Lake Pepin has an abundance of rip rap that lines the shorelines and in these areas, smallmouth bass are fairly common. While there are definitely better smallmouth bass destinations in Wisconsin and Minnesota, you can definitely target them here and expect to catch some smallies.
Fish the Rocks
If you fish the rocks, you have a good chance to catch some bass and some quality fish are possible too. If you’re not fishing the rocks, you may not run into many smallmouth bass. This lake is known for having a very good early season smallmouth bite along the rip rap.
The Current May Dictate the Bite
When the river is running higher, you will have some current running through Lake Pepin. This current will help position a lot of smallmouth bass throughout the lake. Smallmouth bass like current and the current breaks will usually be good spots to look for them. Mix in some rocks and you have some ideal spots to target smallmouths. When the current is very minimal on the lake, it won’t be much of a factor.
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.
