Metro Kayak Fishing

[Salsballs93]

Recommendations for good kayak fishing in Minneapolis or St Paul (NOT a far drive, I live downtown but love the outdoors, so accessibility is key). Species doesn't matter a whole lot, love it all - bass, walleye, northern, musky. I'm aware of where I can get to with a kayak, but am curious if anyone is willing to share something a bit more precise from their personal experience in a kayak or boat. Thanks!

[gim]

If your willing to, I recommend a river.  Doesn't have to be a big one either.  They are extremely under-fished in this state and many of them have great fishing.

[Rick]

Go north just a wee bit. Find the 1st access you like and launch into the Mississippi River. Really, anywhere between MPLS and St Cloud.

 

Cannon River east of Cannon Falls is great for walleyes and smallies.

[JBMasterAngler]

Don’t go to the Cannon River on weekends! It’s nothing but an army of drunks floating down the river. Vermilion River east of Hastings would be better. Good for crappies and white bass. 

[monstermoose78]

Coon Creek in Coon Rapids has smallies walleyes pike catfish largemouth. Fish downstream from egret Street. 
 

the rum river is good too

[gim]

I used to fish right below the Grays Bay dam on Lake Minnetonka when I was kid.  We caught all kinds of fish there.  I often wondered if a guy could start there and float further down on Minnehaha Creek in a kayak.  It sounds like its quite possible, especially after a good rain like we just received.  Might be worth a try.

[Salsballs93]

Although I appreciate the replies and any effort because I know it's good faith, they're not of much use. As originally posted, this is really looking to withIN Minneapolis / St Paul.

[Wanderer]

9 hours ago, Salsballs93 said:

Although I appreciate the replies and any effort because I know it's good faith, they're not of much use. As originally posted, this is really looking to withIN Minneapolis / St Paul.

Yah, sometimes it’s hard to get info about city fishing when most of us try to get AWAY from the city! 

 

I read your post a few days ago and only thought of the river, Minnehaha Creek (both already mentioned) or the City Chain of Lakes. I used to trailer my bass boat to Calhoun or Bde Maka Ska and trolling motor the whole lake and sometimes into Lake of the Isles.  We always picked up nice bass on the weed lines and an occasional muskie.  My best bass was a 6-4 but we always caught at least one 5 lbs along with multiple 3’s and 4’s.  I never spent enough time on Harriet to figure it out.

 

The River can be fished in sections.  Just pick one.  Some of the harbor and island areas were always good for white bass and smallies.  Look for rip rap.  My favorite bait was a small bomber model A with clear sides and chrome middle to emulate the shad.  Occasionally I’d tie into some channel cats or even a stout flathead.

Edited July 4, 2020 by Wanderer

[Salsballs93]

Thanks! I think the chain and river are pretty clearly the only viable options for my pursuit. Thanks all.

[GeluNumber1]

Try lakes with motor restrictions. Fewer recreational boaters to dodge, and less fishing pressure as well. Here is a list of waterbodies in the state with restrictions by county: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/local_regs.pdf