Mississippi near Brainerd area

[Aquaman01]

This may be too far south for you, but the dam in Little Falls is good. Park on the southwest side of the dam (little spot near the train tracks), go across the stink-pond bridge, and hike a little bit down a barely visible trail (after the junk piles) to the sand & stone shore. There's a little lagoon that I've seen some nice 'eyes come out of in the fall. Mind the snags, though.
If you're feeling spry, you can walk up and over the rocks (carefully, please) to the bypass outflow. Deep and fast, but there's fish where the current breaks and splits in the tailwash. If the fishing stinks, you can always go over to the Angling Museum across the road.

If you want carp, they can be found in the pool in front of the dam, but there's a single NO TRESPASSING sign on the power-pole. Violators may be dunked in the stink-pond.

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Aquaman
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Peace and Fishes

[Guest]

Does anyone have any suggestions for good shore fishing spots on the mississippi during the fishing opener, pike, walleye, and panfish. I have never fished the section of the Miss. around Brainerd and would like to give it a try.

[Toad]

Consider the Crow Wing River confluence, then upstream several miles. Last couple years a few guys have discovered a real nice pocket of good sized 'eyes in a few spots here. Been a fair number of 28 to 32-inchers, too-- mostly fish that get popped during opener. Don't typically see that size walleye in this section of the Miss, but early season hosts a real nice movement of big fish that stack up into a few of these feeder rivers. If you get a chance, stop at the baitshop in Pillager for minnows and some good info on the bite.

Because of the low water, you shouldn't have too much trouble wading or just walking along the river bank up and down to good spots. Sylvan Dam would be a one starting point, then also upstream beneath Pillager Dam. Both productive spots, but get there early, as they also attract plenty of shore angling attention. Enjoy your fishing!

-a friend,
Cory Schmidt

[This message has been edited by Toad (edited 05-07-2003).]

[Guest]

Thanks for the replies!!! Very appreciated! I will definitely stop by the bait shop in pillager for some info, my cabin is actually in pillager... how convenient.

[Guest]

Thanks for the replies!!! Very appreciated! I will definitely stop by the bait shop in pillager for some info, my cabin is actually in pillager... how convenient.