4-25-2011 Mon
5:30 PM- 7:30 PM
Weather: E 7, G 17, cloudy, 63 ˚, 29.73 mb, falling
H2O: 10.9’, falling, 108 kcfs, clear, 53 ˚
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Upper mid-pool)
Caught: Eleven largemouth bass, one smallmouth bass and 10 pike (the largest of the largemouth bass was eighteen inches and the largest pike was 33 inches respectively)
Partners: None
Comments
The day started out as a beautiful spring day, plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the sixty’s. But of course it did not last. By the time I got off work and onto the water it was windy and threatening rain!
I hit the same areas I had fished yesterday with Scott, and I also added some new water I had never fished before. With this high water it is presenting some new fishing spots that would normally be too shallow. I did catch fish in just about every area I tried, and some of the spots were extremely shallow. The fish were relating to sunken stumps or remnant weed patches that survived the winter intact.
My go to bait tonight was a Terminator spinner bait adorned with a plastic grub along with the normal skirt and a trailer hook. The trailer was a definite necessity, the fish were just nipping at the skirt and a lot of the fish were caught on the trailer. The last half hour I switched to a rattle trap and convinced a couple more bass to bite.
The wind was considerable and boat control was tough, but the fish seem to be more active with a strong wind. It rocked and socked me and pushed me into some pretty skinny water, but I was catching fish and that is what matters!
Observations
The water is steadily falling, rising in temperature and very clear. I did notice carp are starting to move into the areas I have been fishing, I expect the water to get quite turbid with their arrival.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
4-24-2011
4-24-2011 Sun
4:30 PM- 8:00PM
Weather: S 6, clear, 55 ˚, 29.99 mb, rising
H2O: 11.13’, falling, 113 kcfs, clear, 49 ˚
Location : Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Upper mid-pool)
Caught: We caught lots of northern and bass, with the majority of fish being largemouth bass
Partners: Scot
Comments
Scot and I fished tonight after both doing the Family Easter dinner thing. The weather for fishing tonight was about as good as it gets. We had very little wind and the temperature was comfortable if you were wearing a sweatshirt and jacket. We have not had many warm days this spring, so it was even more enjoyable.
We did rather well fishing tonight, if I were to estimate the number of fish I would have to venture a guess in the low thirties. Most of the bass were fat and healthy with the biggest probably pushing the tape out to eighteen inches. The biggest pike of the night was somewhere around twenty-eight inches which is just a guestimate.
The majority of the fish came on spinner baits, with both of us using a tandem blade in a lighter color. I did catch a few using a Blue Fox buck tail. At the end of the night the fish just ignored our spinner baits, so I switched up and went to a Rapala Rattling Rap. I had immediate results; I think it was on my first cast I caught a nice large mouth. After a couple more fish Scot was convinced and he switched to a Man’s Baby -1, with almost immediate results.
With this early spring fishing and the shallow waters producing both largemouth bass and northern pike, I definitely recommend the use of a leader on all hard baits. I make my own leaders out of a piece of twenty-five pound fluorocarbon. I tie a quality swivel on my main line and then tie the fluorocarbon to the swivel, I then tie the fluorocarbon leader directly to may bait. I like to make the leader a little longer. That way if the line gets nicked by a fish; or if I want to tie on different bait I am able to do it with the extra line.
Observations
The water is steadily receding, but it still is higher than normal for this time of year. I have yet to mow the lawn, but unfortunately I think the time is quickly approaching. I have not observed any type of flowers blooming, except for the bulb plants and they are pretty much done. The aquatic weed growth on the lake has not started except for and isolated plant hear or there.
4:30 PM- 8:00PM
Weather: S 6, clear, 55 ˚, 29.99 mb, rising
H2O: 11.13’, falling, 113 kcfs, clear, 49 ˚
Location : Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Upper mid-pool)
Caught: We caught lots of northern and bass, with the majority of fish being largemouth bass
Partners: Scot
Comments
Scot and I fished tonight after both doing the Family Easter dinner thing. The weather for fishing tonight was about as good as it gets. We had very little wind and the temperature was comfortable if you were wearing a sweatshirt and jacket. We have not had many warm days this spring, so it was even more enjoyable.
We did rather well fishing tonight, if I were to estimate the number of fish I would have to venture a guess in the low thirties. Most of the bass were fat and healthy with the biggest probably pushing the tape out to eighteen inches. The biggest pike of the night was somewhere around twenty-eight inches which is just a guestimate.
The majority of the fish came on spinner baits, with both of us using a tandem blade in a lighter color. I did catch a few using a Blue Fox buck tail. At the end of the night the fish just ignored our spinner baits, so I switched up and went to a Rapala Rattling Rap. I had immediate results; I think it was on my first cast I caught a nice large mouth. After a couple more fish Scot was convinced and he switched to a Man’s Baby -1, with almost immediate results.
With this early spring fishing and the shallow waters producing both largemouth bass and northern pike, I definitely recommend the use of a leader on all hard baits. I make my own leaders out of a piece of twenty-five pound fluorocarbon. I tie a quality swivel on my main line and then tie the fluorocarbon to the swivel, I then tie the fluorocarbon leader directly to may bait. I like to make the leader a little longer. That way if the line gets nicked by a fish; or if I want to tie on different bait I am able to do it with the extra line.
Observations
The water is steadily receding, but it still is higher than normal for this time of year. I have yet to mow the lawn, but unfortunately I think the time is quickly approaching. I have not observed any type of flowers blooming, except for the bulb plants and they are pretty much done. The aquatic weed growth on the lake has not started except for and isolated plant hear or there.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
4-23-2011 Sat
7:30 AM- 3:30PM
Weather: W 20 G 26, mostly cloudy, 46 ˚, 29.68 mb rising (AM)
NW 13, overcast, 50 ˚, 29.86 mb rising (PM)
H2O: 631.28, falling, 124 kcfs, clear, 45 ˚
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 9 (Genoa)
Caught: Lots of small walleyes and saugers, kept a 14” sauger and three walleyes between 15” and 20”.
Partners: Norm and Grant
Comments
Today I fished with a good friend of mine from high school and his son. We usually get together one to two days per year for some walleye fishing. It gives us a chance to catch up on what is going on and reminisce about the old high school and beyond years.
Fishing was pretty hot as soon as we started fishing. We tied up on the end of the long wall and it was pretty easy fishing. We did not have to deal with boat control or playing bumper boats with the other fisherman. We caught lots of fish, but almost all were too small. We probably caught 60/40 walleyes versus saugers.
After about four to five hours at this spot it was time to hit the Minnesota shoreline for a badly needed potty break. We then fished this side for around an hour and did pretty good. The numbers of fish boated were probably not as good, but the size for the number of fish we did catch was good. The only downfall on this side was the increased current which caused a constant battle trying to control the boat. We were very fortunate we only had two boats to dodge.
Most fish today came on ¾ ounce or large river jigs tipped with a minnow, and of course a stinger hook was pretty much mandatory. The fish were light biting and about half the fish were hooked on the stinger. I did use a ring worm set-up with some success, but the fish seemed to prefer meat. I also had some pretty good luck on a lighter hair jig tipped with a minnow at the end of the long wall in the slack water areas.
We also caught a few sheep heads and one white bass. I gave all my fish to Norm, so he was able to take a nice meal of fish home.
Observations
The water is dropping at a steady rate, and it is pretty clear. However the gates are wide open and there is lots of current which makes the fishing somewhat difficult. The shore fishermen on the Wisconsin side were catching fish right away in the morning, but as the day progressed their catch rate seemed to disappear. The fishermen on the float seemed to have steady action. There was also one boat about fifty yards to the south of the fishing float and about thirty yards out from shore catching quite a few white bass.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
4-22-2011
4-22-2011 Fri
7:00 PM- 7:30PM
Weather: E 6, light rain, 41 ˚, 29.64˚ rising
H2O: 11.6, falling, 123 kcfs, clear, degrees
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Behind house)
Caught: One 4” bluegill, two 8” perch, 8 & 10” LMB
Partners: None
Comments
I did a quick recon mission behind the house tonight. I wanted to see if any fish had moved back into the bay next to the landing on account of the dropping water. After five minutes of being fish less, I had my answer.
I switched to the south side of the landing and was fishing in a little more current. I was able to catch a few fish, but it was pretty slow. In the short amount of time I fished I caught three different species of the finned critters.
Observations
The water is dropping at a steady rate, and it is pretty clear. The boat ramp is still unusable, but I think in another day the ramp will be useable. I still have a little bit of snow on the ground behind the house where it had slid off the roof and accumulated in piles.
7:00 PM- 7:30PM
Weather: E 6, light rain, 41 ˚, 29.64˚ rising
H2O: 11.6, falling, 123 kcfs, clear, degrees
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Behind house)
Caught: One 4” bluegill, two 8” perch, 8 & 10” LMB
Partners: None
Comments
I did a quick recon mission behind the house tonight. I wanted to see if any fish had moved back into the bay next to the landing on account of the dropping water. After five minutes of being fish less, I had my answer.
I switched to the south side of the landing and was fishing in a little more current. I was able to catch a few fish, but it was pretty slow. In the short amount of time I fished I caught three different species of the finned critters.
Observations
The water is dropping at a steady rate, and it is pretty clear. The boat ramp is still unusable, but I think in another day the ramp will be useable. I still have a little bit of snow on the ground behind the house where it had slid off the roof and accumulated in piles.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
4-20-2011 Wed
4-20-2011 Wed
6:00 PM- 8:00PM
Weather: W 10, intermittent rain, 39 degrees, 30.17 rising
H2O: 12.2', falling, 136 kcfs, clear, 42 degrees
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Behind house)
Caught: 10, 14 and 18" bass
Partners: None
Comments
I do not know what possesed me to go fishing tonight, I definitely cannot say the weather! It was cold, rainy and we still had some snow left over from yesterday. I guess the best thing weather wise was the lack of wind. But man was it cold, and I was soaked by the end of the night.
I know they had been catching bass in the channel behind the house, and I wanted to try it myself. I had heard the go to bait was a senko rigged wacky style, and indeed it worked for me tonight. I was using a small senko (4") on account of the 42 degree water temperature.
Basically wacky style rigging is taking the worm and pushing the hook all the way through the center of the worm. If you hold your line the worm should balance in the air and be pretty much horizontal. Fishing these baits is pretty much a no brainer, but it can be rather boring if there is no action. Cast the bait out, let it sink for a bit, pull it in a few feet, let it sink back down and repeat.
I started out whith a white senko, and snapped my line on a fish after about the fourth cast. The next half hour produced no more strikes so I changed to a brown with a blue glitter color. On my first cast with the new color I caught my first bass of the open water season, a small ten incher. About fifteen minutes later I caught the nice one in the picture.
The action was not furious, but I probably missed as many as I caught, so it was not too bad either. The bites were not bone jarring. On a couple of the fish I just noticed something did not seem right with the line and wouldn't you know it I would have a fish on! All the fish had the senko way into the back of their mouths. They were definitetly trying to eat it!
Observations
The water is starting to recede. The boat ramp is still unuseable, but most of the parking lot is now exposed. I would expect within a day or two the ramps can be used again. The only plants that are in bloom right now are the bulb plants (tulips, etc.). We did have a snow storm yesterday that dumped four to six inches around the area, and the minnesota hills are still white.
I still have not had to mow yet this spring, I guess that is the one part I like about a cold, late spring.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
4-17-2011
4-17-2011 Sun
7:30 PM- 8:00PM
Weather: NW 14, partly cloudy, 50 degrees, 1009.3 falling
H2O: 13.35',falling, 165 kcfs, 42-45 degrees, clear in channel but muddy in sailboat club
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 Sailboat Club and Channel behind house
Caught: nothing, I said nothing, but I did have one bite.
Partners: None
Comments
The water is starting to fall, but it has gotten colder since I was last out. With the low water temp and the high water I felt I did not have a chance. Fishing was bad, the Sailboat Club's water was very dirty and about 43 degrees. I did not get a strike, but I did notice some green weeds floating in the water, so at least I knew spring was starting.
The Channel was no better. Except, the water was clearer and I did have one hit.
7:30 PM- 8:00PM
Weather: NW 14, partly cloudy, 50 degrees, 1009.3 falling
H2O: 13.35',falling, 165 kcfs, 42-45 degrees, clear in channel but muddy in sailboat club
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 Sailboat Club and Channel behind house
Caught: nothing, I said nothing, but I did have one bite.
Partners: None
Comments
The water is starting to fall, but it has gotten colder since I was last out. With the low water temp and the high water I felt I did not have a chance. Fishing was bad, the Sailboat Club's water was very dirty and about 43 degrees. I did not get a strike, but I did notice some green weeds floating in the water, so at least I knew spring was starting.
The Channel was no better. Except, the water was clearer and I did have one hit.
4-16-2011
4-16-2011 Sat
6:00AM- 7:00AM and 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Weather: (AM) NW 14, light snow, 33 degrees//(PM) W 18 G 26, overcast, 39 degrees
Location: (AM) La Crosse Experimental Forest (turkey hunting)//(PM) Bice Forest
Caught: Tom turkey 20lb 7oz, 9 inch beard
Partners: None
Comments
I worked today, but I did get out for an hour before work. The morning was awful, it was windy and snowy. When I left the woods at 7:00 AM alot of the ground was covered with snow. I never did hear or see a turkey. I have hunted in the snow before and I find that the snow causes the birds to become silent and pretty much inactive.
The afternoon after work I started out at Hoeth Forest. I did not see or hear any turkeys, but there was some tracks in the snow, at least something was around. I gave this area about an hour and then I decided to check out another area that Tom had suggested.
I got to Bice forest around six o'clock. After about an hour of walking and looking for tracks in the snow and not seeing or hearing anything I decided I would not be back in the morning. I had one last idea for the area. I headed towards the back of the property and a very large agricultural field.
As soon as I came out in the open I spotted a turkey about one hundred yards out and moving towards the woods. I had no idea if it was a tom or a hen, but I was going to make a play on it. I put my face mask on, laid behind a tree and began to yelp. After several minutes and no vocal response from the bird, I was quickly losing hope. I decided to give it a few more minutes before I would get up and see where the bird had gone. I was getting impatient because the light was quickly disappearing.
After just a couple more series of calls I see this bird running along the woods edge and making its way towards me. I scrambled to get the gun up and ready. I managed to get the scope on it and all I could see was a black chested bird on a full out trot coming straight at me. I was able to confirm it was a tom and when it stopped twenty yards out I put him down. I did not realize it till after I shot, but the bird had another tom following right behind him.
This was one of the latest birds I had shot and by the time I made the two mile hike back to the truck it was dark!
4-15-2011
4-15-2011 Fri
6:00AM- 9:00AM
Weather: E 17 G 22 mostly cloudy, 37 degrees
Location: La Crosse Experimental Forest (turkey hunting)
Caught: No turkeys
Partners: None
Comments
This morning the conditions were not ideal for turkeys, in fact it was dam hard getting up to go. But, I have trouble getting up every morning no matter what I may be doing. From past experiences I knew the turkeys were not overly affected by strong winds. It is probably best to find some fairly sheltered valley, but it is not necessary.
Right away this morning I had two gobblers just a spouting off giving away their location. Today,my strategy was to try to and get much closer to them before I began my hen act. When doing this you do risk the possibility of spooking them or if the are with hens you may spook the hens and toms will run off with the hens.
I got within about one hundred yards of the toms, set up and began my act. The toms were roosted on the windy ridge and I was not quite sure they could hear me. But after about ten minutes of calling they began to come closer. Unfortunately I set up on a rather open pine plantation, but instead of sitting in the fairly open pines I was in some pretty think brush about ten yards from the more open woods. The toms came, but they were hung up at a distance of what I thought to be forty yards. They soon lost interest and no amount of calling I was doing was going to bring them back. The rear tom stopped with only his head visible at what I thought was a distance of forty-five to fifty yards. I thought now or never and if I hit him I will get it and if I don't all that is visible is his head and he will probably be unscratched. I put my scoped gun up and peered through the lens and thought I must still have the scope set to 1X because he looked awfully far off. I did shoot and completely missed. When I stood up and went to the spot where the bird was standing I could see the distance was much more like sixty to sixty-five yards. Now I knew why the birds head had looked so small.
6:00AM- 9:00AM
Weather: E 17 G 22 mostly cloudy, 37 degrees
Location: La Crosse Experimental Forest (turkey hunting)
Caught: No turkeys
Partners: None
Comments
This morning the conditions were not ideal for turkeys, in fact it was dam hard getting up to go. But, I have trouble getting up every morning no matter what I may be doing. From past experiences I knew the turkeys were not overly affected by strong winds. It is probably best to find some fairly sheltered valley, but it is not necessary.
Right away this morning I had two gobblers just a spouting off giving away their location. Today,my strategy was to try to and get much closer to them before I began my hen act. When doing this you do risk the possibility of spooking them or if the are with hens you may spook the hens and toms will run off with the hens.
I got within about one hundred yards of the toms, set up and began my act. The toms were roosted on the windy ridge and I was not quite sure they could hear me. But after about ten minutes of calling they began to come closer. Unfortunately I set up on a rather open pine plantation, but instead of sitting in the fairly open pines I was in some pretty think brush about ten yards from the more open woods. The toms came, but they were hung up at a distance of what I thought to be forty yards. They soon lost interest and no amount of calling I was doing was going to bring them back. The rear tom stopped with only his head visible at what I thought was a distance of forty-five to fifty yards. I thought now or never and if I hit him I will get it and if I don't all that is visible is his head and he will probably be unscratched. I put my scoped gun up and peered through the lens and thought I must still have the scope set to 1X because he looked awfully far off. I did shoot and completely missed. When I stood up and went to the spot where the bird was standing I could see the distance was much more like sixty to sixty-five yards. Now I knew why the birds head had looked so small.
4-14-2011
4-14-2011 Thr
6:00AM- 9:00AM
Weather: E 10 G 21 mostly cloudy, 35 degrees
Location: La Crosse Experimental Forest (turkey hunting)
Caught: No turkeys
Partners: None
Comments
I had found a new spot from the day before to try this am. I had no idea if any turkeys would be roosted in this valley, but the sign I had seen the previous day made it look promising. I had toms gobbling on both sides of the valley at first light. I decided to try my luck with a couple of birds on the east side of the valley. The birds responded for a little while, but never really made an effort to seek me out and eventually went quiet. I did have quite a raucous going on in the valley while trying for these two birds, but unfortunately I decided to stay put. Besides what I was hearing below me sounded like a bunch of immature jakes.
6:00AM- 9:00AM
Weather: E 10 G 21 mostly cloudy, 35 degrees
Location: La Crosse Experimental Forest (turkey hunting)
Caught: No turkeys
Partners: None
Comments
I had found a new spot from the day before to try this am. I had no idea if any turkeys would be roosted in this valley, but the sign I had seen the previous day made it look promising. I had toms gobbling on both sides of the valley at first light. I decided to try my luck with a couple of birds on the east side of the valley. The birds responded for a little while, but never really made an effort to seek me out and eventually went quiet. I did have quite a raucous going on in the valley while trying for these two birds, but unfortunately I decided to stay put. Besides what I was hearing below me sounded like a bunch of immature jakes.
4-13-2011
4-13-2011 Wed
6:00 AM- 12:00PM and 2:30PM - 6:00PM
Weather: SW 10, mostly cloudy, 50 degrees
H2O: 13.59', rising, 172 kcfs, dirty, 52 degrees
Location: La Crosse Experimental Forest (turkey hunting), and the Mississippi R. Pool 7 (upper stump fields)
Caught: No turkeys and one 26" northern
Partners: None
Comments
The first half of the day was dedicated to turkey hunting. I had scouted out this location the evening before and had heard some turkeys gobbling and had a pretty good idea of where to set up in the morning. I was at the parking lot before first light along with some if competing hunter. That hunter was already in the woods, so I had no idea if we would cross path chasing the same gobbler. I headed to the south hills and got into the woods at first light. I could hear at least two toms revealing their location about three hundred yards up and to the south of my location. I cut the distance in half, set up and began to sound like a lonely hen looking for a little action.
The toms immediately responded with rapid fire gobbles; man I was thinking this is going to be easy. But then I heard another turkey about one hundred yards from me fly down and immediately begin pleading with the toms for some company. I definitely had competition and she was being a very aggressive competitor. I did not have a chance. The toms quickly closed the distance to her and once the redevouz took place the courtship then took place quietly. I did some further scouting and moving, and heard some somewhat active gobblers, but was unable to draw any to my location. I am a pretty active turkey hunter, so sitting in one place and calling for me. I like to move make a few calls and move on if I get no response. It is pretty much the same philosophy I carry into my fishing.
Once home from the woods it was time to hit the water. It is pretty much a tradition with me to turkey hunt in the morning and then hit the river in the afternoon. This time of year I like to target northers and bass in the shallows. My preferred method is to cast spinner baits dressed with a white skirt and a twin tail grub and of course I almost always use a trailer hook. I prefer to use terminator titanium spinner baits as they are much more durable when catching tackle breaking northern. I also usually use a leader. I like to tie my own using a swivel tied to the main line and then about a twelve to eighteen inch section of fluorocarbon tied to my bait. A little longer leader is nice, because if the end towards the bait gets nicked up by a fish, I simply cut that piece out and re-tie.
The conditions on the water were one of the least favorites for me, high fast water with everything pretty much flooded. I went to some of my old spring time spots, but the water depth is five feet deeper then normal and the fish just do not want to be there. I did catch one northern close to where I fish in the spring time, but I was basically fishing along the edge of the flooded trees. I did manage one fish and had one other hit, but it felt like I was musky fishing (a thousand casts for one fish). I did see one other fisherman catch one other nice pike along the same wood line I was fishing.
6:00 AM- 12:00PM and 2:30PM - 6:00PM
Weather: SW 10, mostly cloudy, 50 degrees
H2O: 13.59', rising, 172 kcfs, dirty, 52 degrees
Location: La Crosse Experimental Forest (turkey hunting), and the Mississippi R. Pool 7 (upper stump fields)
Caught: No turkeys and one 26" northern
Partners: None
Comments
The first half of the day was dedicated to turkey hunting. I had scouted out this location the evening before and had heard some turkeys gobbling and had a pretty good idea of where to set up in the morning. I was at the parking lot before first light along with some if competing hunter. That hunter was already in the woods, so I had no idea if we would cross path chasing the same gobbler. I headed to the south hills and got into the woods at first light. I could hear at least two toms revealing their location about three hundred yards up and to the south of my location. I cut the distance in half, set up and began to sound like a lonely hen looking for a little action.
The toms immediately responded with rapid fire gobbles; man I was thinking this is going to be easy. But then I heard another turkey about one hundred yards from me fly down and immediately begin pleading with the toms for some company. I definitely had competition and she was being a very aggressive competitor. I did not have a chance. The toms quickly closed the distance to her and once the redevouz took place the courtship then took place quietly. I did some further scouting and moving, and heard some somewhat active gobblers, but was unable to draw any to my location. I am a pretty active turkey hunter, so sitting in one place and calling for me. I like to move make a few calls and move on if I get no response. It is pretty much the same philosophy I carry into my fishing.
Once home from the woods it was time to hit the water. It is pretty much a tradition with me to turkey hunt in the morning and then hit the river in the afternoon. This time of year I like to target northers and bass in the shallows. My preferred method is to cast spinner baits dressed with a white skirt and a twin tail grub and of course I almost always use a trailer hook. I prefer to use terminator titanium spinner baits as they are much more durable when catching tackle breaking northern. I also usually use a leader. I like to tie my own using a swivel tied to the main line and then about a twelve to eighteen inch section of fluorocarbon tied to my bait. A little longer leader is nice, because if the end towards the bait gets nicked up by a fish, I simply cut that piece out and re-tie.
The conditions on the water were one of the least favorites for me, high fast water with everything pretty much flooded. I went to some of my old spring time spots, but the water depth is five feet deeper then normal and the fish just do not want to be there. I did catch one northern close to where I fish in the spring time, but I was basically fishing along the edge of the flooded trees. I did manage one fish and had one other hit, but it felt like I was musky fishing (a thousand casts for one fish). I did see one other fisherman catch one other nice pike along the same wood line I was fishing.
4-7-2011
4-7-2011 Thr
7:30 PM- 8:00PM
Weather: SE 8, clear, 49 degrees
H2O: 12.0', rising, 132 kcfs, clear
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Behind house)
Caught: Approximately two bluegills and about six crappies, with the biggest crappie around eight inches.
Partners: None
Comments
The water is really getting high. The neighbor has quite a pond forming in his backyard, it is not yet to the point where his whole lower yard is flooded. Fishing has gotten progressively worse behind the house, I believe the high water has caused the fish to scatter. I had been getting most of the panfish so far this year on wax worms, but now the fish seem to prefer night crawlers.
7:30 PM- 8:00PM
Weather: SE 8, clear, 49 degrees
H2O: 12.0', rising, 132 kcfs, clear
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Behind house)
Caught: Approximately two bluegills and about six crappies, with the biggest crappie around eight inches.
Partners: None
Comments
The water is really getting high. The neighbor has quite a pond forming in his backyard, it is not yet to the point where his whole lower yard is flooded. Fishing has gotten progressively worse behind the house, I believe the high water has caused the fish to scatter. I had been getting most of the panfish so far this year on wax worms, but now the fish seem to prefer night crawlers.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
4-3-2011
4-3-2011 Sun
7:30 PM- 8:00 PM
Weather: Mostly Cloudy, NE 7 , 46 degrees, 29.25 falling
H2O: 11.9', steady, 129 kcfs, clear
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Behind house)
Caught: Lots of bluegills and approximately six very small crappies (4-6")
Partners: None
Comments
I did lots of chores today, so at the end of the day I figured I needed a little rejuvination time. I grabbed the old fish getter and headed over the hill. The fish were still there, but most were quited small. I did manage a few decent gills, but the crappies were incredibley small. The bay has been getting fished quite hard and it is either getting fished out or the fish are getting wise.
Observations
The water completely free of debris tonight, and it was pretty clear. I still have a few remnents of ice around the house, just what is left over from sliding off the roof. Adam had told me there is still some ice fisherman accessing the ice off of fisherman's road.
7:30 PM- 8:00 PM
Weather: Mostly Cloudy, NE 7 , 46 degrees, 29.25 falling
H2O: 11.9', steady, 129 kcfs, clear
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Behind house)
Caught: Lots of bluegills and approximately six very small crappies (4-6")
Partners: None
Comments
I did lots of chores today, so at the end of the day I figured I needed a little rejuvination time. I grabbed the old fish getter and headed over the hill. The fish were still there, but most were quited small. I did manage a few decent gills, but the crappies were incredibley small. The bay has been getting fished quite hard and it is either getting fished out or the fish are getting wise.
Observations
The water completely free of debris tonight, and it was pretty clear. I still have a few remnents of ice around the house, just what is left over from sliding off the roof. Adam had told me there is still some ice fisherman accessing the ice off of fisherman's road.
4-2-11
4-2-2011 Sat
2:30 PM- 6:30 PM
Weather: Clear, NW 10 , 55 degrees, 29.87steady
H2O: 11.83', rising, 127 kcfs, very clear, 42 degrees
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 Upper end of Black Deer's
Caught: Lots of bluegills (some nice ones) lots of small perch and one 14" large mouth bass
Partners: Jake, Mark and Cole Tupper
Comments
I invited Jake and his two boys to come down fishing. I had promied him lots of fish and after we got done fishing we would have a feast with the freshly caught bounty. It did not take long for me to start back-pedaling on my promise of fish on every cast. After one hour and nothing to show for our effert I was feeling pretty uneasy.
Then it happened; after our fourth spot we were on the fish and evryone was happy. Mark was the king of the fisherman today, and Cole became the official fish un-hooker for Jake and I. After several hours of non-stop action we decided to call it a day and head to the house to clean our catch and enjoy some deep fried golden panfish fillets.
Observations
The water up towards the end of the channel by Tim Mierers was very clear, and the fish seemed to be in a very specific spot just down a few residences from his house. I talked to Kyle and he had caught a few bass on a senko. I asked him what the water temperature was and he said it was around 42 degrees.
Friday, April 1, 2011
4-1-11
4-1-2011 Fri
7:30 PM- 8:00 PM
Weather: Overcast, NW 12 , 42degrees, 29.63 rising
H2O: 11.83', rising, 127 kcfs, dirty with floating debris
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Behind house)
Caught: Approx. four bluegills (2 not bad size) and two small crappies.
Partners: None
Comments
Karen made it home today after schooling for work in Florida for the week. We went out to Red Pines for fish and shrimp (it was surprisingly good). Since it was not an all night affair and there was still daylight to be utilized when we got home the most logical thing to do was grab the pole and head down the hill. Besides, no one was fishing and I would have the little bay all to myself.
The fishing was not great and my luck was even worse. After just a couple of casts and the same amount of fish I was tangled in the tree branches. Now I must tell you, some of these trees are starting to look like they are adorned for the Christmas season with the various size and shapes of bobbers. I gently tried to work my gear free of the grasping branches, but of course my line just wrapped itself around the branches evern more. With no extra terminal tackle I made a bee line up the hill for replacement tackle. By the time I got back it was pretty dark and the fish had lost their feeding mood.
Observations
There are still brave and die-hard ice fishermen tip toeing out on the ice along fishermans road. Also, tonight there was quite a large amount of debris floating in the landing bay.
7:30 PM- 8:00 PM
Weather: Overcast, NW 12 , 42degrees, 29.63 rising
H2O: 11.83', rising, 127 kcfs, dirty with floating debris
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Behind house)
Caught: Approx. four bluegills (2 not bad size) and two small crappies.
Partners: None
Comments
Karen made it home today after schooling for work in Florida for the week. We went out to Red Pines for fish and shrimp (it was surprisingly good). Since it was not an all night affair and there was still daylight to be utilized when we got home the most logical thing to do was grab the pole and head down the hill. Besides, no one was fishing and I would have the little bay all to myself.
The fishing was not great and my luck was even worse. After just a couple of casts and the same amount of fish I was tangled in the tree branches. Now I must tell you, some of these trees are starting to look like they are adorned for the Christmas season with the various size and shapes of bobbers. I gently tried to work my gear free of the grasping branches, but of course my line just wrapped itself around the branches evern more. With no extra terminal tackle I made a bee line up the hill for replacement tackle. By the time I got back it was pretty dark and the fish had lost their feeding mood.
Observations
There are still brave and die-hard ice fishermen tip toeing out on the ice along fishermans road. Also, tonight there was quite a large amount of debris floating in the landing bay.
3-31-11
3-31-2011 Thr
7:30 PM- 8:10PM
Weather: Overcast, Calm , 47degrees, 29.69 falling
H2O: 11.69', rising, 125 kcfs, slightly dirty
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Behind house)
Caught: The crappies were biting real well tonight. I also caught a few small bluegills.
Partners: None
Comments
I wanted to get out beind the house a little sooner that I did, but the banks were full of other anglers wetting lines. When I did get down there only about four anglers remained. It did not take long to see they were not catching much. I figured I would not fare any better.
My first cast and the bobber had not even settled, when I got the tell tale sign of something tugging on the line below the surface. The first fish was a small gill. After several smallish gills the crappies became active. I must have caught twenty more in a very short time. The were still biting when daylight was to far gone to illuminate my bobber anymore.
Observations:
Still ice on the airport bay and still ice fisherman out punching holes through the last remaining sheets. The sheltered areas still have some snow cover. I also noticed some remnent ice along the shorline up Black Deer's Channel.
7:30 PM- 8:10PM
Weather: Overcast, Calm , 47degrees, 29.69 falling
H2O: 11.69', rising, 125 kcfs, slightly dirty
Location: Mississippi R. Pool 7 (Behind house)
Caught: The crappies were biting real well tonight. I also caught a few small bluegills.
Partners: None
Comments
I wanted to get out beind the house a little sooner that I did, but the banks were full of other anglers wetting lines. When I did get down there only about four anglers remained. It did not take long to see they were not catching much. I figured I would not fare any better.
My first cast and the bobber had not even settled, when I got the tell tale sign of something tugging on the line below the surface. The first fish was a small gill. After several smallish gills the crappies became active. I must have caught twenty more in a very short time. The were still biting when daylight was to far gone to illuminate my bobber anymore.
Observations:
Still ice on the airport bay and still ice fisherman out punching holes through the last remaining sheets. The sheltered areas still have some snow cover. I also noticed some remnent ice along the shorline up Black Deer's Channel.
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