Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Branching Out… (3 pics)


Recommended Posts

It’s that time of year again. The time when the water temp starts to heat up. The time when the panfish spawn is over (almost) and the pannies spread out over open water making them harder to find in quantities. The time when the sucker run is completely over in this part of the state. Walleye, Bass, Musky, Pike, and Trout seasons are in full swing.

Summer Time…

Over the past few weeks I’ve given my panfish rods a break in action and dusted off a few of the others that have not seen water yet. I guess I’m not one of those guys that gets stuck in the rut of fishing for only a few species of fish. I find that if I diversify my fishing, there’s always a time where any given species of fish is in its peak catchable period.

In the past week I’ve made two evening trips with only my catfishing gear. One successful, and 1 not so much. I’m fairly new to the sport of catfishing (branching out), but each time out I refine a few tactics and the detailed mental notes increase chances at success.

ty_cat3.jpg

I’ve honestly never spent a ton of time on Lake Pepin searching for those elusive walleyes and saugers, but we gave it a go on Saturday (branching out). We did the follow the crowd thing for awhile, then decided to go and try something completely different and new.

ty_sauger1.jpg

Last year was the first season I have given largemouth bass fishing an honest effort. Today marked my first trip of the year seeking bucket mouths (branching out). At first it was discouraging. The bass and pike were no where to be found, but I’m certain there were panfish everywhere. If I would have brought my panfish gear, the bassin stuff would have been shelfed…But I didn’t…

ty_largie1.jpg

I know I didn’t provide a lot of detailed information in this post and that was my intent. I’m moreso trying to point out some additional resources we have in our area.

Grab one of those rods you have not used in a long while… Give it the once over and commit some time to trying a new species of fish. Musky and Catfish are on my list for this season. What’s on your?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Walleyes are on my list of things to do! Funny that I live in a "walleye loved" state and never even caught one before.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Never caught one before?!?!?! That's gotta be a joke, my 2 1/2 yr. old daughter has caught and reeled in a walleye in her short span of fishing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:

Funny that I live in a "walleye loved" state and never even caught one before.


you oughtta be ashamed grin.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

well then, I shall restate what I said...I have never targeted/caught a walleye. Ive been fishing for a long time now, just have never went out looking for the ol google eye laugh.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:

well then, I shall restate what I said...I have never targeted/caught a walleye. Ive been fishing for a long time now, just have never went out looking for the ol google eye
laugh.gif


Wow…I don’t think I can fish with you anymore. Never caught a walleye? How do you sleep at night?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.