Smallmouth

[bklimek]

I'd like to tackle some smallsmouth this weekend in the metro area but don't know where to start. Are there some good lakes in the area, river, etc.? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Butch

[Deitz Dittrich]

Not a whole lot in the metro area...

The easy answer is Mille Lacs... otherwise both the Sippi and the Croix have decent smallie populations.

[bklimek]

I've never fished on the river any hints on where to start? I was on Mille Lacs a month or so ago and don't feel like spending the $3 a gallon right now to go up there.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Ive never fished the sippi much.. I fish the croix above the Taylors Falls dam and do well...

Normal lures and look for the deep holes and cover(wood/rocks)

[dan2957]

Dude!

Your a hop, skip and a jump for the best Smallie river in the world. Give the Sippi some love and it should love you back. Monti is a great spot to start, I hear Elk River area is good too. Jigs, tubes, spinnerbaits should get it gone. I hear Minnetonka has some good smallie action on it but I can not tell ya where to start because I don't fish it often. Koronis is also a good Smallie lake if you want to drive a little ways.

If you have access to an aluminum boat then try the River, just take it slow so you dont hurt your motor.

[Mark Christianson]

The river is a very good smallie spot.

But,,,, beware, the water levels are terribly low right now.

[Daze Off]

Biglake is very right - it's been a long time since I have seen so much structure sticking out of the water at least at Elk River.

Another spot to try that is not quite the same prop-killer as the Sippi is the Rum River - has huge smallies but likely not the number of the big river. Put in at the Anoka County Fairgrounds and go either way. Work the cover methodically and you'll likely catch some fish.

Daze Off

[bklimek]

Hey thanks fellas!! I haven't lived in the cities very long so you'll have to forgive me. Where can I launch my boat to access the sippi in Monticello or Elk River? I have a smaller 14ft alum that sounds like it will do the trick. Daze Off I'm assuming when you mention the anoka access thats for the Rum. Where exactly are the fairgrounds located??

[rangerforme]

Green lake by Spicer is phenominal right now too. The size structure is amazing, look at the silverado bass tour out there, about 35 teams had over a 2.5 lb average.

[smalliebass8669]

ya i had a 3lb average smallie when i was on green 3 weeks ago. i coulda robbed all those guys of their money!

[MidCoast]

St Croix!

[bklimek]

Any tips on where to start on Green and what you were using?

[Daze Off]

Bk - Yeah it is access for the Rum - take the Ferry St. exit off Hwy 10 in Anoka and head north. Cross railroad tracks and the road bends to the left - go straight and you are entering the access. Less than 2 miles from 10.

As for the Mississippi - there is a boat launch under the hwy 101 bridge accessible off east bound Hwy 10 that should work for your boat. Be careful though as I recall seeing some posts indicating the there have been some break in's at that landing. The park is also noted for having shall we say, perverts ..... Perhaps others with actual experience of the landing could chime in or offer another option.

Daze Off

[rangerforme]

I was out on Green last weekend, it is much tougher going for smallies then it was 3 weeks ago. Still caught about 20-25 of them up to 3 lbs on 4 inch senkos. If its supposed to be windy forget about Green though, that lake stinks with any wind.