Denny’s Resort is conveniently located on the south shore of Lake Winnibigoshish in Bena, Minnesota—an ideal launch point for guided fishing trips with Zup’s Guide Service.
Denny’s Resort: A Perfect Match for Lake Winnie Access
Denny’s Resort Contact Information
Address: 15017 16th Ave NE, Bena, MN 56626
Phone: 218-665-2222 | Fax: 218-665-2353
Email: DennysRsrt@aol.com
Website: dennysresort.com
When anglers talk about legendary fishing destinations in Northern Minnesota, Denny’s Resort on Lake Winnibigoshish is a name that always comes up. Since 1932, the resort has been a home base for serious walleye chasers, families making memories, and travelers who want that classic Northwoods feel. For guests interested in booking a professional guide while staying at Denny’s, Scott Zupfer of Zup’s Guide Service offers a convenient, high-quality option just minutes from the cabin door. His independently operated guide service brings a personal, locally rooted approach to fishing Lake Winnie and beyond.
Lake Winnie: The Starting Line for Adventure
With over 67,000 acres of water surrounded by the Chippewa National Forest, Lake Winnie is as productive as it is beautiful. Denny’s is perfectly positioned on the lake’s south-central shoreline, giving guests fast access to the Mississippi River inlet and top producing mid-lake humps, shallow sandbars, and the narrows near Pike Bay. It’s a central launch point that works in every season.
Scott Zupfer trailers his modern boat directly to Denny’s dock or ramp, ready to guide guests from May through late fall. When the lake freezes over, he shifts gears for ice fishing, using track vehicles and portable shelters to target perch and walleye across frozen flats and subtle breaklines. No matter the season, he’s out there chasing bites and sharing that excitement with his clients.
Comfort, Tradition, and Lake Views
Denny’s cabins are the kind of place where time slows down. They come with full kitchens, hot showers, screened porches, and comfortable spaces perfect for both solo trips and small groups. While Wi-Fi is available, most guests spend their evenings soaking up the sunset or swapping stories by the lodge fireplace. After a day on the water with Scott, you’ll find freezer space, filet tables, and good company waiting back at the resort.
Guests are welcome to grill up their catch or head to the lodge for a bite to eat. There’s always someone around who wants to talk fishing, and no shortage of good advice or shared excitement when someone had a banner day. While Zup’s Guide Service and Denny’s Resort are separate businesses, many guests find that the convenience of booking a trip with Scott while staying at Denny’s makes for an easy, stress-free fishing getaway.
Guided by Experience
Every guided trip with Zup’s is led personally by Scott Zupfer, a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed and fully insured professional with decades of time on the water. He’s fished these lakes since childhood, competed successfully in tournaments, and built a career around helping others find success and joy on the water. Scott brings everything you need, from rods and reels to live bait and tackle, all loaded into a fully equipped boat designed for comfort, safety, and serious fishing.
Scott customizes each trip based on the season, species, and guest preference. Whether you’re targeting spring walleye with jigs and minnows, exploring mid-lake sand structures in the summer, or chasing fall trophies near classic breaklines, you’re getting insight built from thousands of hours on these specific waters. And more importantly, you’re fishing with someone who’s just as excited about your catch as you are.
Fishing All Year Round
Lake Winnie delivers results across all four seasons, and Scott’s approach changes with the bite. Spring means shoreline action as fish move in shallow. Summer often shifts toward deeper rigs and perch hotspots. Autumn brings trophy potential when big fish push into predictable patterns. Winter transforms the lake into a frozen village of anglers, and Scott is right there guiding through the ice, sharing warm coffee, and calling out the next good spot. It’s more than just a job—it’s his lifestyle, and he’s out there whenever the fish are biting.
What Makes This Experience Stand Out
Scott doesn’t overcomplicate things. He shows up with everything ready and makes sure you’re comfortable, safe, and in the best position to succeed. He’s there to teach when you want help, offer space when you’re dialed in, and adjust the game plan if conditions shift. You don’t have to worry about gear, bait, or where to go. You just show up ready to fish, and Scott takes care of the rest—from the first cast to the final cleanup. It’s this kind of thoughtful, honest guiding that keeps people coming back for another trip year after year.
Reserve Your Spot with Scott
Lake Winnie has its peak times, and both Denny’s Resort and Zup’s Guide Service often see early bookings—especially on opener weekends, mid-summer vacations, and early ice. Booking early gives you the best chance to secure the dates that work for your trip. Whether it’s your first time fishing with Scott or your fifth, you’re getting the same level of attention and excitement that makes every trip special.
Book Your Guided Trip with Zup’s Today
Denny’s Resort and Zup’s Guide Service are separate but complementary parts of the Lake Winnie fishing experience. When you stay at Denny’s and fish with Scott Zupfer, you’re combining cabin comfort with trusted local knowledge—and setting yourself up for a trip that’s personal, professional, and entirely unforgettable.
