Short answer: Yes. On the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast, Kip Vieth of Wildwood Float Trips explains that Minnesota's Upper Mississippi and St. Croix rivers hold a quality smallmouth fishery, protected by catch-and-release regulations, that eats topwater poppers and divers. Musky is the high-risk, high-reward bonus on the same water, and fall is the most productive season for it.
Summary
Takeaways
- Minnesota offers excellent smallmouth and musky fishing opportunities on the Upper Mississippi and St. Croix rivers.
- The Upper Mississippi is known for its quality smallmouth fishery, with catch-and-release regulations and abundant food sources.
- Topwater flies like poppers and divers are effective for smallmouth, with rubber legs adding extra attraction.
- Musky fishing is a challenging and rewarding pursuit, with the fall season being the most productive.
- Having the right fly line, such as a weight-forward line, is crucial for casting larger flies for both smallmouth and musky. Muskies are unpredictable and can be difficult to catch, requiring patience and persistence.
- Musky fishing is different from tarpon fishing, as muskies are ambush predators and require heavy rods and big streamer flies.
- Staying focused and mentally prepared is crucial in musky fishing, as even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a missed opportunity.
- Moon phases and weather conditions play a significant role in musky fishing success.
- Contact Kip Vieth at Wildwood Float Trips for more information on booking a musky fishing trip.
Watch the Show
Listen to the Show
Related reading:
- Bass fishing in the Mississippi River with Kip Vieth.
- Kip Vieth on smallmouth, musky and the musky mental game.
- Pennsylvania muskie fly fishing.
- Pennsylvania muskie on the fly: predator fly design and moving-water tactics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fly fish the Mississippi River for smallmouth bass?
Yes. Kip Vieth, owner operator of Wildwood Float Trips, says the Upper Mississippi and the St. Croix rivers in Minnesota hold an abundant, high-quality smallmouth fishery. Catch-and-release regulations have helped maintain the quality of the fishery, and the smallmouth feed on a variety of foods, including crayfish and minnows.
What flies work for smallmouth on the Upper Mississippi?
Topwater flies like poppers and divers are effective for Upper Mississippi smallmouth, and rubber legs add extra attraction. A weight-forward fly line makes it easier to cast the larger flies used for both smallmouth and musky.
When is the best time to fly fish for musky on the Mississippi River?
According to Kip Vieth, fall is the most productive season for musky on the Mississippi River in Minnesota. Moon phases and weather conditions also play a significant role in musky fishing success.
What gear do you need for musky on the fly?
Musky on the fly calls for heavy rods, big streamer flies and a weight-forward fly line that can turn over large flies. Kip Vieth also covers rod and leader setups for muskies in the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast episode.
How is musky fishing different from tarpon fishing?
Muskies are ambush predators and are unpredictable, so musky fishing demands patience, persistence and constant focus. Even a momentary lapse in attention can mean a missed fish, which is why Kip Vieth calls musky a high-risk, high-reward pursuit.
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By Christian Bacasa
Host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast
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