Join Fishing For All in exploring our local waters on these cool, four-part, fly fishing social events! Fish after work. Meet like-minded anglers. Get better together.
Wednesday Night Metro Fly Fishing is a midweek fly fishing social for anglers who have already done a beginning fly fishing class and want to try new skills, catch new fish species, and explore new spots in their backyards with fellow fly fishers This isn’t a beginner class and it’s not a full on guided trip (though we will provide expert guidance and instruction if requested)—it’s a weekly meet-up for fly anglers who enjoy learning through shared experience, conversation, and time spent fishing productive metro water.
Think of it as your standing Wednesday night fishing crew—rotating locations, seasonal tactics, and plenty of room to fish your own way.
There’s nothing better than fly fishing on a summer evening in Minneapolis, Over the course of four weeks, you will explore the diverse and plentiful waters within the city limits, discovering the joys of urban fly fishing for just two hours each week. View the sample itinerary below!
Week 1: Bde Maka Ska
Your adventure begins at Bde Maka Ska, the largest lake in Minneapolis and part of the Chain of Lakes. As the evening sun casts a warm glow over the water, you set up on the west shore, known for its clear waters and abundant fish population. Bde Maka Ska is home to bass, walleye, and panfish. As you cast your line, the calmness of the lake and the distant city skyline create a perfect backdrop. The thrill of catching a lively bass or a colorful sunfish kicks off your urban fishing journey in style.
Week 2: Minnehaha Creek
In the second week, you head to Minnehaha Creek, which flows from Lake Minnetonka to the Mississippi River. This creek offers a more intimate and tranquil setting. You find a spot near Minnehaha Falls, where the water cascades beautifully, creating natural pools and riffles. The creek is known for its wide variety of warm water fish species. The challenge of casting in smaller waters, combined with the beauty of the surrounding park, makes for an engaging and serene experience. The joy of hooking a bass, carp, or pike in these idyllic surroundings is a highlight of your urban fishing adventure.
Week 3: Lake Hiawatha
Week three takes you to Lake Hiawatha, a smaller lake but rich in fishing opportunities. Located in the southeastern part of the city, Lake Hiawatha is known for its clear waters and accessible fishing spots. You find a quiet corner, where the reeds and aquatic plants provide excellent cover for largemouth bass and northern pike. As the evening progresses, the lake’s calm waters reflect the colors of the sunset, creating a stunning environment for fishing. The satisfaction of catching a pike or bass in this serene setting is a memorable part of your adventure.
Week 4: Mississippi River
Your final week brings you to the majestic Mississippi River. The river’s powerful currents and diverse fish population offer a challenging and exciting fishing experience. You find a spot where the water flows smoothly, ideal for casting your fly. The Mississippi is home to smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish. The combination of urban energy and natural beauty, with the sound of the river and the sight of the Minneapolis skyline, creates a unique fishing atmosphere. The thrill of hooking a strong smallmouth bass in the mighty Mississippi is a fitting climax to your four-week urban fly fishing adventure.
*Exact locations will be determined by the instructor, based on weather and water conditions, and will be emailed to you prior to each session.
Sessions: Wednesday’s 6:30-8:30pm (When booking, select the 1st date of the session for the correct dates/times. To book more than one session, complete three separate reservations.)
1) June 10, 17, 24, July 1
2) July 8, 15, 22, 29
3) August 5, 12, 19, 26
Cost: $160/angler/4-week session
*A MN fishing licence is required for anyone over the age of 16.
*All sales are final, no refunds will be given for the class series in the event of cancellation or absences
What This Is (and Isn’t)
What it is
- A relaxed, social fly fishing meet-up
- Shared water time with other intermediate to advanced anglers
- On-the-water discussion of tactics, flies, presentations, and seasonal patterns
- Access to instructors and guides for higher-level coaching and problem-solving
What it isn’t
- Not a beginner or intro class
- Not a gear-provided experience (bring your own rod and setup)
- Not a rigid lesson plan or step-by-step instruction
How the Night Flows
- Meet up at a designated metro location
- Quick group orientation and conditions check
- Break into natural clusters—fish solo, in pairs, or rotate through water
- Instructors circulate, offering advanced tips, adjustments, and insight as requested
- Wrap up with casual conversation, fly swaps, and future plans
No pressure. No curriculum. Just good fishing and better company.
Who This Is For
- Anglers comfortable casting and fishing independently
- Fly fishers looking to refine technique and strategy
- People who enjoy learning through conversation and observation
- Anyone who wants a consistent, social reason to fish midweek
If you’ve taken a 101 or 201 course or have equivalent experience, you’ll feel right at home.
Gear & Expectations
- Bring your own fly rod, reel, and basic setup
- Waders recommended when conditions call for them
- Fishing license required
- We’ll help with fly selection, rig refinement, presentation tweaks, and reading water, but we won’t be teaching fundamentals like basic casting or knots
Why Weeknight Fishing Socials?
Because progress happens through repetition and community.
Fishing regularly with other anglers accelerates learning, builds confidence, and keeps the season rolling even when weekends are booked. Wednesday nights become something more than practice—they become a rhythm.
Spots are limited to keep the group manageable and the vibe relaxed.
Bring your gear, your curiosity, and your favorite flies.
Reserve your spot and make Wednesday nights about good water and great company.
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.