Location:
The Rum River runs from Mille Lacs Lake in central Minnesota to the Mississippi River at Anoka. The portion of the Rum managed by the East Metro Staff starts at the Anoka-Isanti County line north of St. Francis and ends at the dam in the city of Anoka.
Species Present:
Walleye: lower than average abundance, average size.
Smallmouth Bass: average abundance, average size.
Bluegill: lower than average abundance, smaller than average size.
Crappie: lower than average abundance, smaller than average size.
Northern Pike: lower than average abundance, average size.
Bluegill, crappie and pike are more abundant in the impounded area near Anoka.
Boat Access:
- Rum River North Park: This county facility has a carry-in access limited to canoes and small boats only. Boats on trailers cannot be launched here.
- Rum River Central Park: There is a boat ramp at this facility suitable for launching small boats on trailers. The facility is no suitable for larger craft.
- County Road 7 (7th Ave. N.W.) bridge: This undeveloped site is suitable for launching canoes or small boats when water levels are adequate. Use caution, there is mud and other obstacles to avoid when launching here.
- Anoka County Fairgrounds: This facility has an asphalt ramp suitable for launching small or medium sized boats. It may not be suitable for larger boats.
Shore Fishing:
- Rum River North Park: There is some shoreline suitable for fishing at this site. Fishing is limited by overhanging trees and underwater rocks at some areas.
- St. Francis City Parks: There are two neighborhood parks in St. Francis with public shoreline suitable for fishing. One is located at the intersection of 217th St. N.W. and Woodbine Street. The other is located at the intersection of 211th Street N.W. and Blackfoot Street NW. Fishing may be limited by overhanging trees in some areas.
- Rum River Central Park: Lots of shoreline here, but much of it requires walking through heavily wooded area to access. Fishing may be limited by overhanging trees and in-stream debris at some locations.
- County Road 7 (7th Ave. N.W.) bridge: Some anglers fish here, but low water levels make it unsuitable during certain times of the year.
- Rivers Bend Park (Ramsey): This city facility has a fishing pier and additional shoreline suitable for fishing. The entrance to the park is east of Mn. 47 at 142nd Street N..W. and N.W. Waco Street.
- Anoka County Fairgrounds: There is a limited area adjacent to the boat ramp suitable for angling.
Management Plans:
- Re-survey/population assessment in 2016.
Aquatic Invasive Species Alert:
This river contains zebra mussels.
Comments:
The Rum is a medium sized, warm-water stream with an average fish population. Shallow areas make traveling upstream on this river troublesome, so most anglers fish this area by floating from one access to another. Fishing pressure is light, and most is directed at Smallmouth Bass. Occasional Walleye are caught. The lower portion of this stretch of stream is impounded by a dam in Anoka.