Apparel
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer
A 100% merino wool base layer for temperature regulation and moisture management, under waders or a jacket.
Pack It For: Nov to Mar
Check Price Maker's Page
Lakes & ReservoirsFly FishingSpin, Cast & Bait
Lake Pepin Fishing Guide
Minnesota
A natural lake on the Mississippi River, 21 miles from Red Wing to Alma, Wis., formed where the river backs up behind the Chippewa River's delta and known for walleye, sauger, yellow perch and white bass.
Photo: Tony Webster via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Lake Pepin for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, northern pike and sauger. No agency season found for the species here.
There are 7 shops within 45 miles (1 fly, 6 bait and tackle); the closest is Riverside Bait & Liquor in Alma, about 16 mi away. Also nearby: Lake Minnetonka, about 76 mi away.
Season at a Glance
JFMAMJJASOND
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
No Agency SeasonNo Agency Season Found
White Bass
No Agency SeasonNo Agency Season Found
Crappie
Bluegill
Yellow Perch
Walleye
No Agency SeasonNo Agency Season Found
Northern Pike
Sauger
Legend
This Month Spawning No Agency Season Found
Spawning: Minnesota DNR: Largemouth Bass; Crappie; Bluegill; Yellow Perch; Northern Pike; Sauger
Season Rules & Licenses
- Minnesota rules (2026): walleye and sauger open all year, 4 combined, 15 inch minimum for walleye, only 1 walleye or sauger over 20 inches. Minnesota DNR 2026
- Minnesota rules (2026): largemouth and smallmouth bass open all year, 5 combined, 14 inch minimum. Minnesota DNR 2026
- Minnesota rules (2026): northern pike open all year, 3 a day, only 1 over 30 inches. Minnesota DNR 2026
Rules: our short summary, not the official text. Gear & Tackle is independent, not a government site; rules change, so read the agency's current rules before you go.
Most anglers need a Minnesota fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state.
License Sellers Nearby
Wise Ace Hardware
210 S Washington St, Lake CityRiver Valley Outfitters
1023 Hiawatha Dr W, WabashaWabasha Dvs
171 Pembroke Ave, WabashaPrairie Bait Shop
615 Dodge St So, KelloggNeptune Bar
468 Mn-60, Zumbro FallsSource: Minnesota DNR's license agent list, Oct 2026. Call ahead.
Lake Pepin Species
Largemouth Bass
No agency season found.
Spawning: May to Jun, per Minnesota DNR
View Species
Smallmouth Bass
No agency season found.
View Species
White Bass
No agency season found.
View Species
Crappie
No agency season found.
Spawning: May to Jun, per Minnesota DNR
View Species
Bluegill
No agency season found.
Spawning: May to Jul, per Minnesota DNR
View Species
Yellow Perch
No agency season found.
Spawning: Apr to May, per Minnesota DNR
View Species
Walleye
No agency season found.
View Species
Northern Pike
No agency season found.
Spawning: Apr to May, per Minnesota DNR
View Species
Sauger
No agency season found.
Spawning: Mar to May, per Minnesota DNR
View SpeciesSpecies per Wisconsin DNR: Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike; Minnesota DNR: Smallmouth Bass, Crappie and Bluegill; White Bass, Yellow Perch, Walleye and Sauger.
Images: Duane Raver, Ryan Hagerty and Timothy Knepp, USFWS. Public domain.
What to Use
Fishing In
Fish
Largemouth Bass
No agency season found
Fly
9 ft 7 or 8 wt rod, bass-taper floating line, 12 to 16 lb leader for poppers and divers.
Rod, Reel and Line
- RodOrvis Clearwater 9 ft 8 wt Fly RodCheck Price
- ReelRedington Behemoth Fly Reel · for 7 and 8 weightCheck Price
- LineRIO Avid Bass Fly Line · WF7F or WF8FCheck Price
Tie On in November
Typical picks from October, our closest listed month. Ask a local shop what is working in November.
- Fly for October · #2-10Bass Popper · Bass Popper AssortmentCheck Price
Spin / Cast
7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting rod, 7:1 reel, 15 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid around heavy cover.
Rod, Reel and Line
- Rod & ReelLew's Mach Baitcasting Combo · 7 ft 2 in medium heavy, fast, right handCheck Price
- LinePowerPro Spectra Braided Line · 50 lbCheck Price
Tie On in November
- Lure for November · 4 to 5 inSoft Stick Bait · Yamamoto Senko 5 inCheck Price
- Lure for November · 6 to 10 inTexas-Rigged Worm · Zoom Trick WormCheck Price
- Lure for November · 1/4 to 3/4 ozBass JigSee Options
Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.
Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Buy Local
Shops near Lake Pepin:
- Scheels, RochesterWebsite
- Bait on Broadway, MenomonieWebsite
- Lund's Fly Shop, River FallsWebsite
Map of Lake Pepin
Planning for a Month
Prime in November
No agency season found for the species here.
Daylight
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Moon
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Typical Weather
43°F high, 25°F low
About 2.0 in of precipitation for the month.
Typical, Not a Forecast: weather from NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals at a station about 11 mi away.
Also Worth Packing
Clothing for November comes first, picked from typical weather here.
Apparel
Glacier Glove Alaska River Flip Mitt
Fingerless fishing gloves with a fold-over mitt for cold hands between casts.
Pack It For: Nov to Mar
Check Price Maker's PageNets & Tools
Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A floating trout net with tangle-free micromesh rubberized netting and a flat bottom that supports the fish's weight evenly.
Check Price Maker's PageTerminal Tackle
Northland Rock-Runner Bottom Bouncer
A bottom bouncer with a 10 in stainless steel wire feeler that glides over rocks, logs and weeds, for drifting and trolling spinner rigs and live bait for walleyes.
Check Price Maker's PageIce Safety
Ice Fishing Float Suit
An insulated jacket and bibs with flotation foam built in, for time on the ice.
Pack It For: Dec to Feb
Check PriceIce Safety
Frabill Ice Picks
A pair of ice picks worn at the base of your sleeves, to help you climb out if you fall through the ice.
Pack It For: Dec to Feb
Check Price Maker's PageIce Safety
Yaktrax Pro Ice Cleats
Slip-on traction for walking glare ice and packed snow.
Pack It For: Dec to Feb
Check Price Maker's PageApparel
Frogg Toggs Pro Action Rain Jacket
A durable, waterproof hooded jacket for a wet month.
Pack It For: May to Jun
Check Price Maker's PageApparel
Simms SolarFlex Sun Hoody
A UPF 50+ hooded sun shirt with a vented hood and extended sleeves, for long, bright days.
Pack It For: Jun to Sep
Check Price Maker's PageApparel
Buff CoolNet UV Neckwear
A UPF 50 sun gaiter for the face and neck.
Pack It For: Jun to Sep
Check Price Maker's PageSome links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Ramps and Launches on Lake Pepin
Paddle Launch
Mississippi River, Lake City Sportman's Club Public Water Access Site
Carry-In; City of Lake City
DirectionsBoat Ramp
Mississippi River, Roschen Park Public Water Access Site
Trailer Launch; City of Lake City
DirectionsBoat Ramp
Mississippi River, Maple Springs Public Water Access Site
Trailer Launch; DNR Division of Parks and Trails
DirectionsBoat Ramp
Mississippi River, Ohuta Municipal Park Public Water Access Site
Trailer Launch; City of Lake City
DirectionsBoat Ramp
Mississippi River, Hok-Si-La Park Public Water Access Site
Trailer Launch; City of Lake City
DirectionsSource: Minnesota DNR Public Water Access and Wisconsin DNR Boat Access Sites. Hours and fees change; check before you go.
Shops Near Lake Pepin
Within 45 mi
Farther Out
Guides and Charters Near Lake Pepin
Within 45 mi
Guide
Luhmann's River Guiding
Lake City, Minnesota· 3 mi
Per their website: Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Full-Day Trips, Ice Fishing, Lake Trips, River Trips
Charter
Kujawa Outdoors
Lake City, Minnesota· 5 mi
32804 Lakeview Dr 507-251-7300
Per their website: Walleye
Guide
Rutting Ridge Outfitter
Alma, Wisconsin· 15 mi
1246 Riverview Dr 715-495-0534
Per their website: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Ice Fishing
Farther Out
