On a recent five-hour float trip, local fly-angler Jim Swenson and I caught over three-dozen smallies ranging from 9 to 16 inches. We caught fish wherever there were rocks or a little wood cover. In fact, because the water was very clear that day, we saw numerous smallmouths we didn't catch, including several at least 18 inches.

Anglers have DNR personnel to thank for this success story. Besides introducing smallies to the river, they have also worked on bank stabilization and placement of in-stream cover. Through their efforts, smallmouths are now well established from the Friberg Dam downstream to the Wilkin County line. In fact, a DNR survey several years ago found that 36 percent of Otter Tail's smallies were already over 12 inches, with some nearly 20 inches.

Shore-fishing is possible right in Fergus Falls, and below the Friberg and Lake Orwell dams. A canoe is best for reaching the less-accessible sections. One good section is upstream of the Dayton Lake Reservoir. Both fly- and spin-fishing is productive on the Otter Tail, and one of the best books for learning river fishing is my new one, Smallmouth Fly-Fishing, which is available at www.smallmouthangler.com.

ST. CROIX RIVER
What a river. Though it is near the Twin Cities, federal protection keeps the St. Croix relatively pristine and fishy. It's big, too. The St. Croix is 150 miles long and composed of four dramatically different sections, with each section offering its own brand of smallmouthing.

The "extreme upper" St. Croix from the Gordon Dam down to the mouth of the Namekagon is 20 miles of very shallow, rocky water. It is good for wading and has high numbers of smaller fish. The "upper" St. Croix from the Namekagon down to Taylors Falls is 80 miles of shallow pools and riffles that can be floated by canoe, and this section holds smallmouths of all sizes. The "middle" river from Taylors Falls to Stillwater is 30 miles of big river, large enough for boats, and has the potential for big smallies. The "lower" St. Croix downstream of Stillwater to the Mississippi is really a lake. This 20-mile section is filled with watercraft of all sizes, but also has some excellent smallies.

Since the middle and lower sections of the St. Croix can be fished with standard-sized boats, I'll focus on these areas. Because the lower river has heavy boat traffic in the summer, it's best to fish on weekdays or before 10 a.m. on weekends. During these times, you'll find good action by focusing on riprap around the Interstate 94 bridge and downstream near the St. Croix's junction with the Mississippi. Crack-of-dawn folks often see excellent topwater action. In "the Dales" area near Taylors Falls, the middle St. Croix offers both spectacular scenery and good fishing. The bluff banks hold big fish, especially where rock outcroppings have collapsed into the river.

The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce at (651) 439-7700 can provide a list of local services.