Pepin questions

Good morning,

Was hoping I might get some advice on lake pepin. Taking my girlfriend who has never fished to try and get her first walleye but would be happy to have her catch anything. Never been there but looks to be a beautiful area and I think she’ll like it even if we don’t catch a fish.
I have read some reports about trolling but don’t have lead core line and was thinking I could get by without it if only pulling cranks in 12-14 feet. Probably try some slip bobbers somewhere as well as I figure that’ll be a good way for her to catch something. Would I be better off fishing closer to red wing or lake city?

Also planning on tent camping which might make a difference on where we fish. I see there are a couple campgrounds closer to lake city. Are they usually full on the weekends?

Good boat ramps and bait shops other than the one I know in red wing?

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

I am no pro but I can provide some advice… My luck so far this year has come trolling in 8-14 fow. I don’t use lead core. I spend most time trolling flickershads, Wally Divers and Shad Raps. Personally I think color is key. Change colors often till you find a good one (sorry I won’t share my hot color lately cause when I go to restock its been sold out). If you go to Lake City the U.S. Gas station on the North end of town has minnows and bait. I believe that is the only place in Lake City with minnows. As for speed it seems like its always changing so don’t be afraid to experiment. Good Luck!

Mark Haburn wrote:

Good morning,

Was hoping I might get some advice on lake pepin. Taking my girlfriend who has never fished to try and get her first walleye but would be happy to have her catch anything. Never been there but looks to be a beautiful area and I think she’ll like it even if we don’t catch a fish.
I have read some reports about trolling but don’t have lead core line and was thinking I could get by without it if only pulling cranks in 12-14 feet. Probably try some slip bobbers somewhere as well as I figure that’ll be a good way for her to catch something. Would I be better off fishing closer to red wing or lake city?

Also planning on tent camping which might make a difference on where we fish. I see there are a couple campgrounds closer to lake city. Are they usually full on the weekends?

Good boat ramps and bait shops other than the one I know in red wing?

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi Mark – I guided on Pool 4 / Pepin for over 10 years and I rarely fished the lake deeper than 14′. You should be good to go. If you get a little wind, fish the wind blown side in 6′ – 10′ of water with Shad Raps.

Ryan P wrote:

(sorry I won’t share my hot color lately cause when I go to restock its been sold out).quote]

That’s how I pick colors of any bait,,,,,,,,,,, look for the empty peg board hooks and choose those colors. At least you will have lots of company if the color doesn’t catch fish.