I have been regularly working a small, dead end slough on the Mississippi where I suspected walleyes were staging to spawn. I learned my hunch was right last time there, when biologists for a local stocking program where shocking and milking lots of large fish from the very area I had been targeting.
The slough is only 200 x 100 yards, with deep water (15-25′) in much of it, then a dyke on the back end with sand and rock tappering into 10′ of water.
My question is, how would you fish this area looking for the larger females. I have tried vertical jigging, pitching large plastics to the rip rap dyke, trolling 3 ways with live and stick baits in all depths, and live bait on a slip bobber. Cannot hook up with one of these big mamas. Over the last couple years I have hit this area every time I get a chance, and cannot catch a fish there. Really has me puzzled.
Talking to the biologists, I learned that they are searching for 3-7# females, whose eggs are most viable, but will also milk some larger females as well, to include the genetics of these big girls in their stocking. 10 plus pounders are not uncommon there.
I’d love to get some pics and measurments on one of those fat fish to have a replica made, but am striking out each time. I have not tried fishing this area at night, but wonder if that might up my chances, although night fishing is not my best suit. Any ideas on how to fish this area, day or night?
John
