What a rollercoasters spring we’ve had here in Minnesota with lots of ups and downs as us anglers just hang on for the ride. Prolonged periods of cold weather, snow, and frozen water has really thrown a twist in what I would consider our normal spring fishing patterns and sometimes I think the walleyes are just as confused as we are. Times like this can truly test ones patience and perseverance is key to great success. It’s been a humbling spring for me with more skunked trips than I care to mention but makes successful trips that much more gratifying.
It seems that finally within the last week we’re seeing consistency in water levels coupled with rising water temperatures and the fish are reacting favorably. I’ve been finding the majority of my fish in fairly swift moving and shallow (sub 5ft) water. Fish don’t seem to be hanging out in any spot for too long as they’re dropping back from spawning grounds. Those fish are here one day and gone the next so don’t live and die by your spot. Most my trips are after work (3-4hrs fishing max) so staying mobile is very important.
I’ve been using 3 main techniques for catching my fish – Pitching hair jigs, casting crankbaits, and SLOW trolling cranks (VERY slow). When looking at a current swept shoreline you’ll see many small eddys and current breaks but which ones hold fish? I’ve been searching by slow trolling small cranks very tight to shore. I’m only moving .4-.6mph against the current and the boat is only 5-7ft off shore. You lose a lot of cranks but it’s proving to be a good search tool, even in swift muddy cold water. See a nice eddy or hit a fish trolling? Spot Lock the boat and pitch hair and cranks there! 3/16oz Jimmy D’s Walleye Weenies jigs in chartreuse and kelly green have been my Go-To jigs. Trolling I’ve been using the new Storm Smash Shad . If you haven’t used these baits, you’re really missing out. Not many baits that will run true in that swift current for the price – they have earned significant real-estate in my Plano boxes to say the least!
Overall I’m pumped with what I’m seeing and it’s shaping up to be a great year on Pool-2. Barring any extreme monsoon downpour rains, we might see a normal late spring/summer on the river and it’d be warmly welcomed by many. Do be careful out there as there is a lot of small debris coming down the river with the occasional stump and full-size tree. Our post spawn bite should only improve as temps continue to warm and the flow slows.
See ya out there
Pete