I totally see your point. I don’t know about the rest of you but I personally try not to pull fish out of water any deepre than 20 – 24′ feet of water. If I catch a single fish and see the bladder I move to shallower water. I do see a lot of boats pulling short fish out of 30 plus feet of water and throwing them back. NOT GOOD! I think the dams should be closed all the way up and down the river for a period of time to protect the fish. It would have to have a positive impact as you say. Anyway, happy fishing!!!

I would have to disagree. I fish pool 6 quite often and the sauger are running quite a bit larger this year. In fact some of the nicest saugers I’ve seen in years in that pool. We have no special regs so I conclude it is due to the year class. Most likely 2001, when we had the flood. Just my opinion. I guess we can all think whatever we want. It is nice to see larger fish no matter what the cause. Can’t wait to hit the water again.

Those are some incredible photos. Keep it up!

I am by no means an expert either. I would suspect they were fishing blade baits. However, In my experiences sometimes a feirce high jig is what it takes. It can trigger a good strike as it falls. Did you happen to notice if they were catching anything?

Next question: My understanding is that you can still purchase willowcats in Wisconsin. Is it legal for me to have them in my boat and fish with them in the Mississippi River? I have 3 dozen Willowcats which I purchased before this whole thing went down. Are they usless to me now as bait?

I must say that some of the reasoning behind this issue is ridiculous. I have heard things like “too many big fish are being caught using willow cats”. That one does not even make sense. Of course this is all second hand so I don’t what has been said and what has not. I would love for Tom himself to explain his rationale.

Can you trap them in the River and use them for bait int the same body of water?

Minigrub I think I saw you the other night. I may get out tomorrow (Sat.) if the wind is not to bad. I will have my son with me. I’ll stop you if I see. I am in a 16′ Lowe with an Evinrude.

Hey Minigrub, What kind of rig do you run in? I fish that pool often. Was out tonight for the evening. Caught a couple legal Walleye and a decent Sauger. Fishing was slow all around from what I could see.It seems to be a day to day thing for now.

A certain stream I drive almost daily is running pretty high and dirty. This particular stream is always one of the first to clear. I’ll let you know when it clears.

I’m in!!!! Now just pick my name.

Thanks for the update Steve. I’ll be seeing you in a couple weeks as we are staying in the campers for a weekend.

What kind of water temps are you seeing up there?

I’m in!!!

It’s been a few years since I’ve been out that way. Rock Creek is incredible. Check out the N. Fork of the Blackfoot River. There is a road you can drive up the valley and park or camp at the dead end. You’ll find a trail to hike further upstream. Some incredible Cutthroat fishing. Fish hard!

A huge thank you to all who have taken the time to respond to this. I get the feeling everyone understands the frustration of wiring. I am new to the board and you guys are a great resource for information. I’ll be staying at Evert’s in October for a few days of fishin. Hope to see and meet some of you. Thanks again!

You guys are fast. The truck is a 96 Blazer. The reason I am pointing to the trailer itself is because I have utility trailer and I have never had a problem with those lights.

I have two Okuma line counters and love ’em. They were a little less money than the Diawa’s and seem to work just as well. I liked the line counters so much I bought a spinning reel last month. I do not think I will buy another brand for quite some time. One of the smoothest reels I have ever owned.