Pool 2 Report (2020)

Thank you Mike and Matt for the response and advice, I’ll be down giving it my best shot! Where is the closest place to park by the Hwy 5 bridge and walk down on the south end?

State park on the one side. Lower hidden falls park on the other side can get you to the shoreline by the confluence. Think there is another parking area by the 35e bridge.

If anyone finds some keys by the 494 launch, shoot me a PM pls.

Matt Moen wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Cody Benjaminson wrote:</div>
Hey everyone I’m a long time reader but first time poster, this weekend I’m looking to head down to pool 2 somewhere between the Ford Dam and Fort Snelling looking for some walleyes and or saugers. I was down by the marina across from Fort Snelling for a little while and only saw one caught from a boat right off shore. So what I was wondering if you could help me with was some good shore fishing spots for this time of year when things are just getting rolling? Thank you in advance, any advice is appreciated! 👍🏻

Target under the hwy 5 bridge from the bridge to the creek on the south end.

There are different current breaks and depths in there. Look at the maps but there are deep breaks near the bridge and along the edge of the creek that you can pitch into from shore. It’s a hike down there, though. Don’t overlook a simple minnow on a lindy style rig.

There’s no fish there……

Does anyone know if the fort snelling state park launch is open?

talked to Ft. Snelling staff this week, there is 4 inches of mud all the way down the ramp, they said it may be April until its open. Due to manpower.

May I suggest those who fish pool 2 swing by the fort snelling ramp with a flap shovel and 5 gallon bucket to facilitate is earlier open….

It takes a village.

I shoveled it all last year..

Pool2mh

Saw a report the ice broke loose on the Minnesota in Chaska today.

After being skunked the first two times out at my shore spot yesterday’s trip finally produced some fish. Caught a solid 18.5 walleye along with some small sauger and my buddy caught a beautiful red horse. Nice to be getting some bites again.

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Holy crap that’s a big sucker, phenomenal.

That Redhorse looks great.

mahtofire14 wrote:

After being skunked the first two times out at my shore spot yesterday’s trip finally produced some fish. Caught a solid 18.5 walleye along with some small sauger and my buddy caught a beautiful red horse. Nice to be getting some bites again.

I saw you guys down there! I was with my girlfriend, we were a little further down stream from you guys and we only caught one sucker and lost a decent fish that we never got to see. Also it turns out I’m following you on Instagram as well I just didn’t realize it 👍🏻 Tight lines

Beautiful River Redhorse (Moxostoma carinatum) – those are not a common sight on pool 2 and a great sign of quality habitat. Most of the Redhorse in pool 2 are Silvers, Goldens and Shortheads which are less sensitive to water quality and habitat issues

Cody Benjaminson wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>mahtofire14 wrote:</div>
After being skunked the first two times out at my shore spot yesterday’s trip finally produced some fish. Caught a solid 18.5 walleye along with some small sauger and my buddy caught a beautiful red horse. Nice to be getting some bites again.

I saw you guys down there! I was with my girlfriend, we were a little further down stream from you guys and we only caught one sucker and lost a decent fish that we never got to see. Also it turns out I’m following you on Instagram as well I just didn’t realize it 👍🏻 Tight lines

I’m just a guy out there fishing…I love meeting other people that love to fish! Come say hi next time.

tonys wrote:

Beautiful River Redhorse (Moxostoma carinatum) – those are not a common sight on pool 2 and a great sign of quality habitat. Most of the Redhorse in pool 2 are Silvers, Goldens and Shortheads which are less sensitive to water quality and habitat issues

I caught an almost identical Redhorse from the same area on Saturday. It hit a 4″ purple/chartreuse Moxi. I identified it as a River Redhorse also. Thanks for the confirmation & info.

vern wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>tonys wrote:</div>
Beautiful River Redhorse (Moxostoma carinatum) – those are not a common sight on pool 2 and a great sign of quality habitat. Most of the Redhorse in pool 2 are Silvers, Goldens and Shortheads which are less sensitive to water quality and habitat issues

I caught an almost identical Redhorse from the same area on Saturday. It hit a 4″ purple/chartreuse Moxi. I identified it as a River Redhorse also. Thanks for the confirmation & info.

Yep, If it is a Redhorse with a bright red tail and it is larger than 20″ on pool 2 it is almost certainly a River. There are a few Greaters around as well but I’ve only seen a couple on pool 2 ever.

I get giant river Redhorse like that every year in the Namekagon along with average sized ones. I’ve always liked fishing the sucker runs. Normally its the kickoff to open water fishing for me.

Anyone getting any fish up at the dam? Bit early yet, walked up there yesterday and didn’t see anyone catch any, 4-5 boats out

suzuki wrote:

I get giant river Redhorse like that every year in the Namekagon along with average sized ones. I’ve always liked fishing the sucker runs. Normally its the kickoff to open water fishing for me.

More of them in the Nam’ for sure – they are protected in WI but fishing up there will turn up some even while targeting other species.

Deuces wrote:

Anyone getting any fish up at the dam? Bit early yet, walked up there yesterday and didn’t see anyone catch any, 4-5 boats out

Didn’t seem to be much going on up that way Sunday afternoon either

Two questions for you guys: I run in what is essentially a 16′ modified row boat. Have a 45# Minn Kota up front and a 9.9 HP on the back. Never had it in a river before but can (and have) gotten it into skinny water in lakes. Am wanting to get out on Pool 2 this Friday (13th). I see that it’s forecasted to hit the “near flood” stage at 10.3 feet with 51.3 flow to it.

1. At what stage (ft) do you guys not bother to go out in?
2. Do you think I have enough “muscle” to safely maneuver around in the current?

Thanks for any and all input/replies…

I fish the river until the ramps get closed down. Not sure about testing out a 9.9 in high water. Might not be the best idea.

9.9 on a 14′ no problem.
9.9 on a weighed down 16′, maybe not a good idea in high water.

Worse comes to worse just go upstream, if you can’t make it float down.

Schindles wrote:

2. Do you think I have enough “muscle” to safely maneuver around in the current?

If you do go, I’d suggest heading out of Hidden Falls. The MN is dumping in really hard right now and there is less flow and debris to contend with above the confluence.

I appreciate you guys taking the time to reply to my questions. Thank you! Was really hoping to get out, but now not so sure. Maybe I’ll get lucky and it won’t get as high as forecasted. Thanks again, tight lines!!

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel comfortable taking your boat out. There are plenty of areas to shore fish that produce fish this time of year on Pool 2.

I agree with the above posts. It is great you are cautious. I have run with an old 12 foot Alumacraft and a 9.9 Mercury for many years.(Fish don’t care what kind of boat you are fishing out of). I always wear my lifejacket. Make sure the boat is trim,(sandbags in the front if fishing alone), and make sure your motor is running right and is positioned on the transom correctly. (The anti-cavitation plate should be even with the bottom of the keel). Fishing out of Hidden Falls below the dam is probably your best option right now. Unfortunately, as of yesterday, the fish have not moved up there in any great numbers. Fishing from shore along the riprap below the lock is also an option. In addition, shore fishing below the old Fort Snelling can be productive as well. Hope this was helpful.

A buddy and I are thinking of heading out tomorrow for the first time. Is the water extremely high and fast right now, or is it still pretty fishable? Also, would Hidden Falls be the best launch point right now?

Looking at hidden falls right now, very launchable.

Just 6 trailers here.

I still think the idea is sound, but the execution of this is pathetic. Honest to God whytf even bother putting this here?

Haven’t seen a fish pulled out the water at Ford dam all week fwiw.

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My ride tomorrow cancelled (my own boat is in the shop) so now I’m resorting to possible shore fishing. Hopefully I can find a spot.