Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Monticello-Mississippi River Fishing Report


Rainy River

Recommended Posts

Thinking of heading to the park in town or to the park next to the Nuke plant on Saturday. Has anyone been having any luck throwing Raps from shore in those areas?

thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I went out from shore on Sunday near that area. We caught a couple Bass and two Eyes. Not alot of numbers, but size was good. We fished Jigs with minnows. I saw lots of shore fishermen in Monti and a guy in a boat by Elk River.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A friend is getting a group together to fish by Monticello this weekend. She said it's open water. How much open water is up there?? What launches can you get a boat into rite now???

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's wide open in Monti because of the nuke plant. The further down you go, the more shore ice. There was about 50 feet of shore ice in Elk river where I saw the boat.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

Was out last night from 6-9 at the Monti launch by the hospital and caught 12 between two of us. All on Buzzbaits with 4 fish being 17-18.5" Missed quite a few fish that came up and missed the buzzer. Current is moving pretty good.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jakesbuds,

Do you wade or fish out of a canoe/boat? I just bought canoe and want to try out that section of river.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jakesbuds,

Do you wade or fish out of a canoe/boat? I just bought canoe and want to try out that section of river.

We go out in a 14' Red Lund. We usually go up river from the launch past the bridge almost up to the power plant. Last night we got 25 biggest again was 18.5" The current is a little fast yet but in the coming weeks it should drop some and really start to pickup good.

Juan do you belong to another fishing forum under a different username?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nope, this the only fishing forum I use.

Is the public launch at Ellison park? I've heard people do pretty well by the hospital.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Assuming that's what it's called lol. Never even knew the name of the park there but yes it is the one next to the Hospital off CR 75.

There's always people standing there in waders or fishing from shore. There's some RV park up the river past the bridge a little ways on the left that we fished for the first time yesterday and caught 4 right next to the boat launch there. As long as you can get near shore and pitch something in the backwater / eddys you should have no problem hooking into them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the tips, I'll keep an eye out for your Lund when I'm out there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does anybody know if the water is low enough to walk the shore for a ways?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does anybody know if the water is low enough to walk the shore for a ways?

Depending on where you are going out of it may be a little high still yet for wading.

Juan I'm always the "ride along" in the Lund it's my buddies boat but I'll keep an eye out for you next time I'm out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was out last night, much slower with 11 Smallies caught again. Water is lower than before broke a shear pin, thank god for 16 penny nails lol. Caught some decent fish average still around 15". Biggest being 18.5 again. Still chasing those elusive 20+s though. I still have never caught a northern or muskie out of this stretch of river, or even seen one which is very odd especially throwing buzzers.

Next time we're gonna go for some eyes. Keep you posted.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have fished it for many years and have never had a Muskie or saw one for that matter..... people will tell you they are in there, and they might be but the population from South of CLearWatrer to Anoka has to be pretty slim to none

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have caught and seen my share of muskies from clearwater up to little falls and very few south of monti.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I caught a muskie in Monti about 15 years ago when I was fishing for cats. I had just baited up some stinkbait on a dip-worm when I spotted the fish hanging tight to the bank. I dangled the bait right in front of him & he hammered it instantly! After a short, crazy fight I landed him. I was by myself so I didn't get a pic but I'd guess 15 lbs or so. Other than that I haven't seen any others in 20+ years. I have caught some nice pike though, including a fat 37" fish a few years ago.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I haven't seen a Monti Muskie since the early 90's...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out yesterday with a friend. We waded between the bridge and the boat landing and managed 4 smallies between 1pm and 4pm. My friend nailed a 21" and an 18" within three casts right away, mine were 14" and 12". It was a pretty good time - we're going to get out in the evening some time soon hopefully.

I threw a 1/4 oz. green/white spinnerbait and my friend threw a #5 red body silver blade mepps. Any other lure suggestions to improve our numbers?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out yesterday with a friend. We waded between the bridge and the boat landing and managed 4 smallies between 1pm and 4pm. My friend nailed a 21" and an 18" within three casts right away, mine were 14" and 12". It was a pretty good time - we're going to get out in the evening some time soon hopefully.

I threw a 1/4 oz. green/white spinnerbait and my friend threw a #5 red body silver blade mepps. Any other lure suggestions to improve our numbers?

Buzzbait Buzzbait Buzzbait. I don't know why but they love those things out there. Or try a skitter pop they work well sometimes too. Come later in the summer we throw plastics but have had zero luck on them so far.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey quick question, I've just moved up from MO, and trying to get back into fishing. Didn't know I'd land in MN so I sold my boat. (Boo) I see people walking the Mississpi all the time by monticello, I have some family coming up in July and wondering where the best place to go times baits etc. Anything would help.

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out yesterday with a friend. We waded between the bridge and the boat landing and managed 4 smallies between 1pm and 4pm. My friend nailed a 21" and an 18" within three casts right away, mine were 14" and 12". It was a pretty good time - we're going to get out in the evening some time soon hopefully.

I threw a 1/4 oz. green/white spinnerbait and my friend threw a #5 red body silver blade mepps. Any other lure suggestions to improve our numbers?

UGHH! Here it comes again, the creative ruler. I am not calling anyone a liar but did you personally see and measure the fish or did your bud just say thats what it was??

I have lived in a house on the Miss between snuffy's and clearwter for 10 years now

and between my 3 sons and I we have fished it a LOT for smallies. In ten years only had one close to that size between all of us. Please post a picture of the measured fish next time, if you need a camera I will give you one of my cheapie cell phones if you promise to fish in front of my place for a few hours with those fancy expensive baits grin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well given that my buddy has spent years guiding and working in the Boundary Waters, I think he knows what a smallie looks like. Yes he is a fisherman so you never can be 100%, but this is a guy who takes his smallies seriously. Thanks for your input though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm not saying he doesnt, its just that's a trophy and I would love to see a picture showing the length. I have heard a lot of the same story from others is all and nobody ever has a picture confused especially with todays digital cameras that are so easy to use and fit in your shirt pocket.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree IC, I would love to see a pic of a 21" out of that stretch of river myself. As I stated in earlier posts I have fished this stretch of river quite a bit too and have yet to see a 20"+. I cant seem to get past that 18.5" mark myself, but mark my words when that 20" comes I will have a pic of it lol.

PS I'm not saying it didnt happen AA, but something that nice needs some credentials with it lol!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you're claiming 21"s and bragging about it online - it should be legit like this pic of a largie on the board I caught last year opener.

Picture010.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.