Warmer temps and plenty of carp makes for a day of rod bending acton! You sure can tell that people have that spring is in the air attitude. The past week I can’t count the times that guys said I’ve got to get out and wet a line.
Carp or rough fish can provide some of the best and fast paced action over the next moth or so. There are many opportunities for shore fishing along the Red Cedar. The water clarity is fantastic right now, you can actually sight fish. Pick out the sand flats that are adjacent to deeper water. With the water clarity,try to stay in 4ft and deeper.
Our best producer so far this year has been plastics. No kidding folks, Doo’s on H20 precission jigs are taking the most fish right now. Blue has been the best color. Presentaton is simple, either vertical or casting will take fish. No special equipment is needed. With the low water temps right now the fish a just a little sluggish. Don’t get me wrong, they still put up a good fight but until the water temps warm your walleye gear will handle the job. I would suggest bumping up to a good 8lb test line though.
Besides the carp action, a few pike have been taken also. Using fatheads on a Lindy type rig has worked the best. Think finnesse rig though. I have had my best luck going with a 6 to 7 ft Vanish leader with a number 8 or 10 hook. There is a good number of pike in this system that are perfect for pickling! Get out for some great rod bending action, and I will see you on the water.
I live by there, and the Chippewa River is also an excelent fishin paradise.
I have also spent a lot of time on Lake Menomin and the Red Cedar..Is the walleye action still slow over there?
Welcome to the site guys. Yep I like the Chippewa and Red Cedar Rivers also. I’m close to both also. Steve
The eye action on the Red Cedar is slow. A few sub legal fish can be caught. The best action is for carp and pike.
When you fish for carp with a “doo”, do you deadstick it or do you work it slow. I have fished for carp with the old corn or bait ball behind a weight thing, however, I have also heard that you can get them to pursue moving bait. But you must be crafty.
Any advice or insight?
Fredbart, thanks for the question. Most of the time I am working the jig in some fashion. One of my favorites is to be moving at a speed where the line is at a 45 degree angle to the water. At this angle a slow lift and drop with long pauses at the top works good. I am using my walleye tackle with this method. A St. Croix Avid rod with a Shimano reel. I like using either Stren original hi vis or berkley Sensation. When water conditions are clear I will use a vanish leader. If the area is snag free, a 6lb test leader will get the job done.
I also use the Berkley carp bait. Corn and strawberry are 2 of my favorites.
Don:
Is the Stren hi-vis you are refering to the flourescent blue or the yellow?
Mark