When fishing the dam area of Pool 4…

How many of you guys fish with three rods? (or three hooks per person)

I did this weekend and felt kinda dirty.

I think I could handle two fly rods at once but I can’t think of any way to use three.

SR

I bet Debbie could chime in on how to handle 3 rods at once

I’m from MN, so I can only
Fish 2.

I’m from MN Mojo? What did you do that you’re only allowed two?

I know the subject of three rods for the Wisconsin side vs. two on the Minnesota side has been discussed on this forum several times in the past. My understanding is that if one is on the Wisconsin side of the channel, they can use three baits per person regardless of what state they reside. I believe this is also true on the St. Croix river. So, when I’m alone fishing for cats or sturgeon on the Wisconsin side, I use three rods. I figure I’ve got a 50% greater chance of getting a bite with three rods vs. two. With two people in the boat, I’ll use four rods.

When walleye/sauger fishing in that area, I typically just use one rod with a single bait.

I called and asked a few years ago. The MN DNR told me at the time that if you are from MN regardless of where on pool 4 you are fishing you are limited to either 2 lines or 2 lures on one line.

Mojo, I had to reconfirm all of the following just this spring because the lady at the DNR office in St Paul had it wrong.

Think of your Driver’s License. It’s good in both states as long as you’re following the posted speed limit of the state your in.

OR if you prefer, here’s a long read from the emails I received from CO’s from MN and WI along with their supervisors. Again, they were reconfirmed this spring.

Border Water Regs

PS let me know if you need a third St Croix rod.

I just read the pool 4 regs you posted. Thanks for that. It is pretty sad when you call the MN DNR and they give you the wrong information. That being said, my luck I would run into an officer that isn’t aware of the law and would give me a ticket I would have to come back and fight. I think I will stick to two baits or 2 rods. I tend to move from side to side or run the center depending on the time of year. Not worth the hassle of making sure I’m on a certain side of the river. Brian I will be at everts Saturday – Tuesday. If you will be down there this weekend stop by our cabin for some food.

I’ll be there and find you for certain.

To be honest, I follow your thought on using two rod because I don’t want to keep track of where I am.

Since I was alone with 4 rod in the boat I used three (and felt dirty )

PS The whole dam side of the Y is WI waters. The MN side is on the Lock side of the Y.

real question brian is if you caught more fish because you were using three rods? sometimes I use two, but never three, most times just one rod because I’d rather present one bait really well rather than two not as well. Dragging is the exception, super easy to use two lines while dragging.

I had no idea you could use 3 rods – when officially in Wisconsin waters. Interesting.

That said, I can barely handle one so if I tried 3 up by the dam I’m pretty sure it would be frustrating for me and entertaining for anyone watching.

Dragging is the exception

The guys that troll (alot) use a shorty rod for behind the boat and a longer rod on the side. The 3rd rod goes out the opposite side. Works pretty well if your into trolling.

I know this is the walleye forum but for the folks that anchor, cast and retrieve and leave out a dead stick, this could be another opportunity for them.

Cat fishermen own the rod holders!!