September Points
The sunshine bronze water of the St. Croix River hold an abundant population of the Minnesota state fish, and walleye fishing remains the mainstay quarry year after year, though crappies hold the popularity crown over eyes when cars drive on water.
The fish’s popularity stems far back in history to days when prized meat meant the definition of immediate happiness. Currently the challenge of hooking the elusive game fish with favorite lures and friends, teamed with gastronomic intentions explains much of the general pursuit of walleye.
Catching fish – Early September marks a transition period when walleyes instinctively gear up for approaching winter. Seasons past indicates the transition of walleye from mid season deep flats to the deep and steep points of the Lower St. Croix.
All but rookie anglers know points are classic fishing areas. Quickly summarized early season fishing finds many fish in shallow water on points; later in the year depths that fish generally relate to are deeper especially on the Croix.
Points come in all shapes and sizes. Some are gradual tapered while others are stubby and drop off sharp.
Generally the relatively larger and gradually tapering points hold most fish of all species early in the year. In lakes, long tapering points have much more shallow weed covered bottom. The weeds produce the snacks and munchies that baitfish love.
For some reason or the other, Fall marks a period where the steepest drop offs produce walleye at a better rate than the gradual bottoms. Places on the St. Croix that are have productive fall points to name a few, are Black bass, St. Mary’s, Charlie Point in Bayport, and Afton’s famous Catfish Bar.
Steep points must be vertically approached and jigged for best results. The reason being is the fish are relating now to the steep sides and not the tops of the points. Trolling lures is a lesson in futility when trying for these fish.
Lures – Standard jigs and bait are in order for these deep point fish. The key factor however will be boat control. A fast drifting boat will not allow the jig to stay in the fish zone for the needed period of time. One second the boat is hovering in 18 feet of water then within ten seconds the boat is in 50 feet. Well when the fish ID marks from the sonar are in 29 feet of water that jig never even came anywhere near the fish.
Proper boat control either by electric motors, anchors, or by back trolling a small gas motor, all are great tools to keeping the boat lined up straight over those marks. Often new anglers do too much and try to fish and keep the boat controlled at the same time. Naturally an angler wants to fish a line but sometimes “taking one for the team” is the way to go.
The St. Croix River is a wonderful resource that keeps producing prized walleye year around; keep up with the times and stay ahead of the game.
Keep catchin’
Turk
