Guided Mississippi River Fishing Trips

Rutting Ridge Outfitters operates Mill Creek Valley Lodge, an 8-bedroom, 15-bed facility completed in 2024 in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, run by the Fluekiger family—Captain Jarrad (professional walleye competitor), his father Lee (jig craftsman and second-generation guide), and son Jordan (fourth-generation guide with captain's license). The lodge offers guided charters year-round on the Mississippi River Pools 4–8 and Lake Pepin, with winter ice fishing for jumbo yellow perch (14+ inches) as the flagship offering. Open-water seasons target trophy walleye, flathead catfish exceeding 100 pounds, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and northern pike using specialized techniques including wing dam fishing, three-way trolling, suspended trolling, and vertical jigging. Guides provide educational instruction on adapting to the river's daily and seasonal fluctuations. The lodge also offers whitetail hunting packages, capitalizing on Buffalo County's reputation as the top U.S. county for record-book bucks. Rates range $450–$5,950 per person with a 3-night minimum; lodging includes wireless internet, commercial kitchen access, and all guided fishing trips with tackle and equipment provided.