Mississippi River Brainerd.

[Bear 55]

Does anyone fish the river around Brainerd? Was thinking about going

down to the bridge by Kiwanis Park this evening and giving it a shot.

Any tips or tactics would be helpful.

Thanks.

Bear55

[smartguy]

Can't hurt. There are some big northerns and even muskies (when season opens) that cruise through there. There are some smaller walleye, too. I seem to have betetr luck when the water is lower, however.

[Bear 55]

Gave it a try last evening. The river is up and pretty good current.

May have to wait for it to go down. Also are there any other spots where

a person can fish from shore? As i do not own a boat.

Also thanks for your response smartguy.

Thanks Good luck and stay safe.

Bear55

[smartguy]

There are lots of great places, though I usually aim for smallmouth. You can try under the bridges and along the curve of the river near the football field. When the water gets low enough, you can see the little jetties and pools. There are some pipes that run across the river which can make good fishing when water is low.

Of course there is the dam, which can be awesome fishing at times. To get there, just take Riverside Drive. You will see a gate long the river side of the road and a trail that runs to the dam. LAst time I was there a tree was blocking the trail, but that might be gone now?

good luck fishing

[Bear 55]

Thanks Smartguy will give those places a try.

Thanks Good luck And Stay Safe.

[centralmnguy]

A couple other places to try for shore fishing on the river is:

french rapids out by airport

public access down executive acres road

public access behind the cemetery

gull river bridge a couple miles out on 210

[JP Z]

Smartguy, is the dam access off Riverside public? I had thought it was private hence the No Trespassing signs posted there.....if not I think I'm going to have to give that spot a try was there long ago as a youngster.

[Bear 55]

Thanks for your replies guys.Now I have more options for places to fish.

Thanks Good Luck And Stay Safe.

Bear55

[Bear 55]

Just wondering if anyone has been fishing the river? And having any luck.

I have not had a chance or time to go.As I have been working 6 days a week.

Thanks Stay Safe And Good Luck.

Bear55

[smartguy]

water level has been too high for me to give it any effort.

[centralmnguy]

My boat was in the shop at the beginning of the week so I hit French Rapids monday morning & caught a couple smallies & a sunny. Heavy bullet sinker with a spinner/crawler harness rig & long crawlers. They would hit it up by the rock ledges.

[magicstix]

I've never fished the Sippi up there but was going to give it a try next time I'm up there.

High water isn't all terrible. Typically high water is good for shore fisherman.

If it was me I'd try a slip/bank sinker 1/2 oz.-2 oz. or whatever it takes to hold it in place, barrel swivel, a 12" leader, hook and some cut bait, crawlers, minnows etc. and see what is hungrey. Cast it up along the current seam or some shallower water near shore. Till you know what to expect you might want to leave your bail open so a fish doesn't steal your pole. Maybe fish the last couple hours of light and few hours of dark.

Good luck, let us know if anything is biting.

[centralmnguy]

Yeah there are some big cats in there...but most will be below the dam. You will need heavier than a 1/2 oz.-2 oz. slip/bank sinker I use a 4oz. no roll sinker to hold on bottom & circle hook on 30lb or heavier test line...bring the bird juice the skeeters are thick down there after 8:00

[JP Z]

Central.......Cats??????? As in Catfish????? I didn't know we had them in Brainerd to be honest with you.

[centralmnguy]

Yes...we have a pretty good population of channel cats in the river...go down by the school or Kiwanis Park for them. My buddy caught a 24lb. last year down there & I have caught them by the dam & out at French Rapids before. Most are 10-15lb. but some are hawgs!

[JP Z]

"Mind Blown"

Hmmmm, now I need to fish them.

[centralmnguy]

I know right jpz...I like the fact that I can go 2 blocks from my house & catch them! Good luck & let us know how you do.

[magicstix]

I didn't think the current would be that strong up there, I use 4-5 oz. down here. Those big walleyes and northerns love a hunk of meat too.

[centralmnguy]

the river is pretty high right now & good current going through...I had a 2oz. on last week & it just kept getting swept to the side bank.

[storm_rider_1]

Here is a couple cats caught under the dam, they are fun to catch! Plus you never know what you will catch down there.

[JP Z]

That is Awesome!! Nice fish Stormrider!