Wisconsin River spring walleye fishing is in full swing. Vertical jigging, dragging, casting, 3-way trolling stick baits and other techniques all seem to be taking some fish.
Like most people, I couldn’t be happier to say good bye to winter and “Hello” to some open water spring walleye fishing.
So far this year, I’ve managed to sneak in a trip to the Miss River at Red Wing, (that was some cold fishing) some night fishing on the Wisconsin River near Sauk Prairie and some day time fishing at the mouth of Wisconsin River where it dumps into Lake Wisconsin and on the stretch of the Wisconsin River below the Wisconsin Dells dam. And although we haven’t caught limits of fish everywhere we’ve gone, we’ve certainly had a lot of fun fishing from a boat for a change.
As usual, my best fish have come night fishing in a pair of waders. Something about sneaking out in the night with nothing more that a pair of waders, a small tackle box and a camera really appeals to me. The bite casting stick baits in the dark of the night has been especially good so far with an average of 11 fish per night. (2-3 hrs/night) Catching a couple of good ones always makes for a memorable night. The fish in the picture to the left was 27 inches. The one above dang near swallowed a #11 rapala and after snapping a few photo’s, I had to do some delicate surgery to remove it. One of those times where I could have used a little company to help. After removing the rapala, I figured she had enough stress for one night and just released her without taking a measurement. Hope to see her again next year for another photo op though.
The day bite has been a bit tough at times but not all bad. We haven’t caught any big fish but certainly some decent ones over 20 inches along with some good eaters and as always some shorties.
The best day time bite for me has been either casting or dragging jigs & plastics with Moxi’s and Ringworms doing the brunt of the work.
When the bite really slows down, I’ve gone to pitching a plain jig & minnow which has managed to put and extra fish or two in the box.
The Dells is always a nice, scenic place to catch walleyes in the spring. A bit busy at times but still worth the trip.
The bite at the mouth of the river where it dumps into Lake Wisconsin has been pretty strong at times despite the late date for ice out. This is usually a sauger bite but we’ve also caught more walleyes here than other years which is a pleasant bonus.
Pretty much everywhere we have fished, we’ve found at least a few decent fish that were willing to take our baits.
That’s just the kind of start we needed after this past, brutal winter.
Right now is prime time around here. Two weeks from now, the spawn will be over with so get out there and get in on some good pre-spawn walleye fishing while you still can!
1st pic – you can just see the tip of a blue rapala her mouth.
2nd pic – Rob Porubsky assisted with a limit of eaters from the dells
3rd & 4th pics – fish that fell for pitching plastics at the Dells
5th, 6th & 7th pics – more fish that fell for a stick bait at night
As always Joel – Great Job at finding quality fish
Is that the new Skeeter in the background??
Great report! You have those fish dialed in there!
Very nice read as usual…..
Sure is!
And I could not be happier with it so far. Really looking forward to getting this rig out on some big water.
Great report, Joel!
2 weeks? No OT this week for me.
Nice catch and thanks for the great report!
Two weeks is my prediction for when the spawn will be over on these parts of the Wisconsin River.
That certainly doesn’t mean we won’t be able to still catch walleyes in there spawning area’s.
First – not all walleyes spawn at the same time.
Second – saugers generally spawn after the walleyes so people will still be able to catch those as well.
Third – more & more people are learning how to target post spawn walleyes on there way back down the river.
Lots of wisdom here and in your report. Love it! We can always count on you to keep us up-to-date with the goings-on in that part of WI. That wader fishing thing is a hoot, been a long time since I’ve done it, but I agree, it’s more hand-to-hand combat type fishing, or at least it feels like it.
It’s funny how seasonal we are as fishermen – after reading your post I’m wanting to hop in a boat.
Joel
Wader fishing is easily my favorite way to fish, just don’t get out as much anymore. Way easier jumping in the boat. The river is really zinging now in the dells. Quite unfortunate, as this would be a spectacular week to get on a good bite. Boat control is tough especially in the wind.
It was great to be in the boat with Joel again. Lots of stories, insight and he generously showed me a couple of more sweet spots on that part of the river. The new boat is a beauty and definitely had the comfort of fisherman in mind with the layout. Joel was very kind to me because he kept us anchored all day with the I-Pilot so no cold wet hands and sore arms managing the anchor.
Unfortunately the river rose about 4’ in the last couple of days. Likely the only people who will be catching many fish will need the years of experience he has on this stretch of river.
Hit the lower dells yesterday afternoon and evening until around 10:00 p.m. Fished all 2′ to 12′ deep current seams, back eddies and flooded brush from the dam to Rivers edge. Managed 6 fish between 13″ & 15″ with several tail pulling bites.
All came on Chart/firecracker paddletails except one on a black zip bait. Tried stick baits at and after dark along with 3 ways in current seams earlier with no results. Lots of trash and debris in the water. I think the recent sudden rise has them a little shook up but this won’t last long. Last night wasn’t that good for me but it is prime time and would not miss any oportunities to get out on the water right now.
Wader fishing sounds crazy fun Joel !!!
I love reading your reports…
Congrats on the new Skeeter !!!
take care my friend !!
Nice report Boog!
I miss those nights we used to wade Little Bay de Noc chucking Rapalas for the big girls… Love that boat!