Dad, I, and Mr. Viking himself, Wally Hilgenberg got together over the weekend to do some smallmouth fishing. The fishing was good for numbers, but we didn’t catch many big fish. The company was great, as well as the weather! Most of our fish were in the 16-18" range with the occasional longer fish thrown in here and there.
Most of our fish were caught on Jigs. I mainly threw a 1/8 BFT Precision Jig, with a Firecracker/blue tail ringworm. We also caught fish on shallow running crank baits, and Pop-R’s. The fish were very spread out, so we really had to work and cover water for our fish. The main areas that held fish, were the slower current areas close to shore with a nice drop off close by. We were pitching the jigs up on the break, and letting the current sweep them out and down. This was the exact same type of set-up I fished in Tennessee. Smallmouth are smallmouth, even if they are 1000 miles apart. In Tennessee or Minnesota, they can be caught using the same techniques, and locating the key current/structure combination.
I believe the best way to present baits to smallmouth in the river is with a 6’6" medium, or medium light spinning rod. For top waters, I like a medium 6’6" medium bait caster. These fish are so strong, and have such a great attitude! A rod too light, and they might break it, a rod too strong, and they will get airborne and throw the hook. I love using mono when fishing smallmouth because I rarely have a fish come unbuttoned, no matter what power/action the rod is. However, when fishing the river, it is almost imperative to use a super line. With using a super line, the right rod action is critical as there is no stretch with a super line. The 6’6" St.Croix Legend Tournament Medium/Fast Action, paired up with a Stradic and 10 lbs test Stren super braid was a deadly combination! I only lost two fish, and that is while they were airborne. In Tennessee, I had to use mono as the water clarity was unbelievable. Here in Minnesota river waters, we can get away with a hi-vis braid!
I’ll will end with a "interesting" story. Saturday night, Wally, Dad, and I went to a Timber lodge Steakhouse for dinner. I opened up the menu to the main page, and saw a steak meal named "The Viking"…as I read on it said, "The Viking. The perfect name for our center cut sirloin. They are big, bold, and after being beaten in 4 Super Bowls, you know they have to be tender"
Now for those of us, who are too young to remember Wally playing for the Vikings. He was with the Vikings for 15 years, and was starting linebacker in those four super bowls. I knew if he saw the description of the meal, it might get a little ugly…
Well, He did see "The Viking". And to put it nicely he definitely didn’t order "The Viking"!
Wally- and Dad- Thanks for the great company and memories that will last a lifetime, even if I did out fish you both!
All fish were released!
Good Luck! Stay safe, and we’ll see you on the water!
1
2
3
Wally, and Dad- I am going to teach you guys how to use the camera better next time!
Luke,
Nice report! What neck of the woods were you fishing up here?
Luke, excellet report bud. Nice job and beautiful fish!
No need to reply Luke…I see something in your picture of the first reply that gives me a landmark!
Glad you guys had a great time. Now that the Anoka tourney is over, I will be back up on the upper miss guiding the next 3 weekends!
Let me know next time you guys come up and you guys can hop in with me for the day if I got the day open!
Luke,
Great report! I love that upper Miss River. I had a chance to fish it for a couple days a few weeks back when I was visiting my daughter in St. Cloud.
Isn’t Wally an old Iowa boy? I am old enough (and then some) to remember when he played for the Vikings. I know an old team mate of his from at least one of those superbowl teams who lives down here in DBQ. I know Wally’s nephew Jay played for the Hawkeyes too.
Eyehunter
Upper Miss for you Luke must be like about Pool 6.
Nice report and Pics. Looks like you guys had some fun!
Haha Rob!
Will do Steve!
EyeHunter- Yes Both Wally and his older Brother Jerry were all-Americans for the university of Iowa. (Go Hawks!!)
Both of Jerry’s sons played in the NFL, I believe Joel was just inducted to the New Orleans Saints hall of fame. He played 84-93. Jay was a seven time pro-bowler. He played for the bears 81-91 then cleveland 92 and the saints in 93.
All Hawkeyes!!
Those are some fat ole bronze backs ya caught there Luke! Nice job!
Hey Dave! Good to see you on IDA
– have you been fishing much?
Thanks Luke, surprisingly I havent been fishing much recently. Since the water temps are too high to search for esox around here, Ive been laying pretty low. I plan to get out more for smallies and eyes here very soon though!
I’ve been too bizy to get out, but readn’ about Upper ‘Sippi fishn’ helps ease the pain
THX KT
I am glad I could ease the pain!!
Hopefully someday soon, you can ease my back pain (from the little john boat) with one of those fancy river-pros!!! Ranger first- then river-pro…
Around home here, there just isn’t enough shallow river fishing that has enough good fish to justify one….YET!
Those are some great looking smallies. You guys that live close to the Mississippi are living the good life
That is for sure! The trip that we took was a 6 hour+ drive one way. Lots of money on gas and motels, for a bunch of stupid fish…
Nice Trip Luke,
Jack..