I would love to say that the bite has not missed a beat since my last report in early January, but unfortunately things have changed and I find myself reliving the memories of all those big fish around in my head! Fortunately, there are still fish to be caught even if the bite is just a bit off the mark right now from what my expectations were. These conditions will change very soon, and we should see a definite improvement with the bite over the next week to 10 days. For now, a few little tweaks to your presentation will up your odds for putting more and bigger fish in the boat.
This week of pitching plastics to the wingdams has consistently produced better than average fish for my boat, but down a bit on the numbers of these fish that were used to seeing. With water temps and clarity cool and clear, I have seen a change in behavior for the fish that have been relating to the wingdams, The tips of the wingies seem to get the nod, but its t he deeper wingdam tips that have produced best overall for my boat this week. With high skies and calm winds, the fish have been found down deep in the 14-17 foot depths off the tips of the wingdams where it meets up with the main channel of the river. Here, slightly heavier jigs get the upper hand for maintaining bottom contact. 3/16oz weights have been preferred. Location on the wingdam has shown a changed preference as well with several fish being pulled from the backside tips of these structures. In a nut shell, look for the deeper wingdams that have access to deeper water and try fishing the tips and even the downriver side for an opportunity to score with a couple willing walleyes.
My trips this week have pretty much consisted of afternoon/evening trips. The day bite has been a bit slower than the evening showing more consistency. An average night this week has proved 8-11 fish per evening with the majority of fish over the 22 inch mark! Nice average size, but again the numbers has not shown itself like I have hoped thus far. The biggest fish for this week was a nice fat 27 inch fish that almost got a picture but fell victim to a cold dead battery on the digital camera. The rest of the fish have been cookie cutter size from 22-24 inch average. One little tip that I found to get the attention of the fish when all the traditional 4” sized ribworms, is to down size the plastic from 4” down to about 2-1/2”. This creates a much smaller profile and has proved to persuade some walleyes to bite when the 4” seems to be a bit “too” big. This subtle change has produced over half of my fish each evening.
The vertical jig bite proves to be the most action to be had by cabin fever anglers. The airport area in depths of 18-23 foot being the norm for producing some nice sized saugers. Jig/minnow and jig plastics have been the going technique for these fish. Simply drop the jig/plastic to the bottom, pick up about 4-6 inches off the bottom and hold steady. This motionless “hold” becomes t he trigger aspect of the technique and has a way of producing strikes. With the water this clear, be sure to probe higher off the bottom with this technique as these fish will have a bigger range of sight and may be riding a bit higher off the bottom in these conditions. The 494 (northside of the dock) ramp is in perfect working order, all sizes of boat may be launched here. Unfortunately, I did not make it up to the Lilydale ramp area tonight to comment on that condition for you.
Warm weather is forecasted for the weekend, look for the bite to get better and better as we continue to get warm days and the annual spring river “runoff” begins. This slight dicoloration will only improve the day bite very soon.
GREAT REPORT STEVE HOPEFULLY I’LL BE OUT THERE TOMORROW TO TRY OUT YOUR RX
Steve,
We launched at the Hidden Falls ramp on Friday. Boated down to the Lilydale launch, and it was NOT usable yet. Couple more days, and some rain, and she’s good to go.
Steve,….
I’ve never fished pool #2 before. …..Mostly #4. I live in Southern Dakota Co. and am determined to give #2 a try this year. I have one question though. If I launch at 494, are most of the “wings” that you guy’s talk about (in #2) downriver from the 494 ramp, or are you going way up from there? I’m not asking for specifics here. I’m willing to put in my own time to learn more. Nevertheless, I’d at least like to be on the right track before I spin the prop off my boat – if you know what I mean. Any additional details would be appreciated. Thanks.
Splitshot.
Launched at Lilydale today. Works just fine although room for only one boat at a time for now.
Thanks for the update on the Lilydale ramp guys. Having this ramp open will definately help out for bigger boats accessing the upper end of the pool!
Splitshot,
Pool 2 is littered with wingdams. When you put your boat in at the 494 ramp, there are wingdams starting up about 3 miles north of the 494 bridge and then they run all the way down to almost the Lockand dam #2 in Hastings. Plenty of wingdams to go around. The day bite has been a bit off the mark for me as of late. This will improve dramatically very soon with the water discoloration.
Here is a link to a nice map for you to help you identify some of the wingdams.
Not all the wingdams are marked, but this will be a great tool for your search.
Good luck and remember that Pool 2 is all catch and release! So take a photo of that beauty and send us all a pic!
Thanks Steve.
I’ve got the maps and am going to give this pool a try soon. C & R does not bother me. I usually let EVERYTHING go anyhow. …….Maybe I’ll see you on the water.
Thanks Again !!
Splitshot
Splitshot,
You are welcome! Glad they helped you out. Pool 2 is a great fishery and it keeps getting better and better every year! The average size of the fish has increased and now we are seeing a healthy crop of upcoming 15-19 inch fish making their way.
Overall the bite appears to be a little off the mark right now, but should change very soon.
I spent the majority of the day with Dustin in Red Wing yeseterday but had to stop at Pool 2 and fish the evening. Ended the evening with 22 fish and a pair of 25 inchers for the big fish for the night. Hopefully this is signs of thingss getting better. That has been my better night as of late.
Keep the reports coming Steve!!! Before you know it I will have my ice fishing gear put away and my boat and I will be heading south.
Steve,
Thanks for taking me with you Friday.
I learned a lot about how to fish the wingdams. I was very impressed with your knowledge of the area and your ability to put us on fish when conditions aren’t the best. I will definitely use what I have learned in the coming weeks to see if I can find them on my own. Anytime your looking for a ridealong let me know. I can always find time to learn from a master.
Thanks Again,
BirdEye
Mike Auer
Steve-
Any luck pitching hair?
Thanks for the support guys! I spent 16 hours on the water yesterday and you would think that would have slowed me down a bit…well it tuckered me out a bit, but I am sooo excited to get down there and do it all over again. This is the start of the magical cold water experience for 2004 that only the Mississippi River can deliver. Next to the fall, this is my second favorite time to fish the river..
Mike,
My pleasure on our Friday’s trip, I had a great time. Each time out I continue to learn something new or different that helps me understand those goofy marble eyes. I love it!
I look forward to the next time we an get together.
Travis,
I pitched hair for awhile on Pool 2 yesterday only to get bit a couple times. The plastics outshined on this particular outing for me. The hair bite will only get better as we get into March. Look for hair to be a solid and more consistent wingdam or sand flat producer very soon.
Super report Steve,
Early March, some rain this week, melting going on now for over a week. river should be rising, temps increasing. FISH will be snappin soon. So many fish and so little time. Jack.