Crappie And/or Walleye Near Elk River

[Yetzer2468]

Hey guys! First post so excuse me if I'm posting in the wrong spot. 

 

I just moved to Elk River, MN and am feening for some fish. I have no idea where to go first but do any of you know any decent spots to get some Crappie or Walleye within a 45 min drive from Elk River? Any spots are greatly appreciated. 

 

Thanks!!!! 

[ozzie]

Welcome to the area!  Blue Lake and Green Lake are panfish lakes close by with the occasional walleye to be had in either but with more consistently from Green.  Briggs Lake chain is another good option for both crappies and walleyes and with it being part of the river system some size can be had for both.  Go a little south from there and you can hit up the Annandale area lakes which have walleyes and crappies.  Good Luck and let us know how ya do!

[Kettle]

Although I moved away from the area over 10 years ago I can say without reservation that the rum river has fantastic walleye fishing. There's some pigs in there besides numbers. I've also had really good bluegill fishing there too! 

[gimruis]

Its even better for smallmouth bass.  Our rivers are loaded with them and there's very little pressure.

[Yetzer2468]

I'm planning on floating from Milaca to Princeton or Cambridge/Isanti to St. Francis, not sure which yet. I might go to the bridge in St. Francis today after work and try my luck.

[Yetzer2468]

6 hours ago, gimruis said:

Its even better for smallmouth bass.  Our rivers are loaded with them and there's very little pressure.

That's what i've heard, i just bought a Whopper Plopper to try out on my trip down the river too. I've never targeted smallmouth before so we will see how it goes!

[Kettle]

I would float farther north, more bends and rock. The stretch from Isanti to st Francis is pretty sandy so as much bass in that stretch, I've done better south or north of the stretch I mentioned. 

[Wanderer]

Floating those sections of the Rum will take you much longer than you’ll originally think it will.  Be aware of that when you plan your trip.  I’m assuming the water is high right now as most rivers in MN are, so it could go a little quicker.

 

For example, Isanti to St. Francis will be like 10 hours without slowing down much to fish.  Figure about 1 river mile per hour to be a steady pace for a fishing trip.

[Kettle]

Cambridge to St Francis is definitely a long float, Isanti to St Francis not fishing just canoeing takes me about 5-6 hours. If your going solo check out the central park in Andover. You can float solo for about 3 hours and you end up within a 5 minute walk of your vehicle since it twists and turns so much in that stretch. I have not caught many walleye that far south but definitely will get a bass or two 

[Wanderer]

5 hours ago, Kettle said:

Cambridge to St Francis is definitely a long float, Isanti to St Francis not fishing just canoeing takes me about 5-6 hours. 

 

I’ve never just canoed the river so I guess I can’t really debate that time estimate.  It’s always been a float/fish trip but casting only, not stopping to really work a deeper hole or anything.

 

I used to live on the river along that stretch.  About midway between Isanti and St. Francis.

[Kettle]

I grew up in the Bethel area so I fished the river a lot. Best walleye fishing north of princeton and best smallmouth fishing I've had was south of St Francis. One can catch them from Mille lacs to the Mississippi river 

[gimruis]

Its honestly probably not a great time of year to target bass in the Rum right now.  The current is super fast and the water is dark and cold and murky.  I usually do it in July and August when the levels are lower and its warmer out.  Basically, when fishing in the lakes starts to slow down in the heat of summer, that's when river fishing is good.  That's when they are the most aggressive - we catch most of our fish on topwaters.  Very few walleye, occasional pike.  My biggest this season was 20 inches.  The further north you go, the more shallower-type rocky habitat you will encounter.  I use a jon boat so we don't drift as fast as a canoe or kayak, but the stability offers us a platform we can stand in.  It won't be an issue now, but the deer flies out there in the summer can be completely unbearable.  Those things are merciless at times, nothing repels them, and they'll take a bite right out of your face.

Edited October 21, 2019 by gimruis

[Mr.business]

On 10/17/2019 at 2:37 PM, ozzie said:

Welcome to the area!  Blue Lake and Green Lake are panfish lakes close by with the occasional walleye to be had in either but with more consistently from Green.  Briggs Lake chain is another good option for both crappies and walleyes and with it being part of the river system some size can be had for both.  Go a little south from there and you can hit up the Annandale area lakes which have walleyes and crappies.  Good Luck and let us know how ya do!

 How many green lakes are there ? Are these lakes in isanti county ? 

[gimruis]

There are quite a few Green Lakes.  Just a common name for lakes.  There's a lot of Clear Lakes and Long Lakes too out there.

 

The Green Lake being referred to is in fact in Isanti County.  Its just south of Hwy 95.

[Mr.business]

Is there any decent shore fishing access ? 

[ozzie]

7 hours ago, Mr.business said:

Is there any decent shore fishing access ? 

 

Not really decent shore fishing on Green in Isanti unless you are using waders then you might find some success...if I were in the area restricted to shore fishing I would find spot on the Rum River and the Mississippi River to fish...