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Expert-Guided Bass Fishing on Lake Elmo

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Lake Elmo, MN
  • $200 - $500 price range
  • Updated Date: August 31, 2025

Summary

Ready for some early morning action on Lake Elmo? Join us for a 4-hour guided bass fishing trip starting at 7 AM. We'll be cruising in a top-notch 21 ft Nitro Z21 Bass Boat, powered by a 250hp Mercury engine. This trip is perfect for groups of up to 4, whether you're seasoned anglers or just starting out. We'll be targeting Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, with chances for Northern Pike and Muskie too. All the fishing gear and safety equipment is provided, so you just need to bring your food, drinks, and a valid Minnesota fishing license. Throughout the trip, you'll get hands-on experience and expert tips to improve your technique. It's a great way to learn the ins and outs of bass fishing on this beautiful lake. Remember, the deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before booking. See you on the water!
Expert-Guided Bass Fishing on Lake Elmo

Big Bass Moments

previous-image
Largemouth bass caught while fishing in Minnesota

Chunky Largemouth Bass on deck

One fisherman fishing at Lake Elmo

Feisty Muskie from Lake Elmo

Couple fishing in Minnesota

Smooth day on the Nitro Z21

Largemouth bass caught in MN

Calm Largemouth Bass catch

Two anglers fishing at Lake Elmo, with one fish caught.

Teaching beginner Anglers all the way to pro

One person fishing at Lake Elmo

Sunny Largemouth Bass from the kayak

Muskellunge, a 35-inch fish, caught in MN using fishing technique.

Lean Muskie from Lake Elmo

A scenic view of Lake Elmo, a beautiful outdoor location for fishing.

Crisp morning launch on Lake Elmo

A person fishing in Minnesota

Smooth launch on Lake Elmo

Largemouth Bass caught while fishing in MN

Clean Largemouth Bass catch

Largemouth bass caught while fishing in Minnesota

Chunky Largemouth Bass on deck

One fisherman fishing at Lake Elmo

Feisty Muskie from Lake Elmo

Couple fishing in Minnesota

Smooth day on the Nitro Z21

Largemouth bass caught in MN

Calm Largemouth Bass catch

Two anglers fishing at Lake Elmo, with one fish caught.

Teaching beginner Anglers all the way to pro

One person fishing at Lake Elmo

Sunny Largemouth Bass from the kayak

Muskellunge, a 35-inch fish, caught in MN using fishing technique.

Lean Muskie from Lake Elmo

A scenic view of Lake Elmo, a beautiful outdoor location for fishing.

Crisp morning launch on Lake Elmo

A person fishing in Minnesota

Smooth launch on Lake Elmo

Largemouth Bass caught while fishing in MN

Clean Largemouth Bass catch

Largemouth bass caught while fishing in Minnesota

Chunky Largemouth Bass on deck

One fisherman fishing at Lake Elmo

Feisty Muskie from Lake Elmo

Couple fishing in Minnesota

Smooth day on the Nitro Z21

Largemouth bass caught in MN

Calm Largemouth Bass catch

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Bass Bonanza: Half-Day Lake Elmo Adventure

Ready to reel in some serious bass action? Our half-day guided trip on Lake Elmo is your ticket to a morning of non-stop fishing fun. We'll hit the water at 7 AM sharp, giving you prime time to land those trophy bass before they hunker down for the day. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our expert guide will make sure you're in the right spots and using the best techniques to maximize your catch. With room for up to 4 anglers, it's the perfect way to spend a few hours with friends or family, making memories and maybe even setting a new personal best.

Trip Overview

Picture this: You're cruising across Lake Elmo's glassy surface as the sun peeks over the horizon, the cool morning air filled with anticipation. Our top-notch 21 ft Nitro Z21 Bass Boat, powered by a beefy 250hp Mercury engine, gets us to the hotspots in no time. We've got 4 solid hours to work the weedlines, structure, and open water for those big bass that call Lake Elmo home. Don't sweat the gear – we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the safety equipment you'll need. Just bring your Minnesota fishing license, some grub to keep you fueled up, and your A-game. Oh, and fair warning: once you start hooking into these Lake Elmo lunkers, you might find yourself planning your next trip before we even hit the dock.

What to Expect on the Water

Lake Elmo's a bass angler's playground, and we know how to make the most of it. We'll start by targeting those early morning feeding zones – maybe tossing some topwater lures around lily pads or working a jig through submerged timber. As the sun climbs, we'll adjust our tactics, maybe switching to deeper structure or finesse techniques to keep the bites coming. Our guide's always got a few tricks up their sleeve, whether it's a secret spot that's been producing or a killer bait the fish can't resist. We'll mix it up between largemouth and smallmouth tactics, giving you a well-rounded Lake Elmo bass experience. And hey, if a chunky northern pike or muskie decides to crash the party, we're more than happy to tangle with them too.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about Lake Elmo that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the quality of the fish – we're talking about some real footballs here, both largemouth and smallmouth that'll test your drag and make for killer photos. Or it could be the lake itself, with its mix of shallow bays, deep holes, and everything in between. It's like a bass fishing buffet, and we know how to serve it up right. But if you ask our regulars, they'll probably tell you it's the whole package – great fishing, beautiful scenery, and the kind of laid-back vibe that makes you forget about everything else for a few hours. Plus, being so close to the Twin Cities means you can squeeze in a world-class fishing trip without eating up your whole day.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Largemouth Bass: These bucket-mouthed bruisers are the kings of Lake Elmo. They love to hunker down in thick cover – weedbeds, fallen trees, you name it. In the early morning, you might see them smashing bait on the surface, which is about as exciting as fishing gets. They'll hit a wide range of lures, from big, noisy topwaters to finesse plastics when they get picky. Lake Elmo's largemouth can push the 5-pound mark, with some real giants lurking in the depths.

Smallmouth Bass: Don't let the name fool you – there's nothing small about the fight these bronze backs put up. Lake Elmo's smallmouth are like underwater rockets, known for their acrobatic jumps and bulldog runs. They prefer rocky areas and drop-offs, and they're suckers for a well-presented tube jig or crankbait. The lake's got a healthy population of 2-4 pounders, with the occasional trophy pushing past 5 pounds. When you hook into one of these, hold on tight – it's going to be a wild ride.

Northern Pike: While bass are our main target, Lake Elmo's got some toothy critters that love to crash the party. Northern pike are ambush predators that'll hit just about anything that moves. They love to hang out in weed edges and points, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. We often catch them while bass fishing, but if you want to target them specifically, big spinnerbaits or live bait under a float can be deadly. Lake Elmo's got some solid pike in the 24-30 inch range, with the occasional monster pushing past 36 inches.

Muskie: The elusive "fish of 10,000 casts" calls Lake Elmo home, and while they're not our primary target, hooking into one of these apex predators can be the highlight of any trip. Muskies are mostly caught by accident while bass fishing here, but when it happens, it's pure adrenaline. These fish can grow huge in Lake Elmo, with specimens over 40 inches not unheard of. They're most active in late summer and fall, so if you're here during those times, keep your eyes peeled for a follow from one of these lake monsters.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, we could go on all day about why this Lake Elmo bass trip is the real deal, but at some point, you've just got to get out there and experience it for yourself. Whether you're looking to learn some new techniques, introduce the kids to the joys of fishing, or just want to spend a morning pulling on some hard-fighting bass, we've got you covered. Remember, we're talking prime fishing hours here – that 7 AM start time isn't just for show. It's when the big ones are most likely to play ball. So why not grab a few buddies, clear your calendar for a morning, and join us for some of the best bass action the Twin Cities has to offer? Just don't blame us if you end up hooked on Lake Elmo fishing – it happens to the best of us. Give us a shout to lock in your date, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you grinning long after you're back on dry land.

Learn more about the species

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the heavyweights of Lake Elmo, often tipping the scales at 2-6 pounds. These olive-green ambush predators love to lurk in weedy areas, fallen timber, and near docks. You'll find them in shallower waters during spring and fall, moving deeper as summer heats up. Anglers prize largemouth for their powerful runs and spectacular topwater strikes. To entice a big one, try working a plastic worm or jig slowly through cover. Early mornings and late evenings are often the best times to land a lunker. Here's a local tip: when the water's warm, target shady spots near structure – that's where the big boys like to hide out. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to feel that heart-pounding strike, largemouth bass fishing on Lake Elmo is an experience you won't forget.

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Dolomieu) Description 

Smallmouth Bass belongs to the Sunfish family (Centrarchidae) and is a popular freshwater fish among anglers.  Smallmouth Bass has a dark green or black color body, with vertical dark brown stripes that usually fade with age, and the color contrast may vary depending on the fish’s habitat. Their eyes are red or brown.  They have two dorsal fins; the front one has 10 fin spines while the other has 10 to 15 soft rays. 

Smallmouth Bass

Female Smallmouth bass are usually larger in size than males. The average size of smallmouth bass can be 18–20 inches. On average, they usually live only 5 to 6 years but can survive up to 15 years. Smallmouth bass found in lakes are larger than those found in streams and ponds. Females usually weigh from three to six pounds, while the males are around 2 pounds.

Smallmouth Bass Habitat 

Smallmouth Bass Map of Habitat

This bass species can be found in clear waters, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They prefer rubble and rocky bottoms.  Smallmouth bass also prefer moderate temperatures, and they will swim deeper in the cooler water during summer.

Spawning

Smallmouth Bass spawn March-May when water temperatures reach between 59 and 64 degrees. The males build nests in the shallow waters of lakes and rivers. The nest is built building within 150 yards of where the male built his nest the previous year. 

Diet

The Smallmouth Bass eats small fish, crayfish, and insects. They hide behind a fallen tree or a rock and attack when the prey is near. 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Smallmouth Bass 

A light breeze and calm waters are best suited to catch Smallmouth Bass. In spring and fall, they like to swim in open waters during bright days and warm temperatures. In summer, they swim deep under cooler water and are harder to find. It is best to fish for Smallmouth early morning or late evening.

Smallmouth bass are fighters. A spinning rod of light to medium action with a 6 to 10 pounds test line is recommended. 

There are plenty of baits and lures that work successfully to catch these fish; insects, jigs, minnows, plugs, plastic worms, spoons and night crawlers.  A favorite of anglers is to use spinning baits that when rigged weightless, can hang on top of the water. When the fish are in deeper water during the summer, use a rig with a weighted vertical drop hook. 

Fly-fishing Smallmouth Bass is popular due to their abundance and strength. When you want to cast into deeper water, use a 6, 7 or 8 weight rod. This will be suitable for strong winds, landing larger fish, and a long cast. A longer rod, 81/2- to 9-foot, is good when you need accuracy for casting near shoreline structures or long-distance casting.

Is Smallmouth Bass Good to Eat

Smallmouth bass have a firm filet with a mild, yet distinct flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of seasonings and cooking methods. So whether you prefer grilling, frying, or baking your catch, smallmouth bass is a tasty and versatile option that you won't want to miss out on.  What's more, smallmouth bass are a healthy food option, as they are excellent sources of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.

With any freshwater fish, you need to be mindful of the water you are fishing.  Make sure if you are eating your catch, the water is clean and be aware that freshwater fish should always be cooked.

Smallmouth Bass

About the Fishing with Cam

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 70

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready to reel in some bass on Lake Elmo? Join us for a 4-hour guided fishing trip that'll have you casting lines by 7 AM. Our 21-foot Nitro Z21 Bass Boat, powered by a robust 250hp Mercury engine, comfortably fits up to 4 anglers. We'll be targeting Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and the elusive Muskie. No need to worry about gear - we've got all the fishing and safety equipment covered. Just remember to bring your Minnesota fishing license, some snacks, and drinks. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to fishing, our expert guide will share tips and tricks to improve your technique. It's a great way to spend a morning on the water, learning and potentially landing some impressive catches. Keep in mind, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready for this early morning adventure!
Fishing with Cam

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Top Bass Fishing in Lake Elmo!

Join Captain Cam Quinlan on Lake Elmo for a memorable fishing experience with Fishing with Cam! Whether you're seeking bass, muskie, or pike, book your adventure today and enjoy a great day on the water.

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