I am making this post for many of the Mill Ruins new-comers that are planning to attend this years gathering, and it might also help out some of the regulars on what is happening with the current bite.
I thought I would share a couple of my overviews on the recent trip to Mill Ruins for folks planning to fish down there soon, or the gathering this coming Saturday.
The best suggestion I can make is to bring a fishing rod that can make very long cast. The fish are there, but they are sitting in the main boat channel closer to the Jetty and lock wall. A long rod with the smallest reasonable line diameter line is going to cast the furthest most of the time. Spinning gear typically has better casting range than baitcasters, although some baitcasting set ups can hold their own weight with a skilled caster.
The current is a non issue, there is none unless they cycle the lock. Depending on the rod, 3/4oz – 3 oz of weight may be needed to throw a bait out a maximum distance depending on your rod weight.
The fish are hitting light compared to summer months, but they were committing to the bait and taking which kept the hookup ratio very good, and circle hooks were effective with a sweeping type of hookset(they were not doubling the rod over hooking themselves). It was important to keep an eye on the rod as the fish would eventually drop the bait if the bite wasnt capitalized on.
The baits we were using were relatively small. I only had large shad with, a small chunk of a shad fillet was working perfectly, a proportionate size to my small 1/0 gamakatsu circle hook. Smaller shad(work just as well, sometimes better) can be purchased at Moores Bait in Minneapolis. Other time proven baits for the spring channel cats are a couple fatheads on a hook(usually tear one in half), shiners, and sucker pieces. It doesnt hurt to have different baits on hand, the fish will usually show heavy preference to one type of bait which can change day to day!
Location: The entire length of the shoreline can be very productive, but the fish are not always everywhere all the time. The fish tend to get in very tight schools(often multiple schools) and if your not fishing near one, they generally wont come find you in the cold water. Sometimes casting 20′ away can be the difference between many fish, and *cant buy a bite*. Dont be afraid to move, or make minor adjustments as needed/desired.
Good luck to everyone the weekend and for the entire spring at hand!
The weather is forecast to be very good for the gathering, very good things might happen.
