Smallmouth Bass

While Bena, Minnesota, is better known for its largemouth and panfish, the surrounding area offers opportunities for smallmouth bass anglers willing to explore. Head towards the more riverine sections of the Mississippi near Bena or explore some of the deeper, clearer lakes further north. These waters provide the rocky structure and current that smallmouth prefer. The best time to target smallmouth is typically late spring through early fall. Focus on areas with current breaks, rocky points, and submerged timber. A local trick is to fish crankbaits or tube jigs along the rocky shorelines of Lake Winnibigoshish on windy days; the wave action stirs up the bottom and triggers feeding activity. Be aware that smallmouth populations can be more localized than largemouth, so moving around to find active fish is often necessary. The smallmouth here are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, so be prepared for a battle!