Thank You RE: Newbie to Smallies on Mille Lacs

[FlipR70]

Hi All,

I LOVE TO CATCH SMALLIES!!! Thanks for your help on finding some basic smallie spots on Mille Lacs. Holy cow do they fight! We ended up using tubes on finesse gear on Saturday and caught several fish. I can't wait to get back.

Now that I've caught my first several smallies, I'm ready to go back after them. I'm just wondering if there is good smallie action around the metro area (including across the border) other than on the St. Croix.

SMALLIES, SMALLIES, SMALLIES

A new smallie convert,

FlipR70

[Deitz Dittrich]

R70, I know you just stated besides the St.Croix.. and I ask my self.. self.. why did he just ask that? And I cant come up with a good reason.. I have had days that would almost rival that of the big LACS... howeer, I dont think anything can rival the big LACS...

There area few lakes that have good populations of smallies in what I would call the SOMEWHAT metro area... Korinis(near Painsville or Wilmar)is probably the best. Horshoe Lake(St.Cloud area) also has a decent population of smallies.. but if you have to drive an hour.. you might as well drive 2 and hit mille lacs...

With all that being said.. The St.Croix is a great smallie factory and so is the Mississippi near Anoka... so.. take your pick!

[FlipR70]

Hey Exudedude,

I'm looking for something a little closer to my home to get out on weekends when I'm not at the in-law's cabin (which happens to be really close to Mille Laces - Lucky me). I just thought that if I could learn a little more here close to home, it'd make me better for when I have time to get up to Mille Lacs.

FlipR70

[Deitz Dittrich]

I cant remember where you are from exactly... Like I stated, Koronis, and Horshoe... and dont for get White Bear Lake.. also has smallies..

[EBass]

Flip, Da sippi! I hope you have a jon boat though.

[FlipR70]

Exude,

I live about 15 miles south of where you are. I guess I'm mainly looking for places near by where I can get out & catch a few - mainly to learn more about them. Do you fish the St. Croix much for smallies? Just wondering if a newbie could expect to catch a few there. I may make it back up to Mille Lacs this weekend.

EBass,
I may have to run up & try the 'ssippi a time or two. I've heard from several people that there are some good spots but it's rough getting in & out on some of them. As you can guess from my sign, I have a Ranger R70. It doesn't take too much water to float it, but I'd also prefer not to run it through the rocks in shallow water either.

Thanks for the votes.

Thanks again all,

FlipR70

[Deitz Dittrich]

Flip- Yes I fish the Croix some.. Mostly just above the Taylors Falls Dam... And yes if you fished there I would expect you to catch a few... I also go way up by Hinky that area of the croix.. but you need a very small boat.. Numbers up there are probably better than anywhere, but size is smaller.. lots of 8-12" fish...

[Glenn_S]

You can also go in at the Coon Rapids dam and work them north to the Rum. I fished a T there earlier this year and we did ok.

Nice easy water, and you are not likely to hit anything.

Glenn