The Bemidji area is definitely known more for its walleye, northern pike and muskie fishing It is also a very good area for largemouth bass and panfish. The smallmouth bass fishing isn’t what brings people to this area, however Lake Beltrami is a good smallmouth bass lake with a fishable population of them and plenty of quality fish too. Some of the guides will travel a little bit further also to put some of their clients on smallmouth bass if that’s what they want to target while up here. Take a look below to learn more about the lakes that have smallmouth bass in this area.
Kabekona Lake
Kabekona Lake is located 3 miles south of Laporte in northeastern Hubbard County. Kabekona has a surface area of 2,252 acres and a maximum depth of 133 feet. A county-owned public access is located on the west shore of the lake. Kabekona offers good fishing for walleye and northern pike. Other fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Lake Beltrami
Lake Beltrami totals 722 acres with a maximum depth of 50 feet. It is located 10 miles north of Bemidji in Beltrami County. Lake Beltrami is one of 11 connected lakes known as the Turtle River Chain. There is a single lane, concrete boat ramp located on the south shore of the lake. This lake has a very diverse fishery. Anglers can target walleye, northern pike, muskie, largemouth, smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Best Baits for Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass will eat a variety of different baits. Minnows, nightcrawlers and leeches are definitely the best live baits for smallmouth bass.
When it comes to artificial lures, you have lots of options. Soft plastic crayfish, twin tail grubs, worms and minnow baits are very effective. Hard baits such as crankbaits, jerkbaits and spinners also work great.
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Live Baits for Smallmouth Bass
Best Rigs for Smallmouth Bass
With so many different soft plastics to use, you have so many different rigs that work great for smallmouth bass. The drop shot rig, a simple jighead, standup jigheads and scrounger jigheads are some of the best rigs for smallmouth bass. To see our full list, take a look at our best rigs for smallmouth bass page.
Best Techniques for Smallmouth Bass
There are so many different techniques you can use for smallmouth bass since they can be found shallow, deep and anywhere in between. Anglers usually cast for them, but jigging, drop shotting and drifting are also some great techniques for smallmouth bass.
To learn more, take a look at our best techniques for smallmouth bass page.
Learn More About Smallmouth Bass
Our smallmouth bass fishing section has tons of tips on the best lures, live baits, where to catch them and how to catch them.
Visit our smallmouth bass fishing website to learn more.
