Winter River Fishing

[PakAttack86]

Not ice fishing, but standard fishing from shore. It can be a daunting task I'm sure with the elements, but dressed appropriately I've never minded gearing up and fishing during the winter. Traditionally whenever I winter fish (when I'm not fishing through ice) I'll fish fast moving streams for pike and trout. Small spinners, mepps and stick baits have always done the trick for me.

That being said I've never fished the main river before. I'm right by Fort Snelling now, so I thought I'd give it a chance (assuming pathways are navigable during the winter anyway). Obviously on super cold days it's out of the picture, but on a balmy 20+ degrees out I'd be willing to wet a line.

What to use, and what to target? I'm assuming the same presentations and techniques as late fall fishing. Slowly retrieved cranks, spoons, jigs and maybe spinners? Not necessarily just for one specific Pool, but for all rivers that would have accessible shore fishing.

[jigginjim]

Start with Minnehaha creek inlet, work your way to the lock. You can also try the Hidden falls side. The boat ramp area or hike to the head area near the dam. Jig/minnow works good. Minnow on a dropper line is another option.

[PakAttack86]

Thanks for the response, I was also thinking of trying Minnehaha Creek. I've never been down there during the winter, are the paths maintained fairly well? I imagine it would be a pain to walk it through too much snow.