Going to take my boys on the river Monday. They would like to catch Sm bass. I really haven't fished for bass on the river much before. Could someone give me some tips to get us started, I don't want your secret spots just some general info to get us going. PM me if possible.

Thanks
Floyd

Above the 23 bridge on the MN shore lines is always good this time of year. Timber and weeds on the upper MN side of spirit lake, devils elbow weeds, bottom side of clough island and any place you find a drop with weeds/timber/rock on top of the break you will find them. Also right under the 23 bridge you will find them.
Spinners, cranks and on nice days top waters. Oddly enough above the 23 bridge I have caught a lot of smallies this time of year on a jig and sucker minnow in the channel.

If you don't mind going slow and watching out for rocks and deadheads, launch out of the Hwy 33 access in Cloquet and head upriver. Cast small crankbaits and twister tails around the rock piles.

You would need a MN license though.

The "upper" st. louis is full of smallies. If you just want action and trophy hunting is not the quest then head to the cloquet river and throw panther martins or any weighted in-line spinners anywhere there's water. TONS of little smallies there. plan on walking/wading. It's very shallow and you'll have the river to yourselves. I moved There's also brookies and browns in there....and suckers, catfish, pike, and walleyes. Just don't tell anyone about the 22-24 inch brookie I lost there last year! If that's not your gig than stick to the above mentioned spots.

Are there trout both upstream and downstream of island lake or just upstream? And is the river accessible (for wading) right below the dam?

Forgot to mention we are going to launch at Oliver so that means below 23 bridge. I think that changes the picture for your replys.

Thanks Mueller

What your boat can only travel down river?
Wi. side of Boyscout and the weed edges by the Oliver landing holds smallies as does the weed/stumpy islands on the Mn. side just below the Oliver.
Mess around a little in them areas there is a lot of smallie water around there. Dont be afraid to get that trolling motor full of weeds either.

I suppose the Cloquet is mainly canoe country? Too shallow for a boat?

MattHotHand - I suppose you are fishing the Croix down there in North Branch? I was down there last week, not much luck.

I haven't been on the whole cloquet but from the couple miles I know, yeah, it is canoe country or excellent for wading/hiking as well. And yes, I have made a handful of trips to the croix lately. The water is a little higher than I like and a lot of the fish were really tight to shore. With the water up a hair though the speed is a bit faster and helps in the reading of the current and it's path. I haven't fished here in the better part of a decade and will admit I'm having to work at it a bit more. If you plan on coming down again at all this year send me an e-mail and I can get you a more in depth report for the stretch you would like to fish. Also I caught a bowfin the other day on a local lake. Figured that was worth mentioning, Mr. Bowfin.

Good luck in the fishing down there. The lakes have been a bit busier than I am used and the Croix is a place to get away from the crowds.

I have family in North Branch and get down quite often. May ask you for a fishing report now and then if you don't mind.

No problem. Good luck to you as well in the meantime.

Since you guys are on the subject of St. Louis River and smallie fishing...

I'm thinking about a camping trip in two weeks possibly to Jay Cooke State Park. My bro is familiar with the notorious smallie action at the Cloquet reservoir off highway 33 right in town. However, is the fishing good in the park itself? There seems to be hiking trails all along the St. Louis but does it provide access to the banks? Any reports, gossip and comments, are welcomed. Thanks.

LVLDVL,

Welcome to the FM board. I live right by Jay Cooke so if shore/canoe fishing, there are some easy access spots on the St. Louis River North of Carlton. I haven't fished in the park itself.
Email me if you want more info/directions: backcast@duluthmn.com

About 122 of us are running down from Floodwood to Pupores on Saturday. 13 miles of draging and scooting in this low water. Just a bit early in the year. It should still yeild us a lot of fish, but not the big ones.

In another 2 weeks, you will catch mostly big "nerf football size or bigger" ones. Up to the 5 pound range. Your thumbs are sore and rough by the end of the trip. Most years, by the last two miles, I have all of my hook cut off so I don't havr to take any more off of the hook.

Through in a few eyes to the mix and you have a great shore lunch. Great day trip if you start early.

122 of you?