Say “YES” to Fishing in 2026
-Evan Griggs, Owner Fishing For All
It’s the new year, that means I have to set- and hopefully stick to- some resolutions. This year my resolution is to incorporate more adventure into my life. Funny coming from a full-time fish bum, I know! For as long as I can remember, I was always out on the water or in the woods of South Minneapolis getting into trouble and pretending I was a mountain man. Eventually, I figured out that the outdoor guiding professional lifestyle existed, and here we all are many moons later. But even I, just like so many others out there, choose the easy path when life gets busy and hectic, or God-forbid you watch the news, and priorities get shifted. Maintaining the balance, confidence, and motivation to keep getting out there is where the struggle becomes real. The temptation to become just a “weekender” or fair weather angler is all too alluring and easy. But the consequence of the easy path as the year passes by is being able to count the number of times you fished on just one hand.
I recently said yes, without any forethought, to a fishing trip with my friend and FFA guide, Ben Neitge. He put together a weekend trip with his cousin and his cousin’s friend in a sleeper shack on Lake of the Woods, and invited me along to fill one of the bunks. Two things I had not done yet was ice fish from a sleeper shack, or been to Lake of the Woods. And in the year of saying yes to more adventures, I was eager to check both of those things off my MN fishing bucket list. We rolled out onto the frozen lake like a scene from the History Channel’s Ice Road Truckers and got settled into our shack out in the middle of the frozen wasteland. A bonus quest to this trip was I REALLY wanted to catch and eat an eelpout. The moniker for these carnivorous boogers is “the poor man’s lobster.”
At about 4am the next morning, the rattle reel next to my bed began screaming, and was able to pull in my first eelpout, then we all got several more over the next day too. We did keep the fish, and I can confirm it tastes and looks just like lobster tail after being poached in butter. Add in the usual “dude-trip” antics, a whiteout blizzard, and getting snowed in- this trip checked all boxes for being a damn good adventure.
There are innumerable studies out there showing how good being outdoors is for our health, both physically and mentally. So this year, Fishing For All has doubled down on ways to get you (and I) on way more crazy fishing adventures and building a community of adventure seeking anglers. Adventure brings us together, and we’re using our shared love of fishing as the catalyst. Check out all the new classes, camps, and even a membership we added! I hope this helps make it easier for you to say, “Yes” to going fishing this year. We want to prove that You belong on the water and You can do this too.
Read on below for our initial drop of 2026 camps, classes, and memberships!
Community Highlight – Jamie Lehmann’s Recap Of FFA’s DIY Montana Trip
This January, I traveled to Fort Smith, Montana with a group of close fishing friends for a self-guided fishing trip on the Big Horn River. Hosted by Evan Griggs, owner of Fishing For All, and guide Nikki Fischer. The trip centered on learning how to row drift boats while supporting one another on the water. We were prepared for freezing temperatures but got very lucky with the weather. Most days were in the 30’s but the wind could be brutal. The experience was empowering, challenging, and far more meaningful than any of us expected.
Before heading to Montana, Evan made sure we were prepared by scheduling multiple rowing lessons on the Mississippi River. With Evan’s instruction and Nikki’s steady patience, we spent several days learning how to handle drift boats and read moving water. Rowing didn’t come easily at first, but with practice, it became one of the most rewarding parts of the trip. Being in control of the boat, making decisions, correcting mistakes, and feeling things start to click was all incredibly rewarding.
On the Big Horn, our days were spent floating the river in two boats, rotating between rowing and fishing. With six people in total, everyone had time on the oars and time with a rod in hand. Evan and Nikki stayed split between the boats the entire trip, offering guidance when needed and giving us the confidence to take the lead. Rowing through the Big Horn’s larger rapids was one of the most exciting parts of the experience. While the river isn’t especially technical, those sections brought a rush of adrenaline, a real sense of accomplishment, and lots of Woohoos!
Everyone caught fish and we worked together to figure out what the trout wanted each day. We adjusted flies and techniques, shared observations and rods, and rotated positions so no one was left out. Some stretches were slow, others were excellent, but the group stayed patient and positive throughout. Every fish was celebrated, no matter who caught it. One of my favorite experiences was rowing while someone else hooked into a big fish it felt like a shared win, with cheering coming from both boats.
Evan and Nikki handled streamside lunches, which quickly became a highlight. One day we had Nikki’s two-time award winning green chili with pork. Another famous lunch was Evan’s smash burgers cooked right there on the bank of the river. Evenings were just as memorable as our time on the water. Each night, one person was in charge of dinner, but everyone helped with prep, cooking, and cleanup. I think the highlight of dinner for me was the Tater Tot Hot Dish that Janet made. After dinner, we took nightly walks through town, laughing and unwinding after long days in the boats. We played a fish board game called Finspan that we maybe got a little too aggressive with, did a fish puzzle, and played Scatagories.
The trip pushed all of us, both mentally and physically. The Big Horn asked us to be resilient in small, daily ways. Cold fingers and faces. Icy rods. Wind that cut straight through layers. The trip reinforced how important mindset is on the water. Staying flexible, laughing through mistakes, and supporting one another made all the difference. On the final day, we even came across horses drinking and playing in the river. We reached out to pet them, as if the river had decided to offer us one last gift.
Looking back, the scenery of Montana stands out vividly in my memory. Rolling brown hills, birds flying overhead, deer along the riverbanks, horses in the water, and the harsh cold wind blowing against my face. I learned valuable lessons about staying tough, keeping a positive mindset, celebrating other people’s successes, and slowing down when things were not going my way. The trip reminded me to pause, take a deep breath, look up from the water, and truly appreciate the beauty around me. It was an experience that strengthened both my skills and my mindset, and one I will carry with me for a long time. Until next year!
FREQUENT FISHERS MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
2026 is going to be a big year for Fishing For All, and we are so excited to share these incredible opportunities with our community! These offerings usually book quickly, so snag your spot as soon as you can!
First, we are announcing Fishing For All’s Frequent Fishers Monthly Membership program!
Frequent Fisher Memberships with Fishing For All are for intermediate to advanced skill anglers looking for advanced-level learning, deeper experiences, and diverse fishing opportunities!
As a Frequent Fisher Member, you get access to 8 exclusive benefits plus additional perks.
Details for this membership can be found below!
2026 Trips, Camps, Classes, and More!
- Learn How to Fish
- All-Inclusive Trips
- DIY Trips
- Weekly Meetups
- Youth Camps
Ongoing Events and Classes
Back by popular demand, we will be returning to the gym at Two Rivers High School in Mendota Heights for Indoor Fly Casting Lessons!
Don’t let your casting arm get rusty over winter, we can help you polish up your skills! Whether you’re a beginner or advanced caster, we can help fine tune your distance and accuracy, and/or start from square one.
Bring your own fly rod if you have one, otherwise we will have a small number of loaner rods available. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. $50/angler/session.
- Sessions: 7:30-9pm @ Two Rivers High School, Mendota Heights MN
- January 30
- February 20, 27
- March 6
Tis the season! Come “Break Thread” with us this winter at 56brewing.
These are FREE social fly tying gatherings, bring your own fly tying stuff (you don’t need to be a pro!)
Come hang, drink, and be nerdy!
- 1/27
- 2/10 & 24
- 3/10 & 24
- 4/14 & 28
2026 Intro to Ice Fishing Programs!
Fishing isn’t just a summer activity! Once our lakes freeze over, we can venture out and catch fish through the ice. Fishing For All has partnered with many parks and rec departments across the metro to offer 2hr intro to ice fishing classes. We will show you how to use the equipment, find where the fish live in winter, and try to catch some fish. All equipment will be provided, minors must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up through our partner’s websites below:
Bloomington Parks and Rec – 10-12:00 & 1-3:00 @ Bush Lake: 1/25, 2/05, 2/22
Dakota County Parks – 1/24 1:00-3:00 @ Holland Lake & 2/14 1:00-3:00 @ Lake Byllesby
New Brighton Parks and Rec – 1/31 10:00-12:00 @ Long Lake
City of Eagan – 2/21 1:00-3:00 @ Moonshine Park
Mendota Heights Park and Rec – “Winter Whirl”, 2/7 12:00-2:00 @ Roger Lake Park (Free, no pre-registration required.)
Washington County Parks – “Blizzard Bash”, 2/14 11:00-1:00 @ Cottage Grove Ravine Park (Free, no pre-registration required.)
Tie the Pink Squirrel – Cody Kutil
Guide Tips From the FFA Team
Check out this easy fly pattern that trout love! Video and tie by Cody Kutil, FFA’s Tying Wizard
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