Fishing Report From Orr, MN

Last weekend I made the annual trip up to Pelican in Orr, MN at a friends cabin. This is one of the few times all year I chase smallies, but have a ball doing it. The action was overall a little slow and the weather did not cooperate totally, but could have been worse. It was cold and misty/rain the whole time.

The place where the smallies seemed to be was on the rock humps in 2-8′ of water. No surprise there, but what was surpring was that we did not land one largemouth the whole weekend between 3 boats. Usually it is about 50/50, but with the cool/wet weather perhaps they were somewhere else??? Someone tell me where you would look for these largies in this weather? Perhaps deeper weed drops???? I’m not a bass fisherman by any means, but do love to chase big Smallies from time to time. What worked for us to get these smallies to bite were either: burning dark red/brown rattle-raps (craw looking) down on the rocks or using a slow top water presentation with a popper having best results. What a thril to see a 19″ Smallie crush a top water bait! We caught smallies from 6″ all the way up to 20.25″ . I hooked a fish on a craw w/ yellow beely rattle-rap in my favorite/secret spot, but then proceeded to give the rod to my girlfriend . She handled the fish like a pro even after getting air a few times and having the reel come undone from the seat when the fish was right at the boat, so I ended up having to net the 20,25″ Fish . That would have been my Largest Smallie to Date if I would have held onto the rod. I’m glad she got to fight & land it though I lost one at the boat last year about the same size, so one of these days I will get’er done.

A few Snakes were landed between the 3 boats with the largest being about 6-7 lbs. Also a 24″ Walleye trolling the deep bowl was landed. A short brief crappie bite was also had between 2 of the boats and landed a few nice ones @ dark on leeches and a 1/16 oz glow jig in 15 FOW.

Hope this helps anyone heading up there!

I’m having trouble posting pics , but will post after this one when I figure it out

Thanks for the report! I’m heading up there this weekend and was planning on chasing Smallies. We have a shack about 5 miles south of Orr. I’ll let you know how we do.

Rootski-

We caught a good number of the smallies between the first 2 islands on the right coming out of Orr Bay . It seemed the Top water baits were working better there ! Good Luck!

Here She is with the 20.25″ Smallie I think I was a little more Giddy than her. She did a great job landing the Hog with the difficulties she was experiencing (the reel coming undone form the rod)!

Here is me with my largest of the weekend!

Great report Rob, nice piggies there too!!
Have you ever thought about applying for a Field staff position?

Thanks Steve!

I have thought about it a ton Steve, just never knew how to go about it or get started. If you have any tips or pointers I would love to hear them. I live to Fish & Hunt and love the outdoors. Some people think I’m a little obsessed, but it’s what I love to do.

Rob you’ve got mail.

I fish pelican or pelican river about 4-5 times a week… the best place for smallmouth bass lately has been on the northern side of indian point.. if you want “small smallies” dont venture out into the deeper water say 12-15 feet.. no you wouldnt want to do that you may just land yourself that fish youve been looking for.. i released at least 3 fish over 19″ this summer fishing tube jigs (not those little ones either) the best place ive found for largemouth bass is casting a tube under the dam on pelican river (by the dam supper club) from the top side.. one may also encounter a crappie or two of decent size also.. i have pics.. will follow soon. still figuring out this digital camera.. thanks to a tip from HAWG HUNTERS GUIDE SERVICE! I have also had much success lately on topwater spinners.. mostly northern, and the bass really seem to want to slam these lures and throw them right back at ya. good luck and please… letemgo

If you guy’s are ever in the Orr area and need a good marine mech. look up Roy Aker…….he was working at the marine place on the west side of the road, just as you got in town. Roy grew up in Isle on Mille Lacs Lake. His dad (Jim Aker) was the game warden in this area back in the late 60’s

Can anyone tell me about Elephant or Blackduck Lake in that vicinity.A local Kabetogama guy told me to check them out one time last summer. What size boat can you use/ramps etc.Thanks HYBES