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Stream Wading for Smallies this Weekend


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I'm a bachelor this whole weekend (wife away, the guy will fish) and was thinking of wandering the Root for some smallies for the first time. Couple questions for the guys who have done this before
1) Where are good access points? I saw a guy wandering by Maple Valley golf course a few years ago and he was catching a bunch, but where else can you get into the river?
2) What mixture of lures should I bring? I was thinking of a few smaller Rapalas, smaller Mepps, maybe a crawdad looking one. Any reason to bring some jigs or worms?
3) Anyone else going? Would be fun to meet up with another fisherman from here. You guys have some great stories.

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Penguin,

There are too many to name a couple. I have learned most by search and destroy.

Hate to say the same old thing, but grab a Olmsted county and Fillmore recreational map or Gazzeter. FInd the Root, follow the roads my friend.
That is the North Branch you are referring to by the way. There is the North, Middle, Main and South(south is a trout stream).

I recommend plastics at this time. Three inch Texas rigged crawfish. Work them slow near timber and slower rock lined runs.

Rebel makes a fine crawfish crankbait that would work well. You can catch a TON of smaller fish right ow throwing spinners.


PLEASE CATCH AND RELEASE THESE FISH!!!!!!!!

Keep the rods bendin'!!!

Jim W

[This message has been edited by Jim W (edited 08-28-2003).]

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Jim W
Was planning on releasing all but one unlucky soul who will become my dinner.

Unlike the guy I saw out at Chester last Saturday who threw about a 4 pound bass into his cooler.

Are all branches of the root good, or are some better if you want smallies vs. trout?
Thanks again
Josh

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Penguin,

Buy one less rapala and grab a package of brats on your way home instead of eating a smally!
My take. I've wrote this before, but it takes
a Root River smallmouth 12 years to grow 16 inches! Let'em grow eh!?

The main Branch of the Root has a nice mix bag of fish and the SOuth Branch has a nice bag of trout!

Jim W

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Wow, didn't know it took em that long to grow. Looks like it's a Filet-O-Fish from McD's for me.
Feel guilty eating a 12 year old fish. Have to hit up Chester for some panfish afterwards.

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I agree with Jim, please let them live. I know you have a right to keep a fish; however, smallmouth are too worthy of a fish to eat. I have a free sandwich coupon @ Mc Donalds I can give you smile.gif

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