Meet the Owners of Arrowhead Outdoors – Ely's #1 Bait & Tackle Since 1970
Steven Renneberg and Kris Winkelman aren't just owners — they're lifelong anglers who live and breathe Minnesota's waters. Steven's fishing story started young on the docks of Lake Minnetonka chasing spring crappies. Summers, fall and winters meant heading north to his grandparents' place near Nevis, Minnesota, fishing in boats and spearing in dark houses with cousins on countless lakes and streams. By his early 20s, Steven was Pro Staff for several of fishing’s top brands and moderating several forums at FishingMinnesota.com, the world's largest online fishing community at the time. Since then, Steven’s chased everything: stream trout in southeast Minnesota, multi-species in Pool 4 of the Mississippi, cats on the Minnesota River, lake trout in the BWCA, salmon/trout on Lake Superior tributaries, and giant pike through late ice on Lake of the Woods. Name a Minnesota species or spot — Steven's likely fished it and caught it, often with the area's best anglers in that area.
Kris brings her own legendary lineage. Yes, she's related to Babe Winkelman — the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Famer and iconic TV angler is her cousin. Growing up in Winkelman family, it's no surprise, when it comes to fishing, Kris holds her own with anyone. From walleyes to muskies to trout, she's caught it all — and she's got the photos to prove it (the kind that make knees weak).
Together, Steven and Kris pour their passion into Arrowhead Outdoors. Their willingness to share knowledge — whether it's BWCA hotspots, live bait tips, or gear that stands up to northern elements — is why customers keep coming back, year after year. That expertise, combined with top-quality live bait, tackle, hunting gear, ammo and camping gear, has earned them the honor of being voted Minnesota's #1 Sporting Goods Store and Outdoor Outfitter for four years running (Minnesota Star Tribune reader's choice). We're more than your average bait shop — we're your trusted guides to Ely-area fishing success. Stop in, grab fresh bait, and let's talk about what's biting!
