Letter From Evan: Women’s Steelhead Camp Recap
We held another spectacular women-only Steelhead Camp with Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota! This hosted retreat is a long standing tradition now, and this year was among the best yet. Our group was a mix of long-time returners, and several newcomers. Whether it’s your first time at one of our retreats or your 10th time, it is always hard to beat the comradery that is instantly built amongst the group. Stories are shared, skills and knowledge are passed along, and laughter abounds.
We stayed at the Brule River Wedding Barn in Brule, Wisconsin at the end of October. The property hosts two 1800’s cabins which have been lovingly restored and furnished with all the modern amenities of home. Our incredible guide team not only dispensed a lifetime’s worth of fishing knowledge, but also dished out an incredible menu spanning from fried walleye, spicy green chili, breakfast hotdish, and more.
Our intrepid crew spent two full days plying the cool, clear waters of the Brule. The weather was unseasonably hot and sunny, it felt more like summer trout fishing than late fall steelheading! Water levels were as low as they’ve ever been, which added some further complexities to an already challenging query. Despite that, we landed a couple fresh coho salmon, many steelhead smolt, and hooked several large steelhead that will definitely haunt us for a while. With the low water conditions, the number of coho salmon in the river seemed to be above normal from previous falls. They were still very active, and often seen leaping out of the water. Some jumped just out of arm’s reach of some of our anglers! Our guests had awesome attitudes the whole weekend, and were very willing to learn. Even though we worked hard for our fish, we immensely enjoyed the natural beauty surrounding us and the company we were with.
Every year we run this trip, it’s always fun to see people fall in love with steelheading on the Brule. Steelheading is an acquired taste, but it is hard to think of a more scenic river to stand in for hours without getting a bite. But when the magic finally does happen, it’s a moment that will be remembered for years to come. Hope you’ll join us on the Brule next season!
Bragging Board
Fish, fish, fish, and more fish are being hooked and landed in our great state! This is the time to get on the water for your chance at nearly everything that swims!
If you don’t know where to start, want to target something specific, or want to take your fish-catching ability to the next level, book a trip or class with our team so we can put you on some fish!
October Fishing
Upcoming Programs & Events
Build Your Own Ice Fishing Rod
Get ready for ice fishing season with a rod you built yourself! Join local rod builders for a hands-on class where you’ll learn how to build your own ice fishing rod. It’s a fun way to pick up a new skill and get ready for winter on the ice.
Give an Experience They’ll Remember
Looking for a holiday gift for the angler or outdoor adventurer in your life? Skip the usual gear and give them something even better: time on the water!
Fishing For All gift cards can be used toward fishing classes, guided trips, camps, and other FFA experiences. Whether they’re brand new to fishing or ready for their next adventure, there’s something for everyone.
Breaking Thread: Social Fly Tying Nights
2nd & 4th Tuesdays | November–April | 6:30–9:00 PM
Grab your vise and join us at 56 Brewing for an evening of fly tying, good company, and fishing stories! Whether you’re an experienced tier or just looking to connect with fellow anglers, Breaking Thread is a casual space to hang out, share ideas, and tie a few flies.
No registration required. Just add the dates to your calendar and come hang out!
Location: 56 Brewing, Minneapolis, MN
November Fishing Report
Fall fishing is winding down across Minnesota and western Wisconsin, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get out before winter takes over. Cooling water temperatures are pushing fish toward deeper structure, current seams, and late-season feeding patterns. Here’s what we’re watching as we head into November.
Metro Lakes
- Walleyes: Look for fish around deeper structure, rocky points, channel edges, and drop-offs. Jigs tipped with minnows remain a reliable late-season presentation.
- Smallmouth Bass: Target sunken islands, rocky shorelines, and deeper structure. Ned rigs, tubes, and small swimbaits are good options.
- Northern Pike: Follow baitfish around remaining weed edges, river mouths, and rocky shorelines. Fall is a great time to throw larger presentations.
- Crappies: Start looking for schools in deeper basins and along nearby structure.
Mississippi River – Monticello
- Warm-Water Discharge: The area below the Monticello power plant can offer interesting late-season opportunities because of its warm-water discharge. Check water temperatures and current conditions, as discharge conditions can change.
- Smallmouth Bass: Focus on rocky shorelines, wing dams, current breaks, and slack water. Ned rigs, small swimbaits, and suspending jerkbaits are worth trying.
- Walleyes: Work deeper current seams, channel edges, and areas below dams. Jigs tipped with minnows or plastics are good starting points.
St. Croix River – Fall Muskies
- Late October is a great time to target big muskies as they feed heavily ahead of winter.
- Focus on deep weed edges, rocky points, channel breaks, and areas where current concentrates baitfish.
- Large rubber baits, jerkbaits, bucktails, and big-profile flies are all worth having in the rotation. Experiment with retrieve speed and depth as water temperatures drop.
- Make every cast count with deliberate figure-eights at the boat.
- Smallmouth bass and walleyes are still available around deeper rocky structure and current seams. Jigs tipped with minnows or plastics are good options for walleyes.
- Bring heavy leaders, strong hooks, long-handled pliers, and a large net for safe muskie handling and quick releases.
Lake Superior & The Brule River
- Steelhead: Fall steelhead remain the primary target on Wisconsin’s Bois Brule River, with coho salmon also moving through the system.
- Look for fish holding in deeper pools and slower water, particularly as temperatures and river levels change.
- Beads, spawn, yarn flies, and small presentations are all worth having in the rotation.
- The Brule is closed upstream of HWY 2, and the lower river is open until Nov 15th.
Driftless Region – Trout Fishing
- Regular inland trout season is now closed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, with exceptions in designated southeastern Minnesota trout waters that remain open in several state parks and in-town sections for catch and release fishing.
- For waters that remain open, try smaller streamers, nymphs, and midges in the runs and pools below fast water.
- Low, clear water will necessitate long, thin leaders and stealthy approaches.
- You may see midges hatching and even a couple BWO mayflies still hanging around.
- Brook and brown trout are spawning this time of year! Be mindful of trout nests (redds) which are found in shallow, fast gravelly areas of a stream and you’ll see ovals of cleaned gravel on the streambed. It is best practice to leave actively spawning fish alone.
Local Highlight: Zero Trace Baits
Zero Trace Baits: Better Fishing, Less Plastic
What started with a little creativity, a lot of duct tape, and a passion for getting kids outdoors has grown into a new approach to fishing tackle.
Years ago, Andrea Dolan and Evan Rechelbacher helped turn Wayzata Sailing’s STEM Camp and Fish Camp from shoestring operations into thriving programs connecting kids with fishing, science, and the outdoors. That same curiosity eventually inspired Evan’s college capstone project at the University of St. Thomas, where the idea for Zero Trace Baits was born.
Fishing Lures Without the Plastic
Traditional soft plastic lures can be lost in lakes and rivers, leaving plastic behind. Zero Trace Baits set out to create an alternative that delivers the performance anglers expect without the lasting plastic waste.
Made from food-grade materials, their 100% biodegradable fishing lures are designed to stay firm while casting, then hydrate in water to become soft and flexible. They also release a water-soluble scent trail to help attract fish. If a lure is lost, it’s designed to break down rather than remain in the water as plastic waste.
It’s a fresh approach to tackle that brings together fishing performance, innovation, and a commitment to protecting the waters we love.
Meet Zero Trace Baits This Winter
Looking for a stocking stuffer for your favorite angler? Check out Zero Trace Baits online or visit them at the St. Paul Ice Fishing Show, Booth #1427.
Special offer: Mention this article at their booth and receive a free gift with purchase!
Want to learn more about their story? Watch their video, The Road to Better Baits, and see how the idea came to life.
Catch More Fish. Leave Zero Trace.
Thanks for Being Part of Fishing For All
Whether you’re joining us on the river or learning something new indoors, we’re glad you’re here. Let’s keep making fishing memories together.