Fished the bass opener on Sauk Rapids stretch of the upper Mississippi with Mike Cayford (Alvin Mack). It’s an impressive smallmouth fishery with good numbers and excellent size. Lots of 16-18” fish. The one mike is holding was just over 18” but a heavy body. He had a 19.5” but it was thin. Caught em for 6” to 6’ and on everything we thru but the chatter bait took most of the big fish and Mack did most of the damage. 
I was mister multi-specie with 3 walleyes 2 crappie and 3 encounters with muskies (fish 3…fisherman 0). Saw 2 but one took me to task. It went anywhere it wanted to go. Sure wish I could have seen it. If you’re thinking of fishing that stretch do bring a regular boat. Jet’s only. 
John
