Barge traffic

Was wondering if any one has an opinion if a passing barge has a positive or negative effect on walleyes when fishing wing damns or flats? Seems to me that I can be catching fish on a damn until a barge passes by – then they seem to shut off/move. If I leave for a while and come back the fish will be there again. On the flats it doesn’t really seem to matter. Is it me or is there something to this?

We talked a little bit about this at one point last summer. Most agreed that it did impact fishing. I have had positive results from barges passing on Pool 2 around the Ford dam (as well as the tourist paddle boats). I usually am trolling tight to shorelines and the barges and paddle boats seem to push fish out of the channel and into me. It might just be coincidence, but it seems like over 1/2 the time a paddle boat goes by they see me catching a fish and make a big deal over it…almost like they dont expect fishermen to catch fish!

Thanks for the reply! I should try moving to the inside of the damns when a large boat moves thru. I primarily anchor on a spot until the bite stops then try to reposition to work another area but I will have to try moving more when the barge traffic seems to foil my success. Are you trolling the flats between the damns or trolling the face of the damn itself when this situation occurs?

Where I fish there are no wing dams. Pool 2 above the MN River confluence is narrow and pretty washed out.

If my memory serves me, last year a wing dam guy said that he would often move ahead of a barge, set his position before the barge got there because the barge had such a positive effect on the wing dam fish. I think that the string was from last August-September. But good luck finding it!

Couple of ????? Barges,articles

This is the original link I was referring to. Started 8/8/01. If you use the search function, and type in the above, you should find it pretty easy.

I just typed in barges and it was on the second or third page.

Spyder,

I have had several positive effects from a passing barge on the wingdams on Pool 2. They obviously tend to really “push” water onto the wingdam and often times the fish tend to pick up on the increasing flow and quickly take advantage of this. All this forced water puts all the prey in the area into a vulnerable position of being forced right over the wingdam because of the lack of strength to go elsewhere and the walleyes and other predators are right there to take advantage of this situatiuon. The times I have had some success with this has been in the fall periods, but I am sure this has a positive influence all year round to some degree!

Good topic!

Thanks for the info. There truely is a wealth of knowledge on this sight when everyone is willing to add their input and experiences! I am looking forward to trying your ideas the next time I’m on the water! Thanks again and good luck to all of you!