River fishing?

[slipperybob]

Buddy told me that Stillwater plant was closed for property easement shore fishing...hmmm, I'm out of luck for early April river fishing...I might have to figure going out of my way to go south.

[lotsofish]

 Originally Posted By: rockman

Cats are primarily minnow eaters,so unless the state of MN legislates that this time of year all an angler can use in this section of river is stink bait,the whole debate is mute.

You can use minnows throughout the year. There isn't a rule that says you can't use minnows during closed gamefish seasons. There are other baits besides minnows and stink baits that will work for cats too.

I think the general rule of thumb is if you catch 2-3 closed fish you need to change baits or move, because if you continue to fish there in the same method, you are now targeting those fish.

I am ready to get out there chasing those carp, cats and suckers.

[Scott K]

Dont forget Sheephead!

[rockman]

Guess what? You can use cut bait,worms, nightcrawlers & leeches( if you can even find them right now),waxies,eurolarvae,mealworms,goldenrod grubs,grass shrimp,beef and chicken liver, right now! Maybe even throw in some dried blood for good measure.And why,you ask? Because the regulations book says you can, or better yet, it doesn't say you can't. I never posted one word advocating that an angler cannot use minnows for catfish, during this time of year. My point was a smallie,or walleye, is more than likely not going to hit a line baited with stinkbait. If someone is going to quote my reply,why not have me clarify what I already posted,rather than a-s-s-u-m-e what my intent was, in posting/replying.

[lotsofish]

Sorry, I misunderstood/misread what you meant. I thought you were saying minnows couldn't be used legally this time of year, but now that I reread it again I see that's not the case. I agree with what you are saying, other than maybe crappie minnows, there really isn't any reason to use any larger minnows until opener, unless you are on a special regulations area like on border waters.

Cheers!

[Scott K]

 Originally Posted By: lotsofish

Sorry, I misunderstood/misread what you meant. I thought you were saying minnows couldn't be used legally this time of year, but now that I reread it again I see that's not the case. I agree with what you are saying, other than maybe crappie minnows, there really isn't any reason to use any larger minnows until opener, unless you are on a special regulations area like on border waters.

Cheers!

I will start using creek chubs/sucker chubs come the end of April, I will use them to catch catfish. So to say there isnt a reason, you are wrong!