Smallmouth Bass

Champlin, Minnesota, offers some surprisingly good smallmouth bass fishing, primarily in the Mississippi River as it flows through the area. The rocky structure and current breaks around the islands and along the shoreline are prime holding spots for these feisty fish. Spring and fall are particularly productive times. As the water warms in the spring, smallmouth move into shallower areas to spawn, making them more accessible to anglers. In the fall, they feed heavily to prepare for winter. For bank access, try the parks along the river, but a boat or kayak will significantly expand your options. Be mindful of the current, especially when navigating around islands. A local tip: focus on areas where smaller creeks or streams enter the Mississippi; these inflows often hold concentrations of smallmouth. Also, the smallmouth in this section of the river tend to be aggressive, so don't be afraid to use slightly larger lures than you might elsewhere.