Summer on Lake of the Woods offers big water, diverse species, and the flexibility to build each day around what your group wants out of the trip. Our summer fishing trips are guided, fully equipped, and designed to feel relaxed, organized, and enjoyable—whether you’re focused on fishing hard, exploring remote water, or spending quality time outdoors
Backcountry Guide Co. runs guided open-water trips on both the Minnesota and Canadian sides of Lake of the Woods, where licensing and regulations allow. We tailor each day to the group, adjusting the pace, locations, and focus based on experience level, comfort, and goals.
We offer full and half-day guided fishing trips during the open-water season using new Ranger boats. Trips are available on the Minnesota side and, when regulations allow, on the Canadian side of Lake of the Woods.
Trips are adjusted based on conditions, time of year, and what the group wants to focus on.
Summer fishing with Backcountry Guide Co. is built around flexible, guided open-water trips on Lake of the Woods in both Minnesota and Canada. Each day is customized around conditions, seasonal patterns, and the species you want to target while maintaining the same premium level of service and equipment.
All summer trips are priced the same regardless of species or whether you’re fishing in Minnesota or Canadian waters. Guests choose the species they want to focus on, and we handle the rest—from gear and bait to fuel, shore lunch, and fish care.
Walleyes are the backbone of summer fishing on Lake of the Woods and a primary focus for many of our guests. Summer walleye trips are adjusted daily based on water temperature, wind, and bite patterns, allowing us to fish structure, flats, or open-water areas as conditions dictate.
These trips are well suited for both experienced anglers looking to maximize opportunities and guests who want a relaxed, enjoyable day on the water with consistent action. Your guide handles all positioning, boat control, and adjustments throughout the day to stay on productive water.
Summer crappie fishing focuses on locating schools relating to structure, depth changes, and seasonal movement. These trips often involve a mix of fishing and relocating as patterns shift throughout the day.
Crappie trips are a great option for anglers who enjoy a slightly more technical approach and want to target quality fish in less pressured areas. Depending on conditions, crappie trips may include a mix of casting, vertical presentations, and controlled drifts.
Summer muskie trips are designed for anglers who want a focused, high-effort day targeting one of the most challenging freshwater species on Lake of the Woods. These trips involve covering water, fishing proven structure, and adjusting locations throughout the day based on conditions and activity.
Muskie fishing requires patience and persistence, and while action can be slower than other species, the opportunity for a true trophy is what draws many guests to this trip. These days are best suited for anglers who understand the grind and want a dedicated muskie-focused experience.
Northern pike trips are ideal for guests looking for aggressive fish, exciting strikes, and a fun day on the water. Pike are targeted around weed edges, structure, and transition areas depending on the time of summer and water conditions.
These trips are well suited for mixed-experience groups, families, and anglers who enjoy active fishing with opportunities for larger fish. Pike fishing can also be combined naturally with other species depending on conditions and guest preference.
For guests looking for something beyond a standard guided day, we offer backcountry-style summer trips. These focus on remote structure, scenic runs, and a more exploratory feel, while still keeping the day comfortable and well-supported.
This is a good option for guests who want the “expedition” feel without sacrificing comfort.
Food and comfort are treated as part of the experience, not an afterthought. Our summer trips can include high-end shorelunches and on-water meals, with all non-alcoholic drinks provided.
These details help make the day more enjoyable, especially for longer trips or mixed-experience groups.
There are no extra charges for bait, fuel, or meals. These are built into the trip.
A standard guided summer day is approximately eight hours, but schedules are flexible.
Trips can start early for sunrise fishing, run later into the evening, or be adjusted to match weather and group preferences. Early starts, late returns, or extended days are discussed in advance and planned around what the group wants out of the trip.
Summer trips typically include pickup at the resort where guests are staying, making logistics simple and efficient.
At the end of the day, fish are cleaned, vacuum-sealed, and labeled so they are ready to transport and for the freezer at home. Proper fish care is a priority, and we handle this step so guests don’t have to.
Photos of the day, including the catch and scenery, are often taken and shared so guests leave with memories that match the experience.
Lake of the Woods is big water, and conditions can change quickly.
We do not guarantee specific spots or runs if conditions are not right on a given day.
Whether you’re looking for a focused fishing trip, a relaxed day on the water, or a backcountry-style summer adventure, our guided summer trips are built to deliver a smooth, enjoyable experience.
We’re happy to help with trip timing, lodging coordination, and choosing the right style of summer trip for your group.
