Smallmouth Bass

While often overshadowed by largemouth, smallmouth bass fishing can be surprisingly good in the Mississippi River near Brooklyn Center. Focus your efforts on areas with rocky structure, current breaks, and deeper pools. The stretch of river both above and below the dams can hold good numbers of smallmouth. Summer and fall are prime times to target them. Use crankbaits, tubes, and jerkbaits to entice strikes. Smallmouth in this area are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, so be prepared for a battle. A local tip: look for areas where the river bottom transitions from sand to rock. These transition zones often hold smallmouth. Also, pay attention to water clarity; smallmouth prefer clearer water than largemouth. Access to the river is available via several public boat ramps, but be cautious of strong currents and boat traffic. The smallmouth here tend to be relatively healthy and strong, making for an exciting fishing experience.