Thanks for the info and warnings.

I am planning a Croix trip this Saturday, launching at Wm Obrien and heading upstream.. Think I might encounter any white bass ? Catfishing is our main objective

Thanks for the info on cast net permits. I have a cast net that I used frequently to catch bait on trips to New Jersey and love catching my own bait. If I get the permit, where does one target the gizzard shad? Are they sight fished along the shore of the croix / mississippi?
Thanks

Thanks for the replies. -During midsummer how far up the vermillion can one usually travel in a 17 ft deep v type of boat?

Brian,
Thanks for the quick response. I will load up on crawlers and see if i can tie into a few daytime channel cats.

I am planning a few more Pool 2 / 3 outings for fall channels cats. With the colder water temps and shorter days, is there a change in bait from summertime cattin’? Summer outings I would typically use cut bait. Do channels also seek out deep hole congregations like their flathead cousins?
Thanks

I was skunked on a recent catfishing Pool 2 outing in the vicinity of the 494 bridge and looking to change tactics. How about drifting down the main channel, dragging along some cutbait on or just above the bottom. Does the main channel hold many channel cats?
Thanks

Thanks for the feedback and food suggestions. Looking forward to a bronzeback brawl.

Thanks for the ideas. It sounds like a temporary, easily removed layer of carpeting, deployed only when required would work ( i.e., velcro , snaps, etc).

I just registered for the forum. This sounds like a great opportunity for a river rat wannabe like me to gather some fishing misinformation,have a few beers and watch packer and viking fans argue. (I am a Chicago native and Bear Fan). I hope to make the scene at the St Croix Opener GTG.