Pool 4 on the rise 3/12/20

This morning we’re at 7′ in Red Wing. By Saturday we (I’m guessing) we’ll be at 8+ feet with today’s 40 degree rain.

Some folks are experienced river anglers while others may not be.
This post is for the newer folks.

The water is still cold, bring a buddy along.
Always wear your PFD. It will keep you afloat until you can get back in your boat or at the very worst case, until you float down stream and end up on shore. There is no reason to drown.
Someone will always be catching fish and the fish will always be there.
The back channel ramp has a dock out of the current. If you have two people (and you should) Everts docks will be fine as well.

The City Manager in Red Wing is thinking Colleville and Bay Point launches will be cleared of ice sometime next week.

Use your head and good luck!

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Thanks for the heads up!
The fish seem to move up into shallower water when this happens correct?

Any place there’s less flow including “the willows”.

Thanks Brian! Can you please let us know when Colville or Baypoint is free of ice? I live 90 minutes away and likely fishing by myself so a dock to tie to would be nice.

I can eyeguy. The Wi Back Channel Ramp was improved a few years back and has a dock on each side, much less of a steep angle and out of the current once to the docks. I frequently launch out of there by myself.

Someone asked about water clarity.

10 days ago it was over 39”.

Today its 6.21”.

Two days ago the daytime temp was 39 degrees. Today the daytime temp is 35 degrees.

Brian if I might add, with the debris that will be in the water you should in addition to the life jackets use your kill switch tethers. Smoke a log at speed and you might become a statistic.

Be safe guys.

Brian Klawitter wrote:

I can eyeguy. The Wi Back Channel Ramp was improved a few years back and has a dock on each side, much less of a steep angle and out of the current once to the docks. I frequently launch out of there by myself.

Last time I used that landing it was on the MN side and had a real short dock and steep drop. I thought they made the new one on the Wisconsin side but not sure. I only go to the landings I feel comfortable with like Baypoint, Colville and Roschen. But if it means less traffic and a fee, I will gladly try it. I should have some time Sunday to make a drive down and check it out.

Thanks Brian! Appreciate the info

eyeguy507 wrote:

Last time I used that landing it was on the MN side and had a real short dock and steep drop. I thought they made the new one on the Wisconsin side but not sure. I only go to the landings I feel comfortable with like Baypoint, Colville and Roschen. But if it means less traffic and a fee, I will gladly try it. I should have some time Sunday to make a drive down and check it out.

Eyeguy, the Wi Back Channel is in WI on both sides. The ramp is in the same place it always was…just much more improved.

There’s only two places (that I’m aware of where a person can launch right now. Everts and the WI Back Channel. Or as they call it on Google Maps… Hager City Boat Launch.

Both Everts and the Back Channel are $5 per launch. You can buy a annual pass for the back channel for $30. with unlimited parking. I haven’t seen it “full” this year, but it’s been within ten rigs of being full.

No matter which of the open ramps you use, you might want to arrive early (before 7) or late (after 10 am) to avoid the traffic. Just a suggestion.

Good point Dutch.
Fish with a partner. The flow is up to around 40,000+ cfs yesterday. If you fall out of the boat alone (assuming you were prepared and wearing a PDF), the chances to catching your boat and getting in are slim. Much better of relaxing an working your way to shore…then figuring out how to get out of your cold clothes from there.

Yesterday there wasn’t any ice for trees coming down, but it will happen any day with the water rising. Speed is not your friend this time of year. Personally I haven’t hit anything going faster then 2 mph. That’s enough to toss a person out of their seat rather violently.

Saturday we should be at 8′. Still doable for the average Joe that knows his boat. The flow today is 47,600 cfs…

It’s a great time to fish! Just use some safety precautions “in case”, boat with a friend and pay attention.

Saturday we should be at 8′. Still doable for the average Joe that knows his boat but if you have doubts…take this time to clean out your boat, garage and get ready for the year.

/sermon over

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