Ready to spend a full day chasing monster bass on Lake Elmo? This 6-hour trip with Fishing with Cam is your ticket to some of the best angling action in Minnesota. We'll hit the water at the crack of dawn, armed with top-notch gear and local know-how to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to fine-tune your techniques or a newbie eager to learn the ropes, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your favorite lucky hat and let's get after those lunkers!
Picture this: You're cruising across Lake Elmo in a slick 21-foot Nitro Z21, powered by a beefy 250hp Mercury. The sun's just peeking over the trees, the water's like glass, and you can practically feel those bass calling your name. We've got room for up to 4 anglers, so bring your buddies or make it a family affair. From 7 AM to 1 PM, we'll hit all the sweet spots – from weed beds to drop-offs – targeting largemouth and smallmouth bass, with a shot at some toothy northern pike and muskie too. I'll show you the tricks of the trade, from flipping jigs to working topwater lures. All you need to bring is your grub, something to drink, and a valid Minnesota fishing license (easy to snag online if you need one). Oh, and don't forget your camera – you'll want proof when you land that wall-hanger!
On this trip, we're not messing around with bargain bin tackle. You'll be slinging some seriously good gear – we're talking high-end rods, reels, and a tackle selection that'd make any bass pro drool. We'll mix it up based on what the fish are biting, but expect to try everything from finesse techniques with soft plastics to ripping big swimbaits. I'll show you how to work a wacky rig through thick cover, walk the dog with a Zara Spook, or drop shot those deeper structures where the big ones like to hide. And if the bite's tough? No worries. We've got plenty of time to switch it up and dial in what works. By the end of the day, you'll have a whole new bag of tricks to add to your fishing arsenal.
Largemouth Bass: These bucket-mouthed bruisers are the stars of the show on Lake Elmo. They love to hunker down in thick cover – think fallen trees, weed edges, and docks. In the early morning, we might catch them smashing topwater lures, which is about as exciting as fishing gets. As the day warms up, we'll switch to working the deeper weed lines or flipping jigs into heavy cover. Largemouth here can push 5-6 pounds, with the occasional real toad topping 7. They fight like freight trains and aren't afraid to get airborne – hold on tight!
Smallmouth Bass: If largemouth are brawlers, smallies are the acrobats of the bass world. These bronze-backed beauties prefer cleaner, rockier areas of the lake. We'll target them around points, breaks, and submerged rock piles. Smallmouth go nuts for tube jigs, drop shot rigs, and small crankbaits. The coolest part? When you hook one, be ready for some serious aerial displays. A 3-4 pound smallmouth will give you a fight you won't soon forget. And the best part? Lake Elmo's got some real chunks, with fish pushing 5 pounds not unheard of.
Northern Pike: While we're primarily bass fishing, don't be surprised if a toothy pike crashes the party. These aggressive predators love to hang out in weed beds and along drop-offs. They'll absolutely hammer spinnerbaits, big swimbaits, or even bass lures. Pike in Lake Elmo average 24-30 inches, but there are some real gators lurking in the deeper water that can top 40 inches. Just watch those teeth when unhooking!
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 monsters is always a possibility. Muskies here can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 40 inches not uncommon. They're most active in the cooler months, but even in summer, a big muskie might decide your bass lure looks like an easy meal. If we're lucky enough to tangle with one, get ready for the fight of your life!
Look, I've guided on lakes all over Minnesota, but there's something special about Lake Elmo. Maybe it's the variety – one minute you're flipping to largemouth, the next you're battling a smallie on a main lake point. Or maybe it's the potential for that next cast to produce a personal best. But I think what keeps folks coming back is the whole package: a beautiful lake, awesome fishing, and the chance to spend a day making memories on the water. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce the kids to fishing, or just escape the grind for a day, this trip delivers. And let's be real – nothing beats the feeling of that first big bass of the day peeling drag while the mist's still rising off the water.
Alright, folks – if you're itching to get out on Lake Elmo and tangle with some bass, now's the time to lock in your spot. Remember, we've only got room for 4 anglers per trip, and the prime dates fill up fast. Whether you're a seasoned bass junkie or looking to pop your Lake Elmo cherry, I promise you're in for a day of serious fishing action. So what are you waiting for? Grab your crew, pick a date, and let's hit the water. Those bass aren't going to catch themselves!
Largemouth bass are the heavyweights of Lake Elmo, often topping 5 pounds. Look for them in weedy areas, near fallen trees, or along dock edges. They're ambush predators, so fishing close to cover is key. Early morning and late evening are prime times, especially in summer when they seek cooler, deeper water during the day. Anglers love largemouth for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwater frogs to deep-diving crankbaits. One tip: when the bite's tough, slow down your presentation and work soft plastics methodically through likely holding areas. The biggest bass often require a bit of patience to tempt into striking. Whether you're after a trophy or just want consistent action, largemouth bass rarely disappoint.
Smallmouth bass are feisty fighters that'll give you a run for your money. These bronze beauties usually run 12-18 inches and prefer cool, clear waters with rocky bottoms. You'll find them hugging structure like submerged logs or boulders. Spring and fall are prime times, when they're active in shallower water. Smallies are known for explosive strikes and acrobatic leaps – it's why so many anglers get hooked on chasing them. They're also excellent eating if you choose to keep a few. For best results, try finesse tactics with light line and smaller baits. A local trick: when the water's calm, watch for subtle surface disturbances. That's often smallmouth chasing bait fish, and a well-placed cast can lead to an exciting battle.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 70
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250