Would shore fishing be a bust now?

I have Friday-Sunday off this weekend, boat is tucked away, Would it be even worth my time to shore fish some local lakes? I’m thinking soaking a sucker minnow for pike or casting spoons cranks maybe? I have 2-3 lakes that have piers on them that I might target. I would think first ice I would fish pike fairly shallow? Or should I go and organize ice gear

mrpike1973 wrote:

I have Friday-Sunday off this weekend, boat is tucked away, Would it be even worth my time to shore fish some local lakes? I’m thinking soaking a sucker minnow for pike or casting spoons cranks maybe? I have 2-3 lakes that have piers on them that I might target. I would think first ice I would fish <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>pike fairly shallow? Or should I go and organize ice gear

Not sure where you live but this time of year after my boat goes into its winter home I start shorefishing the rivers. Walleye and smallmouth start biting fairly well up until ice out. As for your lakes, I don’t see why you wouldn’t pick off a pike or two with a sucker under a float here and there.

For the last 6 weeks I have been shore fishing Mississippi River backwaters and have had the most unreal LARGE crappie success I have ever had. Ever. Today we found the area having turned over. Still, there are shore spots all along the big river that will pop out nice crappies right up to ice-up and marinas can afford some super crappie action for several weeks yet.

Early ice in a couple local river marinas is superb crappie time and I would assume that until ice-up they’d be great open water fishing from the docks.

Thanks I live near Hutchinson MN I would like to try a river close to me Mississippi near Monticello would be the closest but I have no clue where to go that would be public.

I’m not limited to pike just thought they may be the best bet

mrpike1973 wrote:

Thanks I live near Hutchinson MN I would like to try a river close to me Mississippi near Monticello would be the closest but I have no clue where to go that would be public.

I hear that area has some pretty darn good smallie fishing.

mrpike1973 wrote:

Thanks I live near Hutchinson MN I would like to try a river close to me Mississippi near Monticello would be the closest but I have no clue where to go that would be public.

There are some parks right in town Monticello. Grab a pair of waders, walk in until you’re waist deep and start fishing. Use a Lindy and some decent sized minnow. Fatheads will work but suckers, shiners, creek chubs are better imo. It is not rocket science as there are smallies everywhere. No need to walk up or down stream much either.

mrpike1973 wrote:

Thanks I live near Hutchinson MN I would like to try a river close to me Mississippi near Monticello would be the closest but I have no clue where to go that would be public.

The crow offers some good fishing

I have tried the Crow but the water is very low and not to much luck unfortunately. Monticello is sounding more intriguing

Walleyes are shallow chasing shad after dark on the river. I’d be shore fishing low light on the river.

During the day it might be slower but it’s worth a shot!

I shore fished the sunrise river yesterday in a undisclosed area. 2 hours. 9 pike 6 walleye and 13 crappies. All off a jig head and green mr twister. Was fun as heck

Caught a 16 inch and 21 inch walleye from shore of a south metro lake last night between 5:30 and 7:30. Both hit a jerk bait. Hopefully we get one more decent warm up

Went to a local river and yes it does pay to shore fish!. Saturday got 1 nice 18 inch eyer the next day got a 24 inch eye wife got 3 eyes very nice and 2 huge bonus crappies alot of fun now to wait for ice.