Garrison, Minnesota Fishing Guide Service
Catch More & Bigger Fish in Garrison, MN with a Local Fishing Guide
Expert Mille Lacs Fishing Guides in Garrison, MN
5.0 Rated • Local Garrison Guide • Family-Friendly Trips
Garrison is the perfect jumping-off point for the world-class fishery of Mille Lacs Lake, specifically the diverse rock reefs and expansive sand flats of the northwest corner. Successfully fishing a “big water” lake like Mille Lacs requires a combination of local knowledge and high-end equipment. As a specialized Garrison fishing guide, I utilize a 24ft Skeeter Bay boat, engineered to handle the challenging wind and waves of the main lake while keeping you dry and safe. We specialize in hunting trophy Smallmouth Bass on the rock piles and targeting limit-style Walleye on the mud flats. Whether we are launching from Garrison Public Access or meeting at a local resort, our data-driven approach to Mille Lacs ensures we are always fishing the most productive structures based on daily wind and weather patterns.
What to Bring
Proper Clothing
Sunglasses
Raingear
Beverages
Food/Snacks
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Why Choose Our Garrison Minnesota Fishing Guide Service?
Fully Licensed Captain & Fully Insured Fishing Guide in Garrison, Minnesota
At The Fish Guyd Guide Service, Captain Nick Retka specializes in putting anglers on more fish and bigger fish.
Every trip is customized to your goals — whether you’re a beginner, fishing with your kids, or chasing trophy fish.
We don’t just take you fishing — we put you on fish!
✓ Local Garrison & Brainerd Lakes expert
✓ Consistent success on walleye, bass, and pike
✓ Family-friendly trips for all skill levels
✓ Top-quality gear and electronics provided
✓ Multi-species and trophy-focused trips available
⭐ 5.0 Google Rated • Trusted by anglers across the Garrison Lakes Area
Ready to Get on the Water in Garrison?
Want to catch fish like this on your trip?
Let us help you plan the perfect trip — no obligation.
Trips are available throughout Garrison, Minnesota and on Mille Lacs Lake, one of the premier fisheries in the Midwest, known for exceptional walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike fishing. Whether you’re staying in Garrison or nearby Mille Lacs communities, we can meet you at the most productive access point based on current fishing conditions to maximize your success and overall experience on the water.
Customer Reviews
Erin Retka2025-05-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an absolute blast fishing with The Fish Guyd. Super chill, super knowledgeable, and just made the whole trip easy and fun. We hit the water early, and within no time, we were on the fish. Caught more than I expected and learned a few new tricks along the way. Nick really knows the area and clearly loves what he does. No pressure, no stress—just good fishing, good vibes, and a great time all around. Gear was solid, boat was clean and comfortable, and Nick made sure everything ran smooth. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, don’t hesitate—just do it. Jackie Retka2025-05-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nick The Fish Guyd has loved to fish since he was little. He has such a passion for whoever’s in the boat to have an experience they won’t forget. Nick gets so excited to watch anyone catch fish he will get you to love fishing just like he does. If you want to have an enjoyable and fun fishing trip contact Nick The Fish Guyd today. Ken Retka2025-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Nick with the Fish Guyd Guide Service, he is very friendly and knowledgeable, book now and enjoy the same great fishing experience we had. kathy krumrei2025-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nick took a friend and me fishing. We caught a trophy walleye we released, and other nice fish, what a thrill! We had a great experience! Nick was very helpful and showed us fishing tips! We were very satisfied! Noah Czech2025-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nick’s service and communication is top notch. He moved his ice castle for us when it was 30 below to set my daughter and I up on crappies and a tip up spot for northerns. We had nonstop action and the best fishing my daughter ever experienced. It was a great first night sleeping on a lake for her. We are booth looking forward to a return trip with the Fish Guyd Guide Service. Lee Skajewski2025-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Book Now!!!! Don’t wait, get on his schedule! I have used The Fish Guyd multiple times throughout my vacations and I will only book with him! I have seen first hand how he interacts with kids and patiently teaches them the art of fishing. On the flip side I am an experienced angler and I still learn new things from him whether that is a new tactic, learning new technologies, or simply conversing and bouncing ideas back and forth. He treats you like a friend and you walk away with knowledge and a bag of bone free fish. Thank you Nick! Anthony Arnold2025-04-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nick is awesome to work with from start to finish. Gives you the option of what you want to target and sets you up for success. We did an ice fishing trip and he had everything ready to rock and checked in frequently. Excited to get on a summer trip with him, highly recommend! Maddie2025-04-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nick is a phenomenal guide. As someone who has only fished a few times with friends for fun this was an amazing learning experience. Nick taught me a lot about each fish and useful skills and tips on catching variety of fish from bass to walleye to muskies. He put us on fish immediately which was very exciting and something I have never experienced before. Nick is personable and has the clients best interest in mind during the whole trip. I have recommended all of my friends and family to book with him. Chris Gammon2025-04-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you want an honest review, here it is. Nick is very knowledgeable and is a great teacher. I consider myself a slow learner and I also didn't realize how much there was to catching fish and he was able to teach me, and the best part was he was patient and didn't make me feel dumb when I did things wrong. If I could give him 10/10 stars, I would. Darin Gerads2025-04-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Whether you’re targeting one species or there to just put numbers in the boat he will get you to what you are seeking. Nick is constantly doing research to find new methods and to just better himself in anyway he can to support his clients. I would fish with nick any day of the week! Hands down your guy to go to right here!Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 16 reviews
The Garrison, Minnesota area is home to one of the most well-known fisheries in the Midwest—Mille Lacs Lake—featuring expansive structure, strong fish populations, and incredible opportunities for walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. As local guides, we understand how Mille Lacs and the surrounding waters fish throughout the entire season, from early spring movements to peak summer patterns and late fall transitions. Whether you’re targeting walleyes on rock structure, chasing aggressive smallmouth, or covering water for trophy pike, we adjust our approach based on real-time conditions. Our goal is not only to consistently put you on fish, but to give you the knowledge and confidence to fish Mille Lacs successfully long after your trip ends.
FAQs
Where do we meet for a Garrison fishing trip?
We typically meet at the Garrison Public Boat Access (right by the famous Walleye statue) or the Pike Point access. For guests staying at west-side resorts, we can often arrange for dockside pickup.
What makes your service the best for Mille Lacs?
Mille Lacs is a massive lake that can get rough. Our 24ft boat is significantly larger than the 18–20ft boats many other guides use. This allows us to fish safely and comfortably in “big water” conditions that send smaller boats back to the dock.
Do we keep the Walleyes we catch on Mille Lacs?
Mille Lacs regulations change seasonally. We always follow current MN DNR harvest rules. We’ll make sure you’re legal and informed before we put a single line in the water.
Is Mille Lacs good for Smallmouth Bass?
Mille Lacs is a Top 10 Smallmouth Bass lake in the country. We use high-definition side-imaging and forward facing sonar to find these fish on specific rock-to-sand transitions that are invisible to the naked eye.
What fish can you catch in Garrison MN?
We can target walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, panfish, and musky.
What lakes do you guide on near Garrison?
Here at The Fish Guyd Guide Service, we primarily guide on Mille Lacs Lake in the Garrison, Minnesota area—one of the top fisheries in the Midwest for walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. We also have the flexibility to guide nearby Central Minnesota lakes when conditions call for it. No matter where we fish, we’ll put you in the best position to find fish and have a successful day on the water.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, all residents and non residents need a fishing license. Kids under the age of 16 do not need a license.
Are trips good for beginners?
Yes! Here at The Fish Guyd Guide Service we pride ourselves in being the best choice in guide services for beginners and families!
What should I bring?
Bring appropriate clothing for the weather for the day of your trip, bring any food and beverages you would like, sunglasses, bug spray, and sunscreen are all great options as well.












