Best places to fish in Brainerd

34 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

The Brainerd Lakes area is one of Minnesota's most storied fisheries, built around Gull Lake and a chain of dozens of lakes, with Mille Lacs a short drive away. Walleye is the state's signature fish here, and guides also chase muskie, northern pike, smallmouth bass and slab panfish. In open water, expect jig-and-minnow work over sand flats early in the season and live-bait rigging with leeches and crawlers along breaklines through summer, plus trolling crankbaits for muskie. Guides launch from Gull Lake public ramps and access points scattered across the region. When the lakes lock up, this becomes one of the busiest ice-fishing scenes in the country, with wheelhouses and permanent villages parked over walleye and crappie. The guides below are ranked by Google review volume and rating.

Typical fishing charter cost in Brainerd

A half-day inshore charter in Brainerd typically runs $350-$600 per trip - smaller boats and shorter trips at the low end, offshore and full-day trips toward the top. Rates vary by boat and party size - confirm trip details, pricing and availability directly with the operator.

See how Brainerd ranks nationally in the Fishing Charter Cost Index.

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Fishing Charters (13) Public Fishing Spots (10) Fishing Piers (9) Bait & Tackle Shops (4) Fishing Guides (9) Marinas & Boat Ramps (15)

Top-rated fishing in Brainerd

FAQ

Fishing in Brainerd - common questions

How much does a fishing guide cost in Brainerd? +

Most Brainerd guides run about $350-$600. Half-day open-water trips sit at the lower end, while full days and heated ice-house trips push higher. Rates are usually per boat for one to three anglers, so confirm the all-in price and guest count with the operator.

What fish can you catch around Brainerd? +

Walleye is the headliner, but Gull Lake and the surrounding chain also give up muskie, northern pike, smallmouth bass, crappie and bluegill depending on the season.

Is ice fishing available in Brainerd? +

Yes. From roughly late December into March, guides run heated wheelhouses and portable shelters for walleye, perch and crappie across the Brainerd Lakes and nearby Mille Lacs.

When is the best time to fish Brainerd for walleye? +

The May opener and June are excellent for shallow jig bites, while summer live-bait rigging and the winter ice season both produce consistently.

Best places to fish in Brainerd

Top-rated fishing in Brainerd

Blong's Brainerd Guide Service

Terry's Boat Harbor

S & W Bait

Livin' the Dream Guide Service LLC

Garrison Sports Bait and Tackle + Fishing Launch

Walleyedan's Guide Service

SPR Motorsports & Marine

Todd Andrist

Gull Lake East Public Water Access

Phil's Myr Mar Marina

Bay Lake Public Water Access

Pelican Lake Fish House Rentals and Guide Service (Breezy Point MN)

Oars-N-Mine Docks & Lifts

Garrison Pike Point Public Water/Boat Access

Ice Camp Outfitters

North Long Lake Merrifield Public Water Access

Shah-bush-kung Bay Public Water Access

Ice Guys Fish House Rentals

Nate Berg Fishing Guides

Lake Edward Public Water Access

Minnesota Recreational Rentals

371 Outdoors (Ice Forts)

The Dock Shop

Hawg Hunterz Guide Service LLC

Farm Island Lake Public Water Access

Lake Alexander East Access

Breezy Point Fish House Rentals

Sylvan Dam Fishing Pier

Mississippi River Fishing Pier

Lower South Long Lake Fishing Pier

Green Prairie Fish Lake Fishing Pier

Pillager Lake Fishing Piers

Mississippi River Fishing Pier

Gull Lake Narrows Fishing Pier

Fishing in Brainerd - common questions