Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing near Columbia Heights, Minnesota, often involves venturing slightly outside the immediate city limits to find more suitable habitat. While the Mississippi River flows nearby, targeting smallmouth is more productive in the rockier sections of the Rum River, which is a short drive north. Look for areas with current, rocky bottoms, and submerged wood. The best times to fish for smallmouth here are late spring and early fall, when water temperatures are moderate. During the summer months, focus on fishing early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat. A practical tip is to use a Carolina rig with a crawfish imitation or a tube bait, dragging it along the bottom. Wading is possible in some areas of the Rum River, but a canoe or kayak allows you to cover more water. The smallmouth in the Rum River are typically in the 1-3 pound range, but larger fish are occasionally caught. Be aware of changing water levels, especially after heavy rains.