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monticello to elk river


trailratedtj

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i was wondering how the water level is in this area. ive been reading alot of good things about the ssippi in this area and was thinking of fishing it. My question, is it navigable in a 17' alumacraft? i also have a canoe and a 14' mirrocraft, all though they have no graphs or trolling motors.

the target fish is smallies.

Ive know there are good deep areas around the dams but is the fishing as good as in the skinny waters and is there any accesses that would allow me to dump the boat in?

thanks

daniel

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I think you 17fter wont make it with the low water. There is a shallow stretch just down river from monti that will give you problems. A 14fter might be good, but be ready to get out periodically. I floated my 16.5ft boat from Otsego to Dayton about a month ago and had to get out a few times. The river has dropped a good foot or two since then and I don't think I can make it any more. There are a few ramps between Monticello and Elk River.

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A 17 footer would not be wise to attempt, period.

With the 14 footer, expect to be getting out to move around some shallow areas.

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Personally I would just go with the canoe or start wading. Right now is great wading depth and a good time to find out where all the holes are before the river comes back up. Good luck and let us know how you do.

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how hard is it to catch fish wading? Meaning is it gonna require wading great distances to find fish? Oh, one more question, is this area pretty bouldery?

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It's pretty much the only type of fishing I do on the river now. It's got alot of rocks in the places where I go but thats because I focus on the eddies and the rapids. Even with the rocks its not too bad walking. Plus I tied my PB out of the area at 20.5 the other night. Shoot me an email and we can talk spots. [email protected] And no its not a long walk

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i spend alot of time on this section of river and i can tell you you are going to have trouble with any boat right now. i use a jon boat with a flat bottom and there are plenty of places wwhere you have to get out and push. the canoe should be fine. you will not need electronics besides a gps to mark spots if you want. also you are right that you can find alot more fish if you are floating but thats not to say you wont find them wading either. there are alot of people wade fishing around monti this time of year and they can reach the same water you can in a boat so if your mobile you have alot better luck. also there are a few spots to get off below monti before elk river. you can email me if you want. [email protected]

good luck

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i edited my last post because i recieved numerous emails about giving specific locations on this site. i am not the type to worry about other people enjoying the river like i do so i dont think twice about sharing my info. but i also do not like to make enemies so if you would like more info please e mail me

good luck

p.s. all those who e mailed me about posting specific locations dont bother e mailing me again

thanks

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