Even with the warmer than average weather we’ve been having, the Mississippi River isn’t far from being right on schedule. The weeds are dying off and floating down river in huge piles. The fish are grouped up and hunting furiously. These “smallie hunting packs” can be found cruising the rocky shorelines that have deep/fast current near by, in search of their next meal.
The number of spots that fit this description are numerous and almost all of them hold fish at some point during the day. Just keep moving until you run into one or more of these groups. Most of the fish are found in about 4-5 feet of water, but there are also many fish pushing as shallow as 1-3 feet of water in search of bait fish as well. Couple that with the clearer than average water that I’ve mentioned in the past, and sight fishing now becomes a favorite technique of mine.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of anything much more exhilarating than spotting 4-5 bronze backs cruising a rocky shoreline. In anticipation to what’s about to happen, you flip your bait into their strike zone. They pause and turn as they hear the lure hit the water…as the lure descends in the water column one of them attacks it and the fight is on. The dark shadow screams out line as it heads for deeper water, then it jumps and shakes, as it hits the water it starts pulling again harder than you ever imagined possible. Picture doing this over and over… an average trip on the river is filled with over 50 of these experiences a day!
I was fortunate enough to spend the last few days with a number of great people. I’d like to thank all of them for the great time we shared on the water. The weather was beautiful all week and the fishing was simply amazing. The numbers of fish coming to the boat right now are staggering and the size is getting better by the day. This is truly an amazing fishery! Based off the current conditions the bite should last well into the first part of October, so there has never been a better time to get out with family and friends to put the smack down on some of these tackle busting fish! Good Luck to everyone.
Here’s a few more pics from Roscoe and Jerry’s big day! Not only was it a big day of fishing, it was also their 15th wedding anniversary! Congratulations!
They pulled two of the fish below at the same time and there were a few more fish waiting so as I unhooked em they flipped their lures back in and hooked up for a back to back double, so I got to have my first ever quad in the boat with only two people fishing!
More pics
Another great day! Dave and Dean caught some incredible fish, check these out! I wish the pics could show how fat these fish really were, man they were tanks!
Fellow IDO member Big Northern and his son also put the hammer down on the big Smallies
Great fish guys, hope to see you again soon!
Great job Joe, them are some gorgeous lookin’ smallies
Man did we have fun. The whole trip was a highlight reel. Joe’s a great guide & we can’t wait for next time.
Great Job Joe, Those are some great looking fish!
Great job Joe!
I’m not sure what else a client could ask for in a fishing guide! 
Thanks Joe for one of the best days on the water. Incredible action, loads of fun and lots of great information. The smallies were incredible. Definitely a day I’ll remember.
Thanks guys, I really appreciate all the positive feedback
I always try to give each and everyone of my clients the best day possible.
The smallmouth are still feeding like piranhas and the walleye are starting to pick up as well. Man, I love the Fall!