Ridge, Valley & River Ramblings: Top Water Tactics

We are fortunate enough to live in 'downtown' Lund, WI and be only minutes from Pool 4 on the Mighty Miss, and just a few miles from the Lower Chippewa River section. Both of these waters provide excellent topwater action for several species from early summer through fall.

Lake Pepin comprises the majority of Pool 4 waters. Although the walleye and sauger fishing gets most of the attention, the bass fishing is also outstanding. Miles of rip rapped shore and various wing dams and current breaks throughout the section are prime areas to probe for smallies. Early June through August gives anglers a large window to get bronze backs on the top. Pitch your favorite topwater choice close to shore structure, points, eddies, and weedlines throughout the system, and get ready to do battle with many fish in the 13-16 inch class. The nice thing about Pool 4 is that trophy fish of 20 inch plus are also a possibility.

Largemouths will also inhabit some of the same areas. But if you are a fan of Mr. Bucketmouth, you'll want to focus more on the lower end of Pool 4 and the many backwaters around Nelson, Alma, and Wabasha, MN. Pads, grass, cabbage, current, closing dams, bridges, brush, slough channels, and flats abound... and they will hold lots of fish if you put your time in. Buzzbaits, and frogs are solid choices for largies, as they are a bit more weedless.

The Chippewa offers excellent smallmouth fishing, a few muskies and best of all great scenery with very little fishing pressure. Again focus on rip rap shores, sand breaks, current edges, and logs to hold the smallies. Depth is a relative term on fast flowing rivers, so many times 3 feet of water is enough. Pitch bright colored chug bugs or Pop-R's slightly up stream and tight to cover. Keep your rod low enough so you have some leverage to set the hook when the violent strike occurs.

There are muskies to be had on the Chippewa as well, with the stretches between Eau Claire and the point where the Red Cedar River enters holding the most fish. Late summer is prime time for the 'fish of 10,000 casts' but believe me... it won't take that many :)

See below for some of my go to topwater selections. Tight Lines all!

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