It’s A Largemouth Kind Of Weekend Across Central Minnesota

It'll feel like July but look like October out on the water this weekend, so if you are making plans to hit the water, here are some fish you might want to target, since temperatures are expected to be hot.

It's A Largemouth Weekend

Warm weather, remaining green weeds, and baitfish activity make largemouth bass a good option to pursue. Start around weed edges, shallow bays, lily pads, and pockets of vegetation. You'll want to start chasing the fish in the morning and go until the early afternoon. 

You might consider working wind-blown weed edges if the waves are manageable. 

What should you be throwing? Well, that depends on where you are, but some options for this weekend are spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and weedless frogs. 

I'm Alright With Pike

I told you last week, bears weren't the only thing getting fat this time of year. Northern pike are also plumping up, and with the warm weather and water, it might not be a bad play to go after some. Target around remaining weed beds, weed points, and the edges where shallow vegetation meets deeper water. You'll want to be out in the morning and then again in the evening, primarily when the baitfish are moving. 

For lures, try inline spinners, spoons, spinnerbaits, and larger swimbaits.

Taking It To The River? Smallmouth Is A Great Option

The Mississippi River around St. Cloud is a legitimate option. The Minnesota DNR identifies smallmouth bass as the river's most sought-after species, with walleye and northern pike also present. 

Get our free mobile app

With the wind gusting up to 40mph at times on Saturday, rather than hopping in a boat, you might want to try casting from shore. You'll want to look for rocky shorelines, current seams, eddies, and deeper holes to cast into. 

The best bait to try if you are going from shore would be tubes, small swimbaits, and suspending jerkbaits. 

Need Some Area Lake Recommendations?

I'm not saying these lakes are going to pay off, but it's always fun to try someplace new, especially when the temperature will allow it this late in the season.

• Clearwater Lake (Near Annandale): It's got largemouth, pike, crappies, and bluegill.
• Grand Lake (Near Rockville): Look for largemouth, pike, walleye, and crappies.
• Kings Lake (Near Freeport): Plenty of pike and largemouth to keep you busy.
• Mississippi River (between Sartell and St. Cloud): Expect smallmouth, channel catfish, pike, and walleye.

Good luck out there, and catch a PR.

READ MORE FROM PAUL SHEA HERE