Smallmouth Bass

If you're looking for hard-fighting smallmouth in central Minnesota, Royalton offers some surprisingly good opportunities. The Mississippi River here is the key, with its rocky stretches and fluctuating water levels creating ideal habitat. Targeting areas around the Highway 10 bridge or further upstream towards Blanchard Dam can be productive. Spring and fall are prime times, as the smallies are most active when water temperatures are moderate. Summer can be good too, but focus on early morning or late evening to avoid the heat. A local tip: Pay attention to water clarity. After heavy rains, the river can get muddy, so use lures with good vibration or bright colors. Also, be aware of current; wading can be tricky in some spots, so consider fishing from shore or a small boat. The smallmouth here aren't giants, but they're plentiful and scrappy, making for a fun day on the water.