Ok, coming up with a boat Friday afternoon to fish Friday night and all day Saturday. We’re planning on launching in down town Ft Atkinson. Is there a preferred launch to use? Next question is what local bait shop is in town?
Last question, fat heads or shinners?

Thanks in advance!

Sounds good. Gonna try to get my buddy to take his boat out, I’ll let you know how we do.

Thanks again for the info. How have you been doing out there? Any depths I should be targeting? Like I mentioned, I’ve never fished here before so any info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the reply. Now I have to rethink this! If I cant get out in someones boat, I might head out there with the yak.
Where are you launching out of? Is there a public area where I could park my truck and launch from?

Thanks for the quick reply. I’ll listen to your advise and stay off the kayak for now.

Anyone have room for 1 in a boat on Saturday? I’ll pay for bait or gas. I’d be coming up from Hoffman Estates area.

Nothing on the Iowa DNR site, that’s where I usually look for some basic info.

Ron,

Thanks for that info!

If anyone has any other info, please share.

Thanks!

I’m familiar with the WI side sand bar launch as I have fished the barge there a few times. I’d love to get out there more often, but its a 2.5 hour drive for me from Illinois.

I’ve seen a few guys go out there in canoes fishing the tailwaters and I’d say that its much hairier than going out there in the kayak. I got the kayak that I did because it was built around being ultra stable. Its not a traditional white water sit-in kayak. I’ve seen videos of guys catching 8 ft tiger sharks out of the same kayak that I have. We’ll see how it goes once I get out there.

On another note, If any of you guys have an open seat on your boat, I’d be glad to meet you out there on a Saturday and pay for gas or bait

Thanks so much for your very informative reply. Seems like I should probably wait to get out in the Kayak till the water temps warm up a little. I am in fact green to the whole kayaking thing. As soon as I have my first outing, I’ll be sure to post up a report.

Thanks again!

Ben,

Thanks for your input. I think I’m going to have to heed your advice here. You make some very sobering points.

I might however try the dells as I know the ice is completely out there and the current is much less treacherous. I also know the boat traffic will be there in case I go for a swim.

Thanks!

Thank you so much for all your responses! So it sounds like I can use my knowledge and skills even during the summer Do the dams, locks, walls and tail waters hold fish during this time or would I be better off fishing down river finding deeper holes?