Minnesota smallmouth guide and lake/river recommendations

[Tryan]

Hello everyone,

 

My dad, brother, and I have been talking about getting a fishing trip together for years so I want to try and make it happen since the timing might work out for us now.   We are thinking about a trip in Minnesota in August and am looking for suggestions for a guide and fishery.  

 

I know it's short notice so some guides might not be available but does anyone recommend a smallmouth guide in the Minneapolis area (within a couple of hours)?  Also, any recommendations of lakes/rivers in the area would be appreciated.   I have been doing some research and waiting to hear back from a few guides but thought I'd see if anyone has any recommendations.

 

Mille Lacs is an option but wasn't sure if that is a good option with all of the attention around it over the past couple of years. 

 

Thanks,
Tom

[FryDog62]

Jim DaRosa - smallmouth guide on Mille Lacs.  August is his favorite month.  Best smb I've ever caught, been out with him 3 times and worth every pennny.  

 

Other option would be not until late September thru mid October on the Mississippi north of St Cloud.  Guide is Joe Scegura.  Unbelievable river fishing and Joe knows the river like the back of his hand.  

[Tryan]

Fry dog - Thank you for the info.  We booked a trip to Mille Lacs and are all set for a trip in August.  I'll keep the river trip in mind for next time.

[Junebugman]

Another place is the Snake river east of pine city mn most of it you dont need a guide just read up on stream smally fishing get some old sneakers a good spinning rod and reel I've caught them 20 inches and over out of there plus bonus muskies walleye northern and panfish too! The St Croix river between danbury wisc and grantsburg get up to and over 5lbs in there

[Tryan]

Thank you.  This sounds like another good option while we are there.

[rascalP]

Tryan, 

  If your not tied to the metro, look to the Grand Rapids area, specifically, Pokegama gives you a largemouth and smallmouth option. Pick a lake. We have some of the best bass fishing in the country.

     Welcome to Minnesota and let us know how it goes.

[Tryan]

Thanks for the info.  We are scheduled to fish at Mille Lacs later this week but might have a little time to check out some other areas.  I'll report back. 

[Tryan]

Our trip went well at Mille Lacs.  I was worried we wouldn't get the trip in because there were storms around but the weather held out.   

 

We boated a 6, 4+, and several other keeper SM.  We also caught some nice walleye (released) while using swim baits and a couple of pike.  Our guide landed a big 39" Pike which was fun to watch.

 

Its amazing how fat those SM are.  You are lucky to have a great fishery like that near by. I'll definitely be back.

[gim]

Nice work, I think word is starting to get out about that lake and the smallmouth.  Although I don't think it will ever see the bass pressure a southern stronghold will because most of the anglers around here want walleyes.