I think the "boys" were looking for the body of the guy that wandered into the river from Babcock this past winter. I remember hearing the sad story about the guy but I never heard that he has been found. Im sure the family would like some closure.

Well he is a bit down river with this high water, he was probably around those big eddies on eitherside of the river up from Dayton until then

Are there any sections of the river that have good smallmouth fishing but are basically only accessible by canoe?

Not really, everything is accessible by jetboat, even up north of Brainerd, the farther north ya go the less chances fo running into one though, I have fished out of a kayak on the river and jet boats aren't a problem, they leave very little wake, even at wot, my biggest problem was always the people that thought they had to creep buy you and leave you with 3 foot rollers in the process.

River Rat! Waz up!????

I would like to hear from everyone who enjoys fishing this portion of the river. I'm sure there are, and will be a lot of good stories out there.

I haven't fished the river this year myself, but I'll keep you posted in a couple of weeks.

I am curious to see how the brownies did over the cold winter.

Good Luck and Be Safe!

Haven't got out this year yet, but last year I caught quite a few quality Smallies out North of the Monticello launch by the hospital. You either need a River Pro or a 14ft er that you're willing to ping off the rocks lol, there are some seriously huge boulders in that stretch of river.

I rea;;y enjoy the ostego to monti strecth did very well on smallys last year and also caught qutie a few channels didnt realy try for much else but I'm sure that if I did I would be able to find other spieces easy enough. havent been on the riv yet this year but hopefully soon.

I typically float from Monticello to Otsego (Kadler Landing) and Becker (Snuffy's) to Monticello in my inflatable pontoon. Either stretch will take me about 6 - 8 hours depending on the current and number of stops I make.

That pontoon is the best purchase I have made in a long time for river fishing. The thing is built to hit rocks and you can go where no other boat can go. I suggest you buy one if you fish this area.

Clearwater is also a great place to launch a stinky boat. I'll usually head south for the walleyes.

The(fly)fishing is excellent anywhere along here. If you don't have a fly rod bring a spinning rod. You are guaranteed to have a good time here.

Cads, what does a inflatable pontoon cost and where did you get it. I would love to check one of those out.

You can get them for under $800.00 I know Cabela's sells them too. Here is a link to the kind I own, but there are many other brands as well.

(Sorry no links allowed)

Which Model did you pick up?

I purchased the Guide Lite, however, when I purchase a new one I'll be getting the Guide Pro because it comes with a standing platform.

Has anyone run a boat up river from the ramp in monticello?

Anybody know if the channels are biting in the monticello area?? Havent been down there since earlier this year. Just wondering if anyone knows if the bite is good??