falls is on the south end of the area we fish. It is smaller than Baxter and Brainerd, but does offer a few hotels, restaurants and stores.

FAQ’s

Do I need to bring my own rods and reels?

We will have 7 and 8 weight fly rods, as well as spinning rods and baitcasting rods for you to use. You are of course welcome to bring your own gear. For fly rods we recommend 7 and 8 weight fly rods with floating or intermediate fly lines. For spinning rods we recommend ML and M fast action rods. For baitcasting rods we recommend ML, M and MH fast action rods. On spinning rods we typically use 10# braided line to a fluorocarbon leader. For baitcasting rods we mostly use 30# braided line to a fluorocarbon leader.

Should I bring food and snacks?

Ice cold water and snacks will be provided. If you want to bring any drinks, snacks or a lunch please feel free to do so. A 45 quart cooler with ice will be provided for your drinks, snacks and food. GLASS IS NOT ALLOWED ON THE RIVER!

Do I need a Fishing License?

Yes. The state of Minnesota requires all anglers to have a fishing license for the days they will be fishing. Don’t forget to bring yours!

How many people can go?

There is a maximum of two anglers and the guide per trip (3 people total). Children ages 10 and up are allowed and are included in the angler count.

Can we keep the fish?

No. We practice catch and release only. We will take some great pictures of you with your fish, but all fish go back in the water.

Can I use live bait?

No. We only use artificial baits and flies.

Are there places to stop along the river to get out of the boat and stretch your legs?

Yes. There is no shortage of places to pull up to the bank and get out of the boat if nature calls or you would like to stretch your legs or eat your lunch in the shade. Just let your guide know and he will make it happen.

What if the weather is bad on my booked day?

Weather is uncontrollable, but we do our best to provide a good day of fishing regardless of the weather. Bad weather can oftentimes mean great fishing. Some of our best days are when the weather is challenging. We will fish rain or shine as long as the weather is safe (no lightning). The day prior to your trip we can discuss any considerations regarding the weather or river conditions.

What’s the best way to get ahold of us?

Since we are out on the water a lot, the best way to reach us is with a text or email. We will make every attempt to respond the same day you contact us.

What level of physical condition is required to fish?

The boat is quite stable and comfortable to fish out of. You will need to get your feet wet to get in and out of the boat, lifting your legs over the side of the boat. There are stable front and rear elevated casting decks to make casting easier. Both casting decks have casting braces to lean against for balance while standing. The front casting deck offers a casting seat. AquaTraction marine flooring covers the entire boat for a secure grip and all-day comfort. If you have physical limitations we can discuss options to accommodate you.