Pool 8

Does anyone care to share any tips for a rookie river fisherman? My lake experience is very limited as well, but I’d like to check out pool 8 this summer. We will be doing a little camping near there this summer. I have an old bluefin 16′ with a 50 hp merc on it. I will be investing in a good minn kota trolling motor in a few weeks. Any thing I should be careful of? Any tips on where to start looking for walleyes? Is it mostly a night bite or can they be found during the day as well? Thanks for any and all tips. Any and all tips are welcome. Thanks! Nick

Learn the river characteristics – wing dams, closing dams, rip-rap, and so on. Typically, walleyes can be caught during the day. Some days have a better night bite. Flow and conditions may/will dictate what type of habitat the eyes will be relating to.

James did a great video on dragging jigs between wind dams. I would also do searches in the reports related to the time frame that you’ll be out there. Tons of info on here.

Will you be camping on Goose Island? If so, bring a GPS set to show tracking or trails. That way you can find your way back to the landing. Troll the sandy bottoms along the backwaters around Goose Island. Be certain to dig in the bottom with your crankbait occasionally. That alone will yield some eaters.

yeah!look out for Wing/closing dams i have found a few with my skeg!

Safety is what think of first with a new fisherman/boater and I would encourage a boater safety course. When I moved to La Crosse 15 years ago I told my 2 sons they would take a boaters safety course if they wanted to take the boat out and in return they said I had to take it with them. I had mainly fished lakes prior to that. Man was I glad I took that course with them. The guy who taught it was maybe 40 and had spent his whole life on the river and brought a whole new awareness to river boating with some of his experiences. Like mentioned above wing dams, closing dams, but also navigation rules, respecting the effects of the big boats/barges AND THE EFFECTS OF CURRENT and what it can do. I must admit I found the course just as beneficial as did my sons and I am proud to say that Dad kicked their on the test also.
Good Luck – Be safe.

Thank you all for your responses. Safety is my number one concern.

Bob, we will be camping about an hour west of the river so I thought I’d bring the boat down and check out the river or local lakes. I do have a humminbird that will track my course so I shouldn’t have a problem finding my way back to the landing. That is a good idea though. I’ve never had any issue on the small lakes I’ve fished.

I will look into a boater safety course. I think that’s a great idea. Thanks again! Nick