Bad Smallmouth Locations?

[Vthunder28]

Hey all!
I moved to Rogers, MN last summer and so I decided I should try out some smallmouth fishing from shore in the rivers around here! Problem is, I struggled to catch any last fall. Before I try again this spring, I am hoping to get some feedback on the spots I am trying. I know there are smallmouth in these fisheries, but maybe these are bad spots? 
 

Mississippi River:

- Monticello: East and West Bridge Park

- Anoka: Peninsula Point Park 

Rum River:

- Anoka: Dam in downtown

Orono Lake:

- Under the Highway 10 bridge.

 

These are my main lures I have tried: Chatterbaits, Crankbaits, jigs w/craw, swim-jigs, weightless senko, spinnerbaits

 

Anyway, any feedback on those spots or if I should try a different approach would be appreciated. Happy fishing all! Weather is starting to get nice finally!

[Kettle]

Google earth is your friend, you can view waterways and if there are Rapids which you can see on satellite images you will find fish. Tube jig in orange pumpkin is good and in the fall I fish top water. I normally fish the edges of the rapids and have picked up a fair amount of walleye on tube jigs or just jigs with a paddle tail plastic on it

[Borch]

Lots of good spots east of Monti.  In the fall/winter guys pound them on Sucker minnows.

 

Also, the crow river near St Michael can be very good.

[ozzie]

All good spots that you have chosen for shore fishing.  You could also explore the cty 39 boat launch area west of Otsego.  The stretch of river around Monti is exceptional for smallies. 

[Wanderer]

15 hours ago, Vthunder28 said:These are my main lures I have tried: Chatterbaits, Crankbaits, jigs w/craw, swim-jigs, weightless senko, spinnerbaits

Make sure your selections are downsized a bit.  Normal half ounce versions are often bigger than they prefer.  Quarter or better yet eighth ounce baits will get hit more.  And add an X Rap to your line up.  Clown is a safe color if you just want one.  

[Vthunder28]

Thank you for all the advice! 

 

I'll be giving your suggestions a try!

[Sculpin]

Its not that far to St Cloud, and well worth the drive. The Mississippi, all around the various parks, above and below the dams, 10th Street, the parks above Clearwater, Sartell, etc.  allot of the river can be waded below the 10th street dam once the water goes down, EXCELLENT throughout the whole system up there. 

Good luck !