Traveling for work, fighting computer viruses, it all adds up to not a lot of time on the water! I did get a chance to get out on the Croix over the weekend with Adam McNamara of Hastings over the weekend. We did not have a lot of time, so we decided to head over to the Croix in Prescott for a little ice time. The ice is OK to drive on, but stay on the driven on trails. Open water is close by, so don’t tempt fate, and stay safe.
We decided to jig for walleye and sauger with Demons, and Buckshot spoons, tipping them with minnow heads. We had many lookers, but no takers. (The story of my Winter so far!) A lot of bait passed under the Vexilar, taking up much of the bottom up to about 5 feet off. Many times the baitfish were so thick, you could not see your spoon on the graph. But…with all the baitfish present, as usual, the sturgeon were close by, and taking the occasional bait they pass by. The season is closed on sturgeon, so they must be immediately be returned to the water. And they bite with some regularity, so be prepared for a tussle if you tie into one! Here is a picture of Jason and Joey Lubich of Prescott with one a hair under 50" caught on Saturday. Be assured that the fish was photoed quickly, and returned to the water.
No walleye or sauger were caught by us this day, nor did we see any caught. My curiosity has got me wanting to try the Minnesota side by the rock drop offs this coming weekend with the kids. The fish are there, and I think this may be a better approach. With all the baitfish present, it is a buffet for any fish present. So be patient, and be mobile. I am hearing of a few sauger and walleye being caught in the Vermillion, and east of DuShanes. I have heard nothing about pike anywhere. North Lake continues to be dead, as is Isabel. Fairbault area lakes are putting out crappies yet. Roberds and Shields are putting up fish with regularity.
Let’s hear what you are doing!
Good luck!
Tuck