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Newbie alert !!! - But way South.........


jdoyle5599

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Hi Guys:

I am new to the board. I am trying to plan a weeks vacation in early June to Minnesota. Too many choices !!!! But I love to smallmouth fish and have some experience working small waters like rivers and creeks. I actually love to wade more than anything else, but I am guessing it would be more swimming than wading on the river. We will be flying into Minneapolis and from there it is up in the air. Are there any resorts on the river where a guy can get a bed and a small boat ? Any help will be greatly appreciated - Thanks

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I think you're outta luck as far as resorts or boat rental. Are ya coming alone?

If the flows aren't too high, there are a good many places to shore fish & wade.

I'm sure some other folks will chime also...

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Where are you coming from? I'm from the South also. I live near the Miss River and can help you out too. My email is hawgtide (at) charter (dot) net.

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I am coming from Northwest Arkansas. It would be great if I could find some wade fishing opportunities. I really enjoy hitting our creeks to get away from the Ranger bass boat for a change of pace.

Thanks for all input and suggestions -

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The water levels will dictate how much wading you'll be able to do. If they are not too high, the Monticello to Elk River areas are good wading spots. Check back just before your trip to see what the conditions are like and I'm sure you'll get more input.

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While it is unlikely that you will find a resort or boat rental on the river, there are river guides who will take you out for a daily fee. Probably worth it to get to fish one of the country's best smallmouth fisheries. But, wading is very doable. When I was younger and less crazy than I am today I would often go on 3 to 5 day "river walks". I'd have my dad drop me off upstream and I would wade down; often had to swim a stretch but always made it. You certainly do not have to go to this extreme but just an example of what is possible. Very possible to enter the river, work upstream then work your way back down. In June you should be able to wet wade and stay comfortable; this gives you more flexibility in case you need to swim for it. It's all fun.

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There's a place downriver from Monti called River's Edge I believe. The Wright County Kennel Club uses it to put up their judges, I've been there and it's a nice digs. A walking path down from the motel(?) to river, that time of the year it get's down to water levels. If we don't get a slug of snow and a lot of rain in the spring the creek is gonna be really low this year. You might be better off looking for a lake. Good Luck. smile.gif

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Dog, I forgot about that one. Nice digs for sure & a good eatery (Timithy's?). No boat ramp though. Some darn fine fishn' nearby....

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There is a rosort/hotel on the river here is the url: http://www.riverwoodinn.com/html/aboutus.htm I actually work there part time. They are on the river but do not focus on fishermen. I think your chances of a boat rental around are pretty slim.

What part of Arkansas are you from? My folks just retired to Moutain Home. I had a great time fishing down there over Christmas. We went Striper fishing on lake norfork and did some trout fishing on the White river. What great country, it got me thinking about moving south.

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Hey Big Musk:

I am in the Northwest corner of the state. I just got back last week from a long weekend trip to Cotter which is 12 miles west of Mt. Home. The trout fishing was great. Mostly rainbows - I had 5 or 6 browns - none bigger than 4 lbs. There was a guy staying at the resort that caught a 13 # brownie while we were there. The river is really low and so they are not moving much water which seems to slow the brown trout fishing. Anyway - drop me a line the next time you are headed this way and I will give you a fishing report on Norfork or Bull Shoals..... Thanks for the info.

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I fish the river from monticello down stream to elk river. Some of the best smallie fishing in the U.S I seem to catch them in any weather. Its definatly a good spot to try when you come up. Good Luck

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