The Complete Guide to Fishing the Little Falls Area

April 19, 2022

Posted in: Blog

From Riverbanks to Fish Houses

The historic and charming city of Little Falls, Minnesota, is a premier gateway for exceptional year-round fishing opportunities, spanning both the famed Mississippi River and a selection of excellent nearby lakes. Whether you prefer casting a line from a grassy riverbank in the summer or bundling up over a frozen lake in the winter, the Little Falls area offers unique angling adventures for all skill levels. The section of the Mississippi River running from Little Falls down to St. Cloud is particularly recognized by local fishermen for its relatively shallow riffles, which create an excellent feeding ground for several popular species.

Summer Fishing: Casting a Line on the Mississippi River

During the warmer months, the mighty Mississippi River is the star attraction, with several city and county parks providing convenient access for shore and boat fishing. Belle Prairie Park, located northeast of the city, is a great spot for families, offering a boat landing for open-water access, plus picnic shelters and a playground, all while targeting species like Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Catfish, and Perch. Further downriver, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is locally known for excellent fishing, especially for Smallmouth Bass and Walleye, thanks to the food-rich river ecosystem. Right in the heart of town, Mill Park and Le Bourget Park offer picturesque spots along the walking paths and boat ramps where anglers can take in river views while enjoying a day of fishing.

Winter Fishing: Hitting the Ice on Nearby Lakes

When the lakes freeze over, the focus shifts to the area’s top ice-fishing lakes, each offering its own special quarry. Just a short drive away, Green Prairie Fish Lake is a winter favorite, easily accessed from the public beach parking lot. Anglers here typically target Northern Pike and Panfish, often using a simple jigging technique with a crawler or minnow. Another popular destination is Pierz Fish Lake, well-known for its dense population of Largemouth Bass, but also yielding good catches of Bluegill and Black Crappie through the ice. Regardless of the location, setting up tip-ups or simply casting a line can lead to a great day out on the ice.

Targeting Species: Walleye, Pike, and Crappies

For serious ice anglers, the larger lakes provide big-catch potential. Lake Alexander is particularly popular for Walleye fishing, with the best bite often occurring at night or on cloudy days using a minnow. The lake is vast, offering three public water accesses (two on the east, one on the west) where vehicles or ice shelters can be parked. For those seeking late-season action, Fish Trap Lake shines, offering great Crappie fishing, especially as the late ice season transitions toward open water, though the lake holds Muskie, Pike, and Walleye year-round. It is crucial, however, to prioritize safety on the ice. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources strongly recommends a minimum of 4 inches of clear, solid ice for safe foot travel, and caution should always be used when venturing onto any frozen body of water.

Beyond the Water: Exploring Minnesota’s Fishing Heritage

Now that you have your comprehensive itinerary for fishing the Mississippi River and the surrounding lakes, your adventure is ready to begin. Before or after you cast your line, we highly recommend completing your Little Falls angling experience with a visit to the Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame. Located right in town, this impressive museum showcases over 20,000 artifacts—from vintage lures and boat motors dating back to 1902 to a detailed spearfishing diorama—all dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of freshwater fishing in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. It’s the perfect place to appreciate the history of the sport, gather inspiration from the state record fish replicas, and truly understand why fishing runs so deep in the heart of Minnesota culture. Come explore Little Falls, make a few memories, and maybe even catch your own fish story!