smallmouth

[snagger]

I am planning on hitting the river this weekend in search of some smallmouth. What stretch of river would be good? I was thinking of the Clearwater to Monticello stretch. What type of structure are the hanging on and what type of baits are working best. Any advice would be great.

[Toad]

Ah-- the river in late summer. Just can't beat it. The Clearwater stretch is always good, though it's been receiving a bit more pressure this year than normal-- maybe that's due to the great fishing. Might try just up or downstream from Little Falls as a second option. Lots of fish in this stretch as well.

Right now, flows are low and prime. It's been a bit tougher getting around with a bigger boat lately, but I fish a lot around Brainerd where the river moves less water through too. If the dry conditions continue, I'll be throwing on the waders before too long here.

Locations are real obvious right now. Fish are stacked in and around bend holes. Best holes have both rock and wood for cover. Can't go wrong with a crayfish pattern tube jig. Also look for active fish roaming adjacent riffle areas. Cast rattling plugs across these shallow zones. Finally, pitch a cast or two (with a tube) up behind large boulders or other current abutments. If all else fails take an hour to catch or seine some redtails, then go to it. Smallmouths can't say no to a lively redtail chub.

The river has fished great for smallmouths all summer long. Enjoy your fishing.

-a friend called Toad

[This message has been edited by Toad (edited 08-16-2001).]

[snagger]

I fished from the landing at Monticello to the Lilly landing (I think that is what it is called). Fishing was very poor. The entire stretch is extremely shallow. I didn't find any deep holes. The guy at the bait shop in Monticello told us to find the deep holes around the islands located just up from the Lilly landing and use sucker minnows. I didn't see one deep hole around the islands. Was I looking in the wrond places or doing something wrong? I casted everybait in the box, tubes, cranks, spinners, and tried crawlers. I caught four fish about 5" long. Any advice would be great.