Here goes my first post after following IDO for a long time and thanks for all the info shared by a group of great fisherman.
I’ve been fishing pool 4 and lake Pepin for many years but have only started fishing the spring walleye run at the upper end for about 5 years. It only took once to get hooked as it is a phenominal fishery.
I would say the spawing run is about peak right now with lots of numbers of small, milking males and big females rolling in. As of last night I have yet to catch a spawned out female but can’t believe they aren’t going as we speak.
I’m actually working close to Red Wing this year which is enabling me to get more than just a couple of days in on the run. With more trips than normal I was already adding in my head the number of big walleyes I was going to catch but I’ve had to work hard to land any quality fish. With lower than normal flows this year the fish seam to be a little more spread out and it’s been harder to find that extra special sweet spot. There still are some current seams out there but also a lot of low flow areas for the big fish to hide. I’ve been catching fish pitching ring worms and moxies along with blade baits to high potential areas but dragging jigs in 12 fow or less has by far put the majority of fish in the boat this year. With the present water clarity any combination of orange and chartruse seem to be the ticket during daylight hours with black blades and electric blue plastics working at night.
Tuesday night was another repeat of plenty of smaller fish with no big takers. At just before 11:00 P.M. I hadn’t had a bite in over an hour, was frustrated and ready to pull the pin when I decided to make one more pass when she thunked the 1/8 oz black jig head and electric blue ring worm. Slow, big, heavy head shakes that get the heart racing were on the other end. After a few minutes of a couple of short drag runs and a slow bulldogish fight she slowly came to the top and I was able to slip the net under my PB 29-1/2″ 11 pounder. I’ve boateed a few fish at or a little over 10 lbs which helps me say this fish felt and looked like 12 to 13 lbs but my digital scale only read 11 so that’s what I’m stuck with. Not complaining one bit and if that’s my only big one this year I’m happy. She seemed a little slugish for the photo but kicked out of my hand and swam back to the bottom pretty lively. I feel good she will be able to give someone else a thrill. I’m also happy to make her my signature photo on IDO.
welcome 
