Brainerd Lakes Area

The Brainerd Lakes area, located in central Minnesota, is a renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of lakes and excellent fishing opportunities. The area is famous for its scenic beauty, recreational activities, and diverse fish population.

Location

Central Minnesota

Notable Lakes

Gull Lake, Pelican Lake, North Long, Whitefish Chain of Lakes

Fishing Species

Walleye

The most sought-after fish in the Bemidji area, known for its excellent taste.

Tips: Use jigs tipped with minnows or leeches along drop-offs and weed edges.

Muskie

Known as the “fish of ten thousand casts,” muskie fishing is challenging but rewarding.

Tips: Trolling with crankbaits or casting large bucktail spinners near weed edges and rocky points.

Northern Pike

Aggressive predators that provide exciting action for anglers.

Tips: Jigging with live bait like minnows or using crankbaits in deeper waters during the day.

Bass

Prized aggressive fish known for their amazing fights.

Tips: Spinner Baits along weed edges, combined with wacky worms. Don't be afraid to go in to the weeds, Ned rigs have been a great option too.

Seasonal Fishing Tips

Spring

Target walleye and northern pike in shallow waters with jigs and live bait

Summer

Fish early morning or late evening for largemouth bass; use topwater lures for the best results.

Fall

Focus on walleye with live bait rigs and crankbaits in deeper waters.

Winter

Ice fishing for bluegill and walleye; use small jigs with waxworms or minnows.

History and Interesting Facts

Welcome to the Brainerd Lakes area, home to over 480 lakes and rivers, including the Mississippi. Most of which are full of fish and our Brainerd lakes fishing guides know how to find the fish on these lakes as many of the guides cut their teeth and honed their skills on these lakes.

The Brainerd Lakes Area is one of the best multi-species, freshwater fisheries in the United States. You will find a variety of species abundant here – ranging from bass to muskie, but the region is best known for its walleye fishing.

It's on these waters that legendary anglers such as Al and Ron Lidner, Gary Roach, and Babe Winkelman got their early start. Major media and tackle companies in the fishing industry, Like In-Fisherman, Lidner Media, and Lindy Little Joe call the area home. There is a reason why they have never left, quite simply, it just doesn't get any better.

Fishing Minnesota lakes in the Brainerd area is a great way to get away, enjoy being out on the water-and to relax in the wonder of the natural woodlands, the fresh air and the opportunity to be in nature for a while. Gull, Round, North Long, Pelican, and the Whitefish Chain are some of the most popular lakes in the area. When you fish with us, you can expect a busy day catching a variety of species including Bass, Pike, Panfish and Walleye. If you are staying in the Brainerd Lakes Area we would love to share a boat with you!

The Brainerd Lakes area hosts the annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza, one of the largest ice fishing contests in the world.

The Brainerd Lakes area has a rich history of Native American heritage and was a significant site during the logging era.

Gull Lake, part of the Brainerd Lakes, is known for having the world’s largest charcuterie board event, which holds a Guinness World Record.

The area has more than 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, making it a year-round outdoor recreation hotspot.

Recommended Lodging In
The Brainerd Lakes Area

Comfortable lodging options by the lake. 

Quarterdeck Resort

With over a 1,000 feet of Gull Lake beachfront and the Brainerd Lakes Area as our backyard, we are a top water and winter playground. Recreation starts inside and continues right outside your door, including boating, kayaking, hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and more.

Learn more with the guide life!

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