Smallmouth Fever

The past week has been filled with excellent weather for just about any outdoor activity. All rivers, and creeks appear to be clear and around average levels creating great fishing conditions for a variety of fish and anglers, there are many places to fish, yet so little time. Where to start? Stop by the shop! We will point you in the right direction.

The state parks as always will have catch and release trout fishing until the season opens back up next year. If you are searching for a different kind of trout fishing opportunity, Iowa supports trout fishing on their creaks year round. A temporary Iowa fishing license is inexpensive and will open up new creeks you may have never known existed.
Many of the local creeks and rivers in the South-East Minnesota area that are not designated trout water harbour fast and aggressive smallmouth bass. Whether you catch 30 little ones or 3 big ones the style of fishing is different from the more delicate ways of trout fishing and either something new to learn, or something to give variety to those burnt out from a bountiful trout season. A strong five weight flyrod up to a fiberglass six weight are the perfect tools for the job. If you are unsure of what fly to start with, most any bass will take a white Clouser.

I fished a local non designated creek last weekend and will post some of the pictures below. This creek had some of the most spectacular bluffs I have seen in this area. These little guys were a lot of fun, but next time I'll have to slow down and try for the bigger ones.