What the Paul Bunyan State Trail offers anglers and cyclists

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is a 120-mile paved recreational path that runs from Bemidji south to Little Falls, passing through some of Minnesota's most productive fishing country. The trail hugs or crosses water for much of its length—you'll ride alongside the Mississippi River, past Cass Lake, and through terrain dotted with smaller lakes and wetlands that hold walleye, northern pike, and panfish. For anglers, the trail is less about fishing directly from the pavement and more about reaching access points, boat landings, and smaller lakes that sit just off the main route.

The trail itself is well-maintained, mostly flat, and open year-round, though winter riding requires fat tires or a different plan. Most anglers use it as a way to scout new water, reach lodges and resorts, or combine a bike day with a fishing day. The northern section near Bemidji and Cass Lake is the most popular with fishing-minded visitors because the water is closer and the towns have more services.

Key Takeaways

  • The trail runs 120 miles from Bemidji to Little Falls and passes near Cass Lake, the Mississippi River, and dozens of smaller lakes accessible by short detours.
  • The northern 40 miles from Bemidji to Walker are the most useful for anglers, with direct access to Cass Lake and several boat landings along the route.
  • The trail is paved, mostly flat, and open year-round, making it rideable in spring, summer, and fall without special equipment.
  • Towns along the trail—Bemidji, Walker, Hackensack, and Brainerd—have boat rentals, tackle shops, and lodging, so you can plan a multi-day trip combining riding and fishing.

The northern section: Bemidji to Walker and Cass Lake

The first 30 miles from Bemidji south to Walker is the most direct route to Cass Lake, one of the region's largest and most fished walleye lakes. The trail runs close enough to the lake that you can see it from the pavement in several spots, and there are two public boat landings within a mile of the trail—one at the Cass Lake-Itasca State Park area and another near Walker. If you're staying in Bemidji and want to fish Cass Lake without driving, this is your route.

Walker itself sits right on the trail and has a full-service marina, tackle shops, and restaurants. The town is small enough that you can park a vehicle, ride the trail for a few hours, and return to fish in the afternoon. The trail surface here is smooth asphalt, and the terrain is gentle—no steep climbs. Spring and early summer are best because the trail can be muddy in wet periods, and winter requires fat tires or a snowmobile.

Cass Lake and nearby water accessible from the trail

Cass Lake itself is a 14,000-acre walleye and northern pike lake with a reputation for consistent summer evening bites and good spring fishing. The lake has structure—deep holes, weed edges, and rocky points—that holds fish throughout the season. Most of the public access is on the south and west shores, which are the sides closest to the trail. The lake can get crowded on weekends, but weekday mornings are quieter.

Smaller lakes branch off from the main trail route as well. Leech Lake, to the west, is another major walleye lake but requires a short drive from the trail. The Mississippi River itself runs south of Bemidji and is fishable for walleye and northern pike, though it's more technical water than the lakes and better suited to anglers with river experience. Several resorts and outfitters along the trail can point you toward the best current access points and seasonal patterns.

The middle section: Walker to Brainerd

South of Walker, the trail passes through Hackensack and continues toward Brainerd, covering about 60 miles of mixed terrain. This section is less densely packed with major lakes but still passes near productive water. Hackensack sits on the trail and has access to several smaller lakes—Birch Lake, Leech Lake's eastern arm, and various wetland systems that hold panfish and northern pike. The riding here is still flat and easy, and the towns are spaced far enough apart that you need to plan water and rest stops.

Brainerd, at the southern end, is a larger town with more services, tackle shops, and boat rental options. The Brainerd area has access to Gull Lake, Whitefish Lake, and the Mississippi River, all of which are walleye and pike fisheries. If you're doing a multi-day trail ride, Brainerd is a natural stopping point and a good place to spend a day fishing before heading back north or continuing south.

Seasons and trail conditions

Spring (May through early June) is excellent for riding and fishing. The trail dries out by late May, and walleye are active in the shallows and on structure. Summer (June through August) is warm and busy—the trail sees steady bike traffic, and the lakes are warm, which pushes walleye deeper during the day. Early morning and evening fishing works best. Fall (September through October) is ideal: cooler temperatures, fewer riders, and walleye moving back into shallower water as water cools.

Winter (November through March) is not practical for most riders unless you have fat tires and experience with snow riding. The trail is not groomed for bikes, and snow depth varies. However, winter is an excellent time to fish—walleye bite well under the ice on Cass Lake and other lakes in the region, and you can access them by vehicle or snowmobile.

Planning a multi-day trip combining riding and fishing

A typical two- or three-day trip might look like this: start in Bemidji, ride to Walker (30 miles), fish Cass Lake in the afternoon or next morning, then ride south toward Hackensack or Brainerd. Most riders cover 30 to 40 miles per day at a comfortable pace, leaving time for fishing. Lodging is available in every town along the trail—resorts, motels, and cabins—and many resorts have boat rentals on-site or can arrange them.

If you're driving to the trail rather than riding the whole distance, you can park near any town, ride a section, and fish the nearby lakes. Bemidji and Walker are the most popular bases for anglers because Cass Lake is the largest and most accessible lake on the route. Brainerd works well if you want to fish multiple lakes in one area without moving your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish directly from the Paul Bunyan State Trail?

The trail itself doesn't run along fishable shoreline for most of its length, but it passes within a mile or two of boat landings and access points. You'll need to ride to a landing, launch a boat, or walk to a nearby lake. The trail is best used as a way to reach fishing spots rather than as a fishing platform itself.

What kind of bike do I need for the Paul Bunyan State Trail?

A hybrid or road bike works fine on the paved surface. Fat tires aren't necessary in summer and fall, but they help if you ride in early spring when the trail may still be damp. Mountain bikes work but are slower on pavement. Avoid thin-tired road bikes if you're riding in wet conditions.

Are there places to rent boats along the trail?

Yes. Walker and Brainerd both have marinas and resorts with boat rentals. Bemidji has rental options as well. It's worth calling ahead to reserve, especially on weekends or during peak summer season. Most rentals include basic equipment, but bring your own tackle if you have preferences.

What's the best time of year to ride and fish the Paul Bunyan Trail?

Fall (September through October) is ideal—cooler weather, fewer crowds, and walleye feeding actively as water cools. Spring (May through early June) is also excellent once the trail dries out. Summer is warm but the lakes can be crowded, and walleye fishing is slower during the heat of the day.

How long does it take to ride the whole trail?

Most riders cover 30 to 40 miles per day at a comfortable pace. The full 120 miles would take three to four days of riding. Most anglers ride a section—Bemidji to Walker or Walker to Brainerd—rather than the entire trail, which takes one to two days and leaves time for fishing.