In the world of big cats, a “Honey Hole” is something to cherish. Not divulging it’s location can be monumental task at times. Tactics as to getting there without being followed or being spotted by a fellow Cat enthusiast has always been half the battle.
I watched this past summer as my favorite place to tie into a monster for many years disappeared by way of the wrecking ball. I am referring to the Old Swing Bridge that once connected Inver Grove Heights with Saint Paul Park. Many years of memories are now just that.
Adjacent to the East side of the main channel there was a log jamb that sat in 22 FOW just downstream from the bridge pilings that was without a doubt my favorite go to spot for both big flats and also many channels. Many sleepless nights casting out Bullheads and Sucker minnows, having 20 and 30 fish catches per outing are now gone.
Now I need to regroup, wipe away the tears and set out this summer to find that perfect log jamb,the spot of spots, that place we call the “Honey Hole”.
That’s just perfect Joe!
A summer time flathead fishing report to REALLY kick in the cabin fever! I should be outlawed!
But moving on…the words “the river is always changing” comes to mind, even if it isn’t just from Mother.
It’s funny how a person can become attached to an area. A special place, changing a little each time out but yet always the same.
On good thing, the memories are yours forever!
Thanks for the report.
Have had the same thing done to a few of my spots on pool 2 also over the years. Nothing ever stays the same on the river. Guess thats why it is some much fun to fish. Frustrating to at times.
Keep in mind they removed the honey hole but they did not remove the fish. Those big gals are still there somewhere. Chances are they didnt move far either.
One thing a river fisherman is good at is locating fish.
Well that stinks! We had one fill in with silt on the Minnesota. Just gets us out exploring again!
I had a trout hole like that. It was plum full of 21-30 inch brown trout and was even on an easement, but the 2007 14 inche rain event sent a raging turent of water charging down the creek and tore it appart like a bulldozer.
thats wut makes river fishing so much fun!
Great report.
Sucks to loose a honey hole but you just have to “keep on rolling”.
Old black water, keep on rollin’
Mississippi moon, won’t you keep on shinin’ on me
Old black water, keep on rollin’
Mississippi moon, won’t you keep on shinin’ on me
Yeah, keep on shinin’ your light
Fishhead, my dad told me I couldn’t sing either.
There’s a ton of spots in that area with great flat/channel fishing…but there’s always going to be that special spot remembered as “the Honey Hole”.
Two years ago my favorite wood pile on a point was blown away. Last year I lost access to one because of wood filling in and then there was to old Cottonwood Tree.
The cottonwood it self was taken out by high water.
Loved that ol snag.
Had a few beers while looking at that bridge today. Guess they are making whats left of it into a walk way or observation deck. They had set that bridge on fire in the late summer to.
If you are looking for a place to drown your sorrows try the Mississippi pub just north of the bridge. $2.25 happy hour beers and happy hour is 2 to 6 pm most days.
Great post
I was just thinking about catfishing today! 70 degree nights,cold beers and hours of mindless conversation 
Come on SUMMER!!!! 
Sorry for your loss. A good cat hole is like an old dog.