Smallmouth Bass

New Hope, Minnesota, offers some surprisingly good smallmouth bass fishing, primarily in the Mississippi River and its connected lakes and streams. While not a trophy smallie destination, the accessibility and consistent action make it a worthwhile trip. The best time to target smallmouth is during the pre-spawn period in late spring (May-June) when they move into shallower water to prepare for spawning, and again in the fall (September-October) as they feed aggressively before winter. Look for rocky areas, current breaks, and submerged structure. A key local tip is to access the river via the boat launch at Elm Creek Park Reserve; it provides excellent access to productive stretches of the river. Also, be aware of the current – it can be strong, especially after heavy rains, so plan your approach accordingly. The smallmouth here tend to be aggressive and respond well to crankbaits, tubes, and topwater lures.