From 30-Inch Walleyes to 50-Inch Muskies | Minnesota Fishing Talk

From 30-Inch Walleyes to 50-Inch Muskies | Minnesota Fishing Talk

July 17, 2026 · 1h 4m · Season 3 · Episode 106

About this episode

The episode features a conversation with fishing guide Craig Niemi, discussing fishing techniques, stories, and the impact of technology on the sport.

This week on Down the Barrel, Jimmy, Deno, and Jared welcome back Craig Niemi of Minnesota Fishing Encounters Guide Service for an entertaining conversation packed with fishing knowledge, guide stories, and plenty of laughs. Craig shares decades of experience guiding on Leech Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish, including where to find trophy walleyes, muskies, crappies, pike, and panfish throughout the season. The crew discusses why northern pike deserve more respect at the dinner table, favorite fish recipes, fishing after dark for giant walleyes, introducing kids to fishing, and how today's technology—especially forward-facing sonar—is changing the future of the sport. Along the way, they swap stories about memorable catches, local resorts, conservation, hunting, and, as always, wander off into a few hilarious rabbit holes. Whether you're chasing your first muskie, looking for better walleye tactics, or just enjoy hanging out with a few outdoorsmen around the microphone, this episode is full of practical tips, honest opinions, and classic Down the Barrel banter. BTYB: MDHA (www.mndeerhunters.com) First Call For Help (www.firstcall211.net) Wolf Report (www.wolf.report) MNBOW…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jimmy, Deano, Jared

Guest: Craig Niemi

Topics covered

Keywords

Sponsors

MDHA, First Call For Help, Wolf Report, MNBOW

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Minnesota Fishing Encounters Guide Service

Places: Leech Lake, Lake Winnibigoshish

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