Smallies on pool 8

Got on the wingdams yesterday hoping to get some eyes but really got into the smallmouth bass. They seem to be holding out on the deep end of the dams near the tips where alot of water is running over. Most if not all of the fish are on top of the dams. Just letting a bucktail sweep through their is a good bet as is casting just about any plastic you want to throw. I did really well throwing shad plastics yesterday. I counted 10 bass in less than an hour of fishing. Most of the fish came off one dam. Just for kicks I started measuring these fish and they all were right around 15″ except for a couple bigger ones. I lost one fish that was an absolute horse and it ran like a bass and if it was it had to be HUGE. Just thought Id pass on the info.

Steve Hougom – FTR Webstaff

Geez, sounds like more than fun! With that average size and number smallies a guy’s arm could grow a little sore!!!!

Hougie, seems like the tops during this low flow, stable water period is the ticket. Fished 9 yesterday. Caught a smorgasbord, but everything was up on top. Ring worms, Pulse worms, ribbon tails….if it was bulky and moving on top of the dam, it was dinner. Beav

Hougie, did you try throwing cranks on the wingdams, or were plastics the only show in wingtown? How about you Beav? Sounds to me like you both did a heck of job on your respective pools. I am curious about the crankbaits though. Thanks…..B

No I didnt toss any cranks on dam tops but in hindsight I do wish I would have thrown some shallower running cranks over these fish. I did try casting deeper cranks in the front of dams but was denied on that action. The smallies were all over a skinny shad tail on a 1/8 or 3/16 ounce jig that day, it was the definate hands down winner. I might also mention that I was taught this technique by the master at drifting artificials on dams. Thanks Beav!

Steve Hougom – FTR Webstaff

Edited by hougie on 11/18/01 05:40 PM.

I didn’t throw any cranks, but on a couple of dams there were fish chasing bait behind the dam close to shore in the eddy. Wish I would have taken a couple shallow runners or some twitch baits…I’m sure they would have hit ’em. I did try a big tube on the lightest head that I had, but all I could do was swim it. Those eddys are usually a good spot for a crank.

Hougie, it was my pleasure.Either I’m a good teacher or you’re a good student………..well actually it’s a simple technique that you just have to experience once to get the hang of.

Beav

Same pattern on Pool 7, this Saturday (11/17). Nice smallies (>15, and fat) in wing dams. Caught mine on cranks and three ways with crawler (looking for walleye). Caught at least one on every wingdam I hit. No walleye to be found.

Hey Huffer,

Dont feel bad about the walleyes on 7. Its the worst year Ive ever had up there. The sauger bite at the trempealeau dam is going really good though. It got to a point where I just gave up fishing the dams on 7 this year for walleyes. The smallies were there last time I was up there too. Thanks for sharing!

Steve Hougom – FTR Webstaff