Nisswa, Minnesota Fishing Guide Service
Catch More & Bigger Fish in Nisswa, MN with a Local Fishing Guide
Walleye, Bass & Trophy Fishing Trips in the Nisswa Lakes Area
5.0 Rated • Local Nisswa Lakes Guide • Family-Friendly Trips
Expert Nisswa Fishing Guides: Gull Lake & Beyond
Nisswa, Minnesota, is the gateway to some of the finest fishing in the Midwest, headlined by the legendary Gull Lake. Fishing a high-traffic destination like Gull requires not only local knowledge of its sprawling weed lines and deep rock piles but also the right equipment to handle the mid-day boat traffic comfortably. As a premier Nisswa fishing guide, I operate a 24ft guide boat—one of the largest in the area—capable of handling groups of up to 6 people with ease. We specialize in the “Gull Lake Triple Threat”: trophy Walleye,giant Muskies, and huge smallmouth bass. Whether we are launching from Pelican Lake Public Access or meeting at a resort on the Gull Lake Chain, we provide an all-inclusive, expert-led experience tailored to your group’s skill level.
What to Bring
Proper Clothing
Sunglasses
Raingear
Beverages
Food/Snacks
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Why Choose Our Nisswa Minnesota Fishing Guide Service?
Fully Licensed Captain & Fully Insured Fishing Guide in Nisswa, 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 Nisswa & 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 Nisswa Lakes Area
Ready to Get on the Water in Nisswa?
Want to catch fish like this on your trip?
Let us help you plan the perfect trip — no obligation.
Trips are available throughout Nisswa, Minnesota and the surrounding Brainerd Lakes area, including Gull Lake, North Long Lake, and nearby fisheries known for excellent walleye, bass, northern pike, and panfish fishing. Whether you’re staying in Nisswa or the surrounding area, 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 Nisswa, Minnesota area is home to some of the most productive and well-known fisheries in the Brainerd Lakes region, featuring diverse structure, strong fish populations, and a variety of species to target. As local guides, we understand how these lakes—especially Gull Lake, North Long Lake, 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 along structure, chasing aggressive northern pike, or working weed lines for bass and panfish, 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 these lakes successfully long after your trip ends.
FAQs
Where do we meet for a Nisswa fishing trip?
We typically meet at the Gull Lake Public Access on Hwy 371, but we can also arrange for dockside pickup if you are staying at a Nisswa-area resort like Grand View Lodge, Cragun’s or Madden’s.
What makes your Nisswa guide service different?
Most guides in Nisswa operate 18-20ft boats and limit groups to 3. Our 24ft Skeeter is designed for maximum stability and space, allowing us to take 6 anglers out at once without sacrificing comfort or fishing quality.
Do you guide on lakes other than Gull in the Nisswa area?
Yes. While Gull is the most famous, we also frequent North Long, Round Lake, and Hubert Lake depending on where the bite is most consistent for our target species.
Is Nisswa fishing better in the morning or evening?
Gull Lake is famous for its ‘evening bite’ for Walleye, but our advanced electronics allow us to stay on productive schools of fish all day long, even during peak sun.
What fish can you catch in Nisswa MN?
A. We can target walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, panfish, and musky.
What lakes do you guide on near Nisswa, MN?
A. Here at The Fish Guyd Guide Service, we guide on a wide range of lakes throughout the Nisswa, Minnesota area and surrounding Brainerd Lakes region. Some of the most popular include Gull Lake, North Long Lake, and other nearby lakes known for excellent walleye, bass, northern pike, and panfish fishing. No matter which body of water you choose, 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?
A. 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?
A. 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?
A. 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.
Top Nisswa Minnesota Fishing Guide Service!
Gull Lake Fishing Strategy
On the Gull Lake Chain, we focus heavily on the weed-to-basin transitions in the 18–24 foot range. Our 24ft Skeeter is equipped with high-definition side-imaging and forward facing sonar, allowing us to scan the expansive flats of Gull Lake and North Long Lake much more efficiently than standard guide boats, ensuring our clients spend more time catching and less time searching
Seasonal Gull Lake Patterns
During the Nisswa Spring Opener, we typically find Walleyes in the shallower 8–12 foot weed flats. As the water warms in July and August, we transition to the deep 24-foot mid-lake humps. This seasonal data allows us to predict fish movement across the Gull Lake Chain with high accuracy, ensuring our guests are always on the most productive water regardless of the time of year.
Nisswa Local Tip After Fishing
After a full day on Gull Lake, we highly recommend checking out The Chocolate Ox in downtown Nisswa for some post-fishing ice cream or grabbing a drink at Big Axe Brewing.












