Lorenky, you don't mention where in Minnesota you will be staying. There are over 10,000 lakes in Minnesota. Is there any reason you are not targeting Muskies? If you narrow down the area where you want to stay you will get more help. southern Minnesota, metro area, central (Brainerd), Leech Lake, Red Lake...etc
www.exploreminnesota.com
www.dnr.state.mn.us

Well, we really don't know, my husband just has whim to catch Northern Pike and said Minnesota is the place to do it. We'll go to whatever part of the state and whatever lakes are recommended as the best place to go. I asked him about Muskie and he said that's good too, we can go for both. I had a rough idea that perhaps we would fly into to Minneapolis, and spend part of the week driving around sightseeing and maybe 2 days guided fishing at a couple of different lakes, maybe one day pike, another day muskie? So we're really wide open to going anywhere, any season but winter.

Lorenky, if I had only one chance to fisn in Minnesota I would want to fish in the boundry waters(BWCA) of Minnesota. There you will find the best fishing, and if you are a little outdoorsy there are paddle only lakes. Try this site www.latourells.com. It will require a 6 or 7 hour drive from MLPS to Ely but very worth the effort.

Another option is Red Lake. www.washkishminnowstation.com Don't be put off by their outdated web page. Jonny P. has been guiding for years and is a 3rd generation guide in the area.

The metro area has many lakes and Lake Independence and Lake Waconia have Tiger Muskies as well. I do not know of any area guides but if you are interested in staying in the metro area I can find more information for you if you would like more.

Thanks, I'll definitely look into the Boundary Waters. Does that area include Basswood lake? How is Rainy Lake for Pike and Muskie,, that's near Voyageurs NP? In terms of best time of year, I'm reading April-May, then I'm reading September. Any thoughts on that? I think Hubby said he prefers shallow water for watching the Pike strike like you can on the fishing shows.

Another option

Very scenic area about 3 hrs north of the Twin Cities is Brainerd Lakes. Here are some local fishing guides
http://craguns.com/fishing/fishing_guides.html

DH and "the boys" like to fish Rainy Lake area near Voyageurs National Park (International Falls). There are lots of lodges with guides or you can rent a houseboat to live on and fish from.

http://www.rainylake.org/index.html