Early Smallies...

[LOWinEYEin]

What is the earliest time you can legally fish for smallies? And during that time Where is the most common spot to find them ex..by timber, rocky structure, deeper water???

Prethanks

[Jim W]

I believe May 29th.
Depends on where you are fishing for them.

Most of my smallie hunting is done via rivers and streams.

Jim W

[BigMike]

Well you can fish pool 2 (and I'm pretty sure pool 4/lake pepin too) of the mississippi year round but it is C&R only on pool 2. I've heard of great walleye and supposedly good smallmouth fishing on pool 2. I know from pictures that there is a great walleye bite down there, but I've never had much luck on pool 2. Supposedly Ebass has some spots to show me (hint hint) but until then I might be out of luck.

As for structure, that totally depends on what kind of water you are fishing. Rivers are always changing but I would focus on rocky shallows especially if they are adjacent to a deep main channel. Wingdams are always a favorite on bigger stretches of the 'sippi. If you go down to Lake Pepin (pool 4) for early smallies you might want to try a lot of the flood stage backwaters. And finally, just like in a lake, look for runoffs for inlets from streams/creeks. The warmest and murkiest waters are often in those areas after a spring rain and smallies will cover that area for the water temp but more importantly for any food flushed into the river by the rains.

That should give you a start.

[EBass]

Try to find a warmer back water area off the river. (Hint BigMike Pool 2) Cast tubes or something snagless the to wood covered or rocky shore line. Close to deep water 5-6 feet and you should find a couple either that or crappies. Know where I'm talking about BigMike? It's a popular spot.

[LOWinEYEin]

Any luck with topwater on opener?

[LOWinEYEin]

So, smallies are attracted to warmer water?

[EBass]

When the mean water temp is cold and you find a back water area that get's plenty of sunlight that area will be a a couple degrees warmer. Bugs will appear first then the minnows and well you know the food chain. I guess I've caught them in the spring time like that, but it was like April or May. Pool 2 rocks in the sprig for whatever species.