Intro to Big River Bank Fishing

Learn how to successfully fish big water—without a boat.

This 2.5-hour Big River Bank Fishing class is designed to help anglers confidently target fish from shore on large river systems like the Mississippi, St. Croix, Minnesota, and other major riverways.

Big rivers can feel intimidating, but once you understand how current, structure, and seasonal patterns work, they become incredibly productive fishing environments. In this class, we break big rivers down into approachable, repeatable strategies that help you find fish and fish effectively from accessible shoreline spots.

Available Dates

  • June 27th, 2026, Mississippi River, Hidden Falls Regional Park, St Paul, 7-9pm 
  • August 1st, Minnesota River, Bloomington Ferry Landing, Bloomington, 630-830pm
Sign up for a date above!

What You’ll Learn

  • How big rivers function: current seams, eddies, backwaters, wing dams, and shoreline structure
  • Where fish hold in moving water—and why
  • Shore-accessible locations that consistently produce fish
  • How water levels, flow, and seasons affect fish behavior
  • Bank fishing safety considerations for large rivers
  • How to read a river and choose where to cast

Hands-On Skills & Techniques

  • Selecting the right rods, reels, line, and terminal tackle for river fishing
  • Rigging simple, effective setups for current (slip rigs, bottom rigs, jigging from shore)
  • Casting angles and presentations that work with—not against—the current
  • Detecting bites and setting hooks in moving water
  • Adjusting tactics based on flow speed and depth

Target Species (Season & Location Dependent)

  • Catfish (channel and flathead)
  • Walleye
  • Smallmouth and largemouth bass
  • Freshwater drum and other river species

Who This Class Is For

  • New anglers ready to move beyond lakes and ponds
  • Shore anglers who want more consistent success on rivers
  • Anyone curious about fishing large rivers without needing a boat
  • Families, friend groups, and solo anglers (all skill levels welcome)

All basic fishing instruction and guidance are included. Fishing equipment may be provided or shared depending on location and conditions.

Licensing Note:
All anglers ages 16 and older must have a valid Minnesota fishing license.

Whether you’re standing on a quiet shoreline or casting into powerful current, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to turn big rivers into productive fishing grounds—one cast at a time.

Policies:

-Fishing For All classes and events are nonrefundable, but can be transferred to other available options.

-Fishing For All does not collect your reservation or payment for programs with partner organizations, like our “Learn How to Ice Fish” programs. The partner organization will take your reservation and payment, and you are subject to their policies.

-Youth Summer Camp deposits are nonrefundable within 30 days of camp start date. They can be transferred to other available options. The remainder will be auto-collected on the 1st day of the camp. Once camp has started, this amount is nonrefundable and nontransferable.

-All class, event, and camp prices are subject to a 3% credit card processing fee and a $2/person booking fee. These costs are nonrefundable, but can be transferred with your deposit to another available option.