Mississippi RIver Pool 2 Walleye report 4-4-08

The last few days on Pool 2 have been a lot of fun hunting down these spring river run walleyes. Water levels have come up gradually each day and with rising water levels come increased flows. This means you can find a load of fish on a spot one day and within 24-36 hours later that specific spot seems to be vacant of any fish and the spot or current seam you are fishing looks completely different. The walleyes right now are constantly finding favorable currents and feeding areas near spawning grounds.

Shallow sand/gravel bottom content out of the current in 4-10 foot of water has been my best areas the past three days now. These areas are typically real close to the first break from the shoreline. However one of my better spots that I had on Tuesday has considerable currents on it now and looks completely different and has left me searching for their new hang out. Watching shoreline current seams this time of year is fairly easy to identify but also important. Look for these slight changes on the surface that are typically created by a bump upriver in the shoreline, timber, bridge pilings, wingdams, etc…Walleyes will adjust quite easily as water levels adjust, so adapting to these conditions hour by hour will keep you in contact with these fish more frequently.

The area of the river that I have been concentrating on the past week now has still some very clear water for this time of year and walleyes have been feeding most often in the lowlight conditions. Wednesday I had an overcast day and I saw more consistent action throughout the daylight hours. With more and more run-off, the water clarity will diminish and the bite will begin to be better during midday hours. We are still seeing fish during the day but, mornings and evening have been far better right now for my boat. Like I mentioned earlier, this will most likely change in the coming days with warmer temps.

BFT’s 1/8th oz precision jigs and paddletails have been my best producer the last 3 days for the slower midday bite, but lowlight hours have shown the ringworms to take better sized fish. Cotton candy, oyster shell, and pro blue have all been equally productive in the recent days with this still fairly clearer water.
Good luck to all!