Open water basin trolling on the Croix?

  • ssperch
    Hudson, WI
    Posts: 175
    July 7, 2013 at 9:27 pm #1229081

    Hi All!

    I know that this is a popular technique on large bodies of water such as Mille Lacs with a large population of baitfish in the open basins, has anyone had any luck doing this on the Croix? If so, what type of baitfish should we be mimicking with our cranks? I am assuming shad type baits, however has anyone tried larger baits such as a number 11 taildancer with any luck?

    I have had good luck putting a lot of shorts in the boat, now it is time to try some new techniques to find some larger fish. Any input is much appreciated. Also feel free to send a PM.

    Tight Lines!

    chuck hansen
    Posts: 4
    July 7, 2013 at 10:24 pm #1182030

    Yes indeed there is a trolling bite on the Croix. The fish generally don’t run as big as those found on Mille Lacs. Shad bats tend to work the best. If you want to try and want two more lines I would be more than willing to assist.

    Jesse Krook
    Y.M.H.
    Posts: 6403
    July 7, 2013 at 11:56 pm #1182044

    I wouldn’t be afraid to try anything new to put fish in the boat. I personally have not had much open basin trolling success however I do know it’s been known to happen.

    Justin Schneider (Woods & Water Insurance)
    Hugo, MN
    Posts: 1938
    July 8, 2013 at 1:14 am #1182067

    Quote:

    The fish generally don’t run as big as those found on Mille Lacs.

    I strongly disagree with this statement. Pound for pound the Croix produces some very healthy fish if you know how to target them.

    To answer your question, yes at times there is an open water suspended bite on the Croix. I personally have never had much success targeting these suspended fish (I seriously couldnt catch suspended fish to save my life) but I know a quite a few guys that have been able to successfully dial this bite in.

    phoyem
    Minneapolis
    Posts: 357
    July 8, 2013 at 1:35 pm #1182125

    That would be something I’ve never done but would be very interested in trying. I have all the set up (leadcore rods, planers, cranks) so i’d also be interested in hopping in a boat (or taking mine) if anybody wants to try it out.

    ssperch
    Hudson, WI
    Posts: 175
    July 10, 2013 at 2:05 am #1182511

    I am hoping to try this presentation out around the end of the month. I think as the water continues to warm, and the flow slows down, the bait fish will be drawn to the open basin areas. I will post any results. Thanks!

    Charlie “Turk” Gierke
    Hudson Wisconsin
    Posts: 1020
    July 10, 2013 at 4:33 pm #1182605

    SSperch,

    I and the river rats I am closest to, have not found this a repeatable bite (targeting open water basin for eyes). I am not saying people have not found this, I am saying I don’t know them.

    From my point of view here is the main issue in the parts I fish mainly. The basin is 55 feet deep. Mille Lacs is an 35 foot average. This extra 20 feet on average from croix vs. mille is the real challenge in my opinion.

    Targeting a basin much shallower than the 55 foot area such as near Bayport or the south end by Prescott may go a long way in helping you find a productive (repeatable) bite.

    I have my doubts it can be done on the Croix to a degree even close to how they have success with this technique on Mille.

    On the other hand I am convinced at least 50% the Croix walleye population is located and target shad in the open water starting about right now to about late Sept.

    So is it worth while? Absolutely!

    I can’t even try to do this on guide trips as I am convinced it takes hours of catching no eyes to actually find the consistent repeatable patterns to do what it takes to entertain clients.

    I wish you all the luck in the world.

    Turk

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