Smallmouth Bass

While Largemouth Bass get much of the attention in Greenwood, Minnesota's Lake Minnetonka, don't overlook the Smallmouth Bass population. These feisty fish thrive in the lake's rocky areas and clearer waters. Look for them around points, humps, and rocky shorelines, especially on the main lake. The best time to target Smallmouth is during the spring and fall, when water temperatures are cooler. In the spring, they'll be staging near spawning areas, and in the fall, they'll be actively feeding before winter. A practical tip: Pay attention to wind direction. Smallmouth often congregate on the windward side of points and rocky areas where baitfish are concentrated. Another tip: Lake Minnetonka's Smallmouth can be finicky. Experiment with different retrieves and bait presentations until you find what they're keying on. Drop-shot rigs, tubes, and crankbaits are all effective. While not as numerous as largemouth, the smallmouth in Lake Minnetonka are known for their aggressive strikes and hard fighting ability, making them a rewarding target.