Sunday I had the chance to finish 2007 in style. Mike Cayford invited me to join him on the upper Mississippi River for some smallmouth bass fishing. The river in the area is warmed by a NSP nuclear power plant. The temp at the discharge is around 50 degrees. We didn’t wander far but several miles down stream the water temperature was 46 degrees. This stretch of the river is shallow and bolder ridden so it’s not suitable for large boats. Jet boats, small boats and wading are the only way to fish the river. Mike has a RiverPro which is the perfect boat for the upper Miss. This stretch of the river has a special slot regulations and Minnesota has a catch-and-release only season starting in mid-September.
The forecast was for temps in the high 20’s and partial sunshine. Neither materialized, and a strong south wind made life miserable. The good news was the fish were somewhat cooperative. I caught a small smallie on my second cast. We probably caught over 30 smallmouth but the size as a bit disappointing (how can a guy complain about smallmouth at the end of December). Our best fish for the day were tough fighting16 incher.
The pattern was dragging tubes and C-rigs in deeper current breaks. The first couple cast in a hole usually caught the few active fish in the area. From there it was dead sticking baits to get reluctant strikes. There were a lots of O S—-‘s for short or missed strikes. Mike did manage a couple of fish on a jerkbait.
You may have noted our first two pictures were not smallmouth. Both the catfish and walleye came right next to the smallmouth and on the same lures. Mike cat was defiantly the fight of the day. My walleye came on a C-rigged woolly crawtail. When I set the hook, the fish almost jerked the rod out of my hand. The total for the day was one cat, two walleye, 30 something smallouth and a hand full of rock bass. Not a bad way the end of 2007.
Nice fish Guys!
Awesome report, way to endure the elements! Sounds like a good day despite the foul weather.
Sure beats watching the Vikes! 
All day fishing and only two walleyes!!!!
Just kidding guys, great report and nice fish.
Great report. Was up that way yesterday on my way to Cabelas and noticed how open the river was. Where do you guys put the boat in at. The ramp under the 101 bridge looked iffy at best.
Looks fun.
Mike put your hat on it”s winter don’t ya know
Thats awesome John!! Smallies this time of the year, what a great way to end ’07
I don’t think the guy owns a hat!
They don’t make a hat that will stretch that large
Great post and nice fish John and Mack
Nice report and fish guys!
That is a nice walleye for up here. I’ll bet that would go good with some cajun breading in butter flavored crisco. This stretch of river up here holds some fantastic fishing. I’ve only been able to go from shore. Do you river guys up here ever just go walleye or crappie fishing? Bass are great and eveything but….. I’m just a walleye guy. I have had a hard time finding someone to venture the monticello stretch with the same mindset.
Thanks Guy’s, my next investment will be a decent hat for Mike. Mike has one but I won’t let him wear it for pictures.
Walleyebri, the walleye and everything else went back to be caught another day. I don’t get there very often but we seem to catch a walleye or two every trip. Maybe some of the other regulars can add something about where to look for them.
John