Mississippi in Champlin/Anoka???

For the longest time I have been crossing the Ferry St. bridge and wondering if I should try the river. I see mostly pleasure boats on it, but have to imagine it is fished. Have had no luck finding any depth maps as i dont need to bang my boat that bad. Alumacrap 165 mag. I live only miles away and it would be a nice few hr trip in the eves. Anyone have suggestions on maps i could find as LM or Nav dont. Also Am i going to find decent eye action to be worth while? or cats? I think there is a landing at one of the parks in Champ but have not ventured there yet. just thought i put some research feelers out, thanks guys.

I have only fished it a few hours – mostly pleasure with the pontoon but between the 169 bridge and the Coon Rapids dam water depth averages around 9′ or so with a max in the upper teens. Very few navigation hazzards in this stretch but if you venture north of the bridge you will want pay attention or bring extra props…

It’s a beautiful stretch of river that I like to keep quiet – ENJOY!

Your single best source of info for that section of the river may be to stop at the bait shop under the Anoka Muni liquor store on hwy 10. Talk with Jack, he guides the river for smallies

I also second stopping in and asking Jack for some info. His store is now on the backside of the building next to the liquor store. Turn at the liquor store on HWY 10. Take a left on the first road with a street sign and its the door on the far end. He guides throughout that area and is a great source of info.

This section has a good channel cat population and enough decent bass to keep a guy interested. Ted pretty much summed up the navigation part.

I personally don’t venture too far above 169, but have hooked some nice bass above the bridge.

Mostly pontoons with a few wake boats and PWC’s. I would believe there are a few ‘eyes in there, but I have never hooked one while fishing for bass.

Alot of smallies south of the bridge, I use live bait (Crawlers a an inexspesive spinner set-up) there are plenty of snags close to shore so save those cranks. It’s also a nice quite stretch of river to take the family out for a lazy stroll down to the damn and back. Another scenic trip is up the Rum River from the fair grounds up or down depending on boat size and water levels. FW caught her first eye there on a blue rap. I have had good luck with the eye’s and smallies when not enjoying the scenery. Some very good and big pike action also.

Good Luck and enjoy :

I live close and use the Rum River landing below the Anoka dam. I use a jon boat and fish the Rum and Miss alot,I use redtails and catch alot of 20 inch plus smallies.

I’m north of the 169 bridge. There are plenty of nice channel cats, bass and carp and sucker to keep you busy. In the spring I’ve pulled a few nice northern pike from the river. Only a couple walleye though.