Smallmouth bass are definitely not abundant in the area lakes. Some lakes do have smallmouth bass available, but largemouth bass are the primary species of bass in the Minneapolis metro area. If you want to target smallmouth bass though, you do have some options. The rivers will give you a better chance to hook up with more of these fish here.
Lake Minnetonka
Lake Minnetonka is a 14,528-acre lake and it is only about 15 to 25 miles away from Minneapolis, depending on what part of the lake you are fishing. The lake is an irregular shape with numerous bays and islands, which helps make up around 125 miles of shoreline. Lake Minnetonka is known for its tremendous largemouth bass fishery. You can also catch northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie and panfish.
St. Croix River
The St. Croix River is a little farther from Minneapolis, especially if you head up to Taylor Falls. The Taylor Falls area is very close to the Chisago Lakes area, so combining a day on the river with a Chisago Lakes trip could work out perfect. The St. Croix River is known for its smallmouth bass and white bass fisheries in this area. You can also catch many other species of fish here such as walleye, catfish, northern pike, muskie and more.
Mississippi River Pool 2
Pool 2 is the portion of the Mississippi River from above the dam at Hastings, Minnesota and extends upstream to the Ford Dam. Backwater lakes in this area include Baldwin Lake, River Lake, Spring Lake, Mooers Lake, Pig’s Eye Lake and Grey Cloud Slough.
Anglers target a variety of fish in the river such as catfish, walleye, sauger, smallmouth bass, white bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass.
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.
