July 1st sturgeon season

[side_laker]

I have never fished sturgeon in the summer only early season. How is the summer season would they be in the same spots or are they more in lake of the woods. Looking for any help. Thanks

[fishuhalik]

I don't even bother fishing the spring bite any more. Too unpredictable, between weather, flow of the Forks, etc. They'll be all over. Fish deep holes, bounce around every 45 mins until you find em, & don't be discouraged if you're catching suckers. They like to hang in the same areas. The fish don't seem to be quite as big in the summer lately, but a few years ago a buddy of mine was going up there every every weekend in July & August & they'd get at least one over 60" every weekend. The last few summers they've been a little smaller but we always manage a few around 55"+/-. Biggest advantage is we get to wear shorts instead of parkas

[FshBloodRiverMud]

I'm considering heading up next weekend. I'll give a report if I do.

[fishuhalik]

Might wanna check river conditions before you go. The river is unbelievably high right now

[FshBloodRiverMud]

Might wanna check river conditions before you go. The river is unbelievably high right now

Yeah i haven't kept up on that area enough to know. After looking at a few pictures, i'm thinking it'll be DARN TOUGH fishing. I suppose it's worse than when the forks open up (Well, except for wearing shorts )

Might just keep saving vacation and take a longer trip in Aug/sept.

[side_laker]

Would it be better to fish close to lake or just keep trying deep holes in the river.

[fishuhalik]

I just fish the holes in the river around Baudette. There's tons of good spots. Out in front of the airport is a good place to start. Remember, deep is relative. If the surrounding river area is 12' & you find an 18' hole, fish the edges of it. If everything in the area is 25' & you find a 30' hole, fish it. Don't be afraid to try 2nd breaks in 16-20' around some of those deep holes too, they can be hot

[FshBloodRiverMud]

So, does the river still look like this:

[uffdapete]

One site with current and historical river data:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mn/nwis/current/?type=flow&group_key=basin_cd

It's gone down 4.5' in the last 7 days at the Manitou.

[side_laker]

How is the level of the river doing. Would a guy be able to get an anchor to hold in the current