5-1-11

5-1-2011 Mon
9:30 AM- 1:30 PM

Weather: W23 G31, overcast, 38 ˚, 29.87MB, rising

H2O: 12.02’, steady, 99 KCFS, clear, 46 ˚

Location: Mississippi R. Pool 5a (Wabasha)

Caught: Approximately two bass and four northern (nothing large)
Partners: Scot

Comments
If I was to have lost track of time I would have to guess it is the middle of November! It was cold and the wind was whipping the water into froth. We were even treated to a few snowflakes as we prepared to embark on our nasty weather adventure. Before we embarked on our perilous fishing journey we donned all the clothes and cold weather gear we could scrounge up.
The first spot we tried was close to the landing behind a steep bank that provided a little relief from the wind. I was actually surprised that I caught a small northern rather quickly. This first fish was soon followed by a bass and a couple of northern that shook off at the boat. Scot also came up with a small northern and missed one other.
Next, we headed out across the wide open big lake to get to the sheltered tree line on the west side. I caught one pike here and had another bite off my Rattle Trap. I had made the mistake of not fishing with a leader on the pole that was strung with 17 pound fluorocarbon. Scot missed two fish on two consecutive casts.
The next spot we went to was the upper end of the big lake. Scot pulled in a respectable largemouth bass and I caught nothing.
We finished off the day in the bay next to the boat landing. After fishing along the bank for about one-hundred yards I came to the realization that we should not be fishing in this area. We were on the east side of the railroad tracks and this area was closed to fishing for game fish. It was a good thing we were fishing for big crappies and perch!
Fishing today down right sucked! The temperature was cold and the wing was brutal. When my feet contacted the pavement at the landing I had a hard time walking, my feet were numb from the cold. The baits of choice were spinner baits, rattle traps and jerk baits.

Observations
The water temperature has dropped back into the mid-forties. Spring is very slow getting started! There was not any apparent aquatic weed growth. I did notice the start of some green grass on a few islands, but that was the only sign of spring I observed!