A much needed break in the weather has allowed me to be on the water a few times in the past week. A pretty neat setting awaits anglers on the river this time of year. Crystal clear water, fresh snow cover,very low flows and a lack of barge traffic makes a quiet, clean backdrop for anglers still willing to float a boat.
Throw in the activity of the many eagles using the open water to do their own brand of fishing and the occasional turkey processional down the river bank and you have a great place to escape the normal grind of winter.
Early last week Brian Paulson and I spent the better part of a day in search of some Pool 4 fish. Jigging in one form or another was how we spent our day. Vertical presentations were more effective than dragging largely due to the floating ice that made the drag pretty difficult. By days end we put together a good numbers day of fish that would aggressively hit baits held motionless about 6 inches to a foot off the bottom.
Tom and Jessie Klanchnik and I ran about the same program on Wednesday. We also found the same kind of bite. We fished mainly afternoon and into the evening and had fish in both time frames but found the evening bite absolutely frantic for about an hour.
Dragging ringworms slowly upstream on shallow flats produced constant activity for us in this low light period.
Visitors at the end of the week included Bob Klocek and Tom Schooley. We fished Friday morning and had a good bite early that waned by about 10:00.
Ceasar Larson, Doug Sanders and Randy Faber were in the boat for the back half of Friday and Saturday morning. The highlight of this time frame was definitely the Friday evening bite. Again ringworms pulled upstream were the ticket for some quick fish. Mid day vertical fish seemed to come harder but the evening bite stayed strong.
Fluke type baits fished vertically and oystershell ringworms on the drag have been top producers for my boat.
It looks like a pretty good window of fishable weather on the horizon. Get out and enjoy while you can.
Nice report Marty! And my brother says thanks for the tip on Sat morning in the baitshop. You pointed out the plastic that was working for ya. (The bait in the photo, 3rd from top) Well, we were’nt on the water more than a 1/2 hour and saw your boat poke a couple keepers on that bait. Needles to say we switched over and stuck a few in short order!
-J.
Great report as usual Marty. The eagles are sure putting on a show this time of year. The boy and I were out Wednesday and stuck a few but it was kind of slow for us. Hope to see you on the water soon.
Great report Marty! Made it down there Saturday myself, the top bait and pro blue with a silver head were my top two baits for the day. Not a ton of action but a beautiful day and fun was had!
Jami
Thanks for the report Marty!
Saturday for us was slow, but at dark had a 45 min. window when you could do nothing wrong with numerous doubles-then, quick as it started, it was done.
Great report Marty
Thanks for the input Marty. This is the time of year when the smallest of details can turn a less than average bite into a successful day.Jig weight,color,profile of plastic,and presentation style can change daily.By being open to trying something else,I have seen your boat do very well when most others are having less than average results.
Terrific report Marty. Its good to hear the guys getting action dragging. One of my favorite methods (along with everything else that catches fish).
Great report Marty. I had some good luck on the ice last weekend but I sure have had my mind on my new Skeeter and Pool 4.
I have a feeling it won’t be too long and I’ll have to head that way. 