The Park Rapids area is known far and wide for it’s many fishing opportunities, whether you’re an avid fisherman or a beginner, Park Rapids has a place for you!

Shore fishing opportunities:

• Heartland Park– Located just north of Highway 34 on Mill Street. This large public park rests on the edge of the Fish Hook River with roughly 2,600 feet of shoreline stretching from the “Train Bridge” to the fishing pier at the north end. This entire shoreline is public property and the main fishing areas are the Red Bridge on the Southeast side of the park and the fishing dock on the north end of the park. There is also a sandy swimming beach if you would like to take a weed-free dip in the water!
• Lake Belle Taine– Located East of Park Rapids just off of Highway 34 in Nevis, Mn. This lake access has a large floating dock that offers a great fishing location to catch everything from perch to walleyes. This is an especially good spot for walleye fishing after dark. A lighted bobber above a shiner minnow is a killer set up here!
• Big Sand Lake Access– Located 8 miles northeast of Park Rapids near Zorbaz™ restaurant/bar. The access has a very steep drop off and sandy shores to walk around in the water and fish. A long cast can get your lure out to depths of 30 feet deep. Smallmouth bass, large bluegills and walleyes are all commonly caught from this beautiful access.

Trout fishing streams:

• Straight River– Located 9 miles west of Park Rapids making its way Southeast and joining the Fish Hook River just north of Highway 87. This river is managed by the Minnesota DNR specifically for brook & brown trout. You need not be a professional fly fisherman to catch the trout. A simple bobber, sinker, plain hook and a small worm will get their jaws snapping. Click this link to find the fishing access locations!
• Kabekona River– Located in northern Hubbard county off of Highway 71 and also crossing MN 200 at two locations. Known as an excellent brook trout fishery.

Major lakes with public access for boat fishing:

• Mantrap Lake: Located north of Park Rapids on Cnty Road 4 and just east of Emmaville has been managed for many years as a Musky fishery. This lake contains the “Leech Lake Strain” of musky which are known nation-wide to be able to reach record sizes. The 3M corporation owns a large portion of the lake shore of this lake making it a beautiful lake with many thousands of feet of natural, undisturbed shoreline.
• Fish Hook Lake: The main access is located 1/2 mile north of Smokey Hills Outdoor Store, just outside of city limits on Highway 71. Fish Hook Lake is a main attraction and is an excellent all around fishery that hosts major fishing tournaments throughout the year. The walleye fishing is excellent at dusk and the panfish are almost always biting on the weed bars just out from the access.
• Long Lake east: Long Lake (East) has two main accesses. The north access is located about 1.5 miles  east of Park Rapids on the south side of Highway 34. It also has a nice access with a sandy beach at the south end of the lake in the small town of Hubbard. This lake is known to have numerous small to medium sized largemouth bass if you are looking to take the kids out to catch fish. It is also home to some of the largest walleyes in the state as they are abnormally obese due to a diet of tulibee, dwarf cisco & perch.

Don’t have a boat? Rent one here:

• Water Toys Rentals: Water Toys Rentals is located near Big Sand lake northeast of Park Rapids. They have fishing boats, ski boats, jet skis, pontoons and more for rental. They will deliver if necessary. Contact Chris at 218-732-7778 or check out their website here.
• Menahga Marine & Rental: Located just south of Menahga on the east side of Highway 71. Menahga Marine and Rental was started in 2000 by Jeff and Monica Schindledecker and they rent everything from knee boards to pontoons. Give them a call at 218-564-2628 or click here to see their website!

  How do I catch the fish???

• Check out Josh’s weekly fishing report below
• Catch our live fishing report with local tournament anglers & fishing experts every Friday at around 5:30pm