I didn’t want it to look like the Mississippi River walleye guys were having all of the fun. At some point this week Mother Nature turned on the happy switch. I’m in the process of scouting for a series of guide trips. If things continue there should be some happy clients. The fish in this picture was one of the few fish I set on today and weighed just under 4 lbs.
I’ve got good friends fishing tournaments this weekend so I’m not going to say much about the pattern but I don’t have any problems talking about the lures. Most of the fish in the last two days have come on a YUM 4” mega tube. A few of the smallies have been willing to chase and hit a Northland Mimic Minnow.
What has been impressive has been the quality of the fish. Most of the fish were in the 17”-18” range.
The river conditions are improving. The water level and flow are going down. The water clarity is is improving with 1’-1.5’ visibility in most locations. There are some areas that are muddy. I spotted my first bed of the year. I found a quiet clear area and spotted a little buck on a bed. His mantra must be the early bird gets the worm. I suspect it will be a while till he finds a mate.
Great report as usual John!
Those are some beauties!
Great report John!
Awesome fish John!! Can’t wait to get back out with ya
Nice Report!!!!
Those are some nice Brown Fish
Hey John.
Can I book a guide trip say—–May 2nd or 3rd ???
Nice fish!!
Brad G.
Thanks for the report John that looks like a blast
John,
Very nice fish,
Congrats.
Jack..
Nice report John- Now I really can’t wait for our trip.
John
Wow – those are some fat bass. Where are some good spots to launch on Pools 4 & 5? I can’t wait for WI opener.
Thanks.
GREAT REPORT JOHN!!! I miss fishing with you
!!! cant wait until I get down there!! and i hope we can do some fishing this summer like the preceeding one!!! 
Well great report!!
Mike
Nice fish John
The hot bite continues, the picture is of Eric Ronningen with a 4-7 largie that fell to a Mimic Minnow. Today we saw a significant jump in the water temps and the fish were more willing to hit a horizontal presentation.
Spider, I’d suggest the power plant landing in Alma and the municipal harbor (Ike’s park) in Wabasha.
Mike, You know your on my fishing buddy list so we’ll get out there as soon as you finish school for the year. Are you keeping those grades up?
John
Thats a beauty E-ron!!!
Ikeslayer and I are headed out on 5 tomorrow. thanks for the reprts.. we will hopefully have something good to share tomorrow night!
Ya might want to crop that pic of Eric just a little closer John. I can just barely make out a tree in the background!
Cal,
Your lucky I didn’t use the smudge tool.
John
Part 2 comming tomorow but here is a preview!
You are the BassMan John! I hope this is finally the year of the 1st Annual Golden Oldie BassORama!!!
Thanks for the report and pics John. Great to see you and both Eric back on the water chasing bass. [gee…did I say chasing BASS?
] 
Thanks, Bill