Fishing Report 9/21/2009

September's stable weather continued last week. In fact we've been experiencing some of the warmest water temps and consistant weather patterns of the entire summer....which makes you think bass action should be fast and furious...think again. Fishing for Mille Lacs smallmouths continues to be fair to good.

Lake Conditions: Surface Water Temps: 70-73 degrees. Water Clearity: good to 4 feet. Water Color: slightly stained. Rock reefs continue to be full of small minnows, perch and crawdads...making it difficult finding active/hungry fish.

Last week guided Mike and Stan S from White Bear Lake. The day provided blue skys, bright sunlight and warm temps. Caught most of our fish on texas rigged plastic stick baits. Both Stan and Mike caught their personal best smallmouths.....both caught fish over 4 pounds....with the largest going 4pounds 12 oz.

Sunday fished with Fritz and Laura P. from Bufflalo, Mn. The bite was slow but the fish we caught had nice size and lots of fight. Fritzs first and largest fish of the day was a beautiful 19 inch 4 pound 2 oz beauty...and Laura fought and landed a nice 3 and a half pounder dispite doing so with a broken rod....nice job Laura! Like earlier reports of late....the fish weren't aggressive and showed no interest in fast moving baits. It seems like you had to put the bait on their nose for them to show any interest.

Look for the bite to impove as Mille Lacs smallmouths sense the need to "bulk up" to sustain them thru the winter season. Although the topwater, crankbait and spinner bait bite has been non existant of late....dont count these baits out for fast smallmouth action.

Remember: If you don't chase em...you won't catch em!