Jake Schema and Tony Swenson

I will be east of Dryden ON the last week of May, also targeting lakers. I have fished this lake for 20 years but have only recently began to fish it for lakers. What has worked for us has been trolling in the spring. The water temp that time of year is normally in the upper 40’s. We will troll anywhere from 20-40 fow with 2oz bottom bouncers or 3-way rigs. I will pull either metallic spinner rigs tipped with a large piece of meat or I pull a metallic spoon. We have had moderate success with these methods. A good day we will pull in 2-4 lakers in 6-8hours of fishing. Some days its even worse. This year I plan on pulling cranks as well as the aforementioned tactics. These fish are crazy aggressive. If you have an area where you believe lakers to be living, get a crankbait that will get 10-30′ (that is a large range for a reason, because I really don’t know) and troll 2-3mph. Cover a lot of water and if you don’t get hit in 30min, change color/style. I love to stay with metallic colors for trout. What can I say, they love shiny things.

Where I look for them is close to where we fish for them in the summer. As many people will tell you, they love deep water. If you have a deep hole in your lake, look for a hump near that hole. Something that gets to 10-20′. Start near there and you should be in business. I hope this helps. I am by no means and expert, but this is what works for me. Good luck and I would love to hear how your trip goes.

It was a slow day for most. I would say, from looking at past results, that the overall weights are down. It could also be a result of the poor boater turnout. I’m pretty sure the “big fish” was a walleye. My biggest fish was a Sauger that was 4lb 7oz. 21” long. I didn’t hear of a bigger sauger caught. My boat mate might have caught the largest pike! Too bad it didn’t do us any good!!

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Jake Schema
Tony Swenson

Was out Monday and visibility was <1ft and bite was tough. I think it’s a little too dirty and making it tough, but maybe it’s just me.

Anybody know if the ramps south of lake peppin are open?

You know, you make such a good point. Why don’t species specific fisherman branch out during the lulls? I am guilty and if you were out 3-17 I’m sure you had seen my frowning, frustrated face out there. I’ve never even tried catching cats, and if you are willing to give me a quick tutorial of tactics I’m definitely willing to listen. I’m sure they are a blast to drag off the bottom.

Thanks guys. I’ve only been a river fisherman for a couple years now. Still learning the ropes.

Hey guys, I am not a pool 2 fisherman typically but have a buddy that has done well there. He tells me that p2 is strict catch and release? I tried to find details on the DNR website, but we all know how easy that can be. Could someone please tell me if p2 is strict catch and release or if it just abides by typical inland lake laws. Thanks! And btw, I have loved reading this thread! I normally fish p4 and my wife calls me crazy for fishing in a boat on 20 degree days, but then I showed her the video of what p2 guys have done to catch fish. Suddenly I’m not so crazy…. keep up the strong work!! Hard work does not not go unpaid.

Sunset plastic action from 3/6. The two smaller eyes were caught on dark colors while the big girl was caught on neon plastics. Soooo… you be the judge. I’m not sure color matters as much as technique and just getting the bait in front of their face. They are hungry.

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Thanks for the advice. I may just have to step out of my comfort zone and venture downstream. I have one more river question, how do you assess visibility? What is the water to you considered clear, stained, or muddy? Is it just an experience thing or do you actually have a way of measuring?

Great to hear the reports guys! I’m pumped to head out this Wednesday. Just wondering if on those crowded days if anyone has tried moving away from the crowds? Trying the WI channel this time of year? Or the main channel in Red Wing? I really hate bumper boat fishing, but as new as I am to this pool 4 fishing I still fall victim to following the crowds. “Look at all those boats! They’ve got to be catching fish!” But with my limited experience it’s hard for me to jeprodize my entire day of fishing on a hunch. I’ve been studying an updated map of upper pool 4 for the past few weeks and feel there’s got to be some sweet honey holes further down river. I just haven’t gotten the nerve to try them out. I guess I am asking, “is it worth it?” A normal day of fishing between everts and the dam will yield me 2-6 nice keeping fish per day so it’s not as if I’m striking out, but I know that river can put up some crazy good fishing days. And that’s what I want! I feel I’ve got a pretty good handle on presentations and technique. But need some help (or maybe just encouragement) to venture out of my comfort zone. So, is it worth it to go south of everts this time of year? Is the WI channel good or better than the main channel? Any tips or opinions would be greatly appreciated. And as I am very new to this discussion page, I hope to see some of you out on the water someday. I’ve tried to get my friends as excited about going fishing on open water in 20degrees as I am, but it hasn’t been successful. I’m glad to see there many more out there as passionate as I am about chasing these elusive eyes. Pool 4 in the spring truly is one of the most enjoyable fisheries I’ve ever fished.

I was out Friday and Saturday last week. That scout hole was being killed. 80fow. If you’re willing to take that risk, you’d better be ready to keep everything you catch.

I have to agree with Jesse. River is really clear right now. When I was out the other day, I fished from 8am until 6pm. Caught all my fish the last hour. I’ve heard that live bait is effective, but was not effective for me. Only thing a guy can do is keep trying and changing tactics until you find something that works.

Tough luck on the hard bite. What time of the day did you fish?