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.

2017 Red River Fishing Reports- From Capt Brad Durick


Recommended Posts

The snow last week put a hiccup in the catfishing but things are now starting to come back together.  Anglers are reporting mixed success on the catfish front this week.  What we know is the water is warming back up, the forecast is stable and there are lots of fish around the Grand Forks area.

The best fish are being caught on the edge of the main channel in the faster water. Fishing near structure can help also.  Fresh bait has been the best bait.  Some days the bigger sized baits are working and other days you have to downsize to keep the fish from stealing it.

 

Over the weekend and into the week to come the bite will become much more consistent.  Water conditions are perfect in Grand Forks and all accesses are open.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

River conditions are perfect and catfishing is OUTSTANDING!  The catfish are feeding hard in preparation for the upcoming spawn that is still weeks away.  With water temps just nearing 60 degrees everything is in high gear and there are lots of big fish in the area.  The best locations are break lines and current seams, structure does help but does not seem to be necessary for success.  Give a spot 15-20 minutes without a bite and move on.  All baits are working.  With the nice forecast ahead it is a great time to catfish.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Catfishing remains excellent this week. There are still lots of big fish around to be caught. The cold front that moved in earlier this week has pushed the fish out of the main current but they have not gone far. Just small adjustments to stay on fish is sufficient. They are short biting a lot so downsize bait a bit and make sure it is threaded on the hook well to increase catch rate.  Until things warm up again. It may be a good idea to sit on spots a bit longer to. 20-30 minutes.

 

Bait is pretty anything fresh.

 

River conditions remain great so now is the time to enjoy it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Last week's report went from good fishing to terrible thanks to mother nature.  This week things are picking up. A little heat and sort of stable weather has the catfish coming back to feed.  Reports are still mixed, but all in all fishing is pretty good.  The fish are feeding on softer side of the current (inside bends or other areas of slower current.)  The best pattern I have seen is set baits and give it an honest 20 minutes.  If there is an active fish you will know within a few moments but you can get another bite later in the sit.  Bait seems to be starting to shift to goldeye with many people saying they are having success with it. 

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The sudden hot weather that arrived late last week has caused the water temperatures to rise dramatically and shocked the catfish somewhat.  Fishing has been what I would call slow by my standards.  Things are starting to pick up now after a week for temps to stabilize.
 
The best locations have been faster current or structured areas where current speed picks up over it.  The active fish are usually taking the bait quickly when its presented while other fish will pick and peck at the bait before finally taking it.
 
Goldeye seems to be picking up steam as a good bait but goldeyes have made themselves elusive so far.  Any good fresh bait is still working.
 

With water temperature at 73, the spawn will be kicking in any day now too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is safe to say the spawn is in full swing and it is a tough one this year. That hot weather that started a couple weeks ago heated the water to 76 degrees and unlike most years put nearly all the fish into spawn mode. So right now expect tough fishing. Smaller fish are still coming in shallow and near structure. Big fish are harder to come by. The best areas have been the fastest water you can find to head of the last of the pre spawn cats. Sit time should be 25-35 minutes and keep baits fresh. Try everything you know and some things you know.

The good news of spawns like this is they tend to be quick so things should be picking up in a week to 10 days.

Even with all that we have had a decent week of guiding, no disasters yet. www.redrivercatfish.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One word comes to mind for the catfish bite the past couple weeks, CHALLENGING.  The spawn is in full swing and it seems that nearly all the fish went to the nest at the same time.  As always, there are fish to be caught but we have to work a little harder to find them.  The best spots have been tight to structure for smaller fish with the bigger fish being very close to a drop off or areas of current.  Sit times have been 25-35 minutes to let the bigger fish find the bait and decide to bite it.  One good tactic has been to change from circle hooks to regular J style hooks and be quick on the hook set for the shorter bites.  Bait has been try it all and see what is working at any given time.  Stink baits have been working great for smaller fish.
 
This weekend is the 3rd Scheels Boundary Battle Catfish Tournament.  Even with the less than stellar report many fish will be caught and weighed in this event that brings out some of the best anglers in the area and beyond.  We still have a few spots remaining if you wish to fish.  For more information www.boundarybattle.com and to enter call Brad Durick 701-739-5808
 

Join us for the weigh ins, Saturday about 2-3pm at the Whopper John Little (north) Boat Landing in Grand Forks and Sunday at LaFave Park in East Grand Forks.  Awards to follow on Sunday.

 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
As expected last weeks rain is helping get the spawn over with and getting the catfish more active.  There are many smaller fish to be caught and some bigger ones mixed in but action is steady.  Most patterns and locations are delivering fish right now.  Give an honest 20 minute sit in spots to let the more sluggish fish find the baits. Active fish will hit right away.  Bait does not seem to matter if it is in the right spot.
 

This weeks heat should also help wrap up the spawn and get everything rolling into mid July and beyond.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • The title was changed to 2017 Red River Fishing Reports- From Capt Brad Durick
  • 2 weeks later...

I would call the catfishing this week seasonal.  It is a pretty normal bite for a period of lower water and heat.  The catfish are in post spawn and spread out in their summer haunts.  The more aggressive fish are in the deeper water in the middle of the river.  As usual stay on the move and keep the bait fresh. Bait does not seem to matter still but people with frogs are saying they are getting their better hits with them. 

cleardot.gif
  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Catfishing is pretty stable right now. The water is getting very low making the north end of Grand Forks begin to get sketchy for travel.  The lack of current has the fish spread out also.  Stay on the move and when you land of fish you should have no trouble catching them.  The best areas have been anywhere you can find more current than the surrounding area.  The middle of the River in mid range holes has also been a good place to look. 
 

Bait has changed for me this week with frogs being the hands down number one so far.  Sucker and goldeye have been working too.  I still believe getting bait in front of the fish is is the key more than what the bait is but try it all.

 

Remember the I-29 Catfish Classic is in just 2 weeks.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Red is very very low below the dams right now.  If you fish there be extremely careful when running a boat.  Above the dams still has lots of water and much easier boating.
 
Catfishing is pretty steady right now.  Fish are being caught in most areas such as snags and mid river holes.  The best spots have some visible current running into the structure or holes.  The active fish are very active so if you land on the right spot you will know in fairly quick order.  Keep on the move.
 
Baits are interesting right now with morning and evening frogs being king and during the day (11am-6pm) frozen sucker or goldeye being superior.
 

There are lots of nice fish to be caught, be careful and be willing to change up the bait.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
Catfishing is pretty good considering the low and hot water we are experiencing.  The catfish are holding in the middle of the river, typically in the middle of the holes.  The active fish are pretty quick to find the baits.  The lack of current has the fish spread out so be sure to cast out a good wide spread of your rods if you can or even move baits around every few minutes to find the active fish.  If you can find a good visible current fish near it as there will be catfish near by.
 
Baits are about the same as last week, frogs in the morning and evening with frozen sucker during the day.  Cooler nights are bringing water temps down so the bait preference should switch back to fresh sucker or goldeye some in the days to come.
 

For safety above the dam in Grand Forks is good, below is fishable and boatable but exercise extreme caution if you go north.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators
On ‎8‎/‎10‎/‎2017 at 9:04 AM, proguide said:
Catfishing is pretty good considering the low and hot water we are experiencing.  The catfish are holding in the middle of the river, typically in the middle of the holes.  The active fish are pretty quick to find the baits.  The lack of current has the fish spread out so be sure to cast out a good wide spread of your rods if you can or even move baits around every few minutes to find the active fish.  If you can find a good visible current fish near it as there will be catfish near by.
 
Baits are about the same as last week, frogs in the morning and evening with frozen sucker during the day.  Cooler nights are bringing water temps down so the bait preference should switch back to fresh sucker or goldeye some in the days to come.
 

For safety above the dam in Grand Forks is good, below is fishable and boatable but exercise extreme caution if you go north.

Thanks Brad for the for the updates. Would it be possible for you to make a signature profile in your profile with links to your Guide service and a telephone number?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Low water continues to be the issue on the Red. Below the dams still remains sketchy so use boats at your own risk.  The fishing remains stable, similar to last week in that the fish are spread out but in the holes in the middle of the river.  Short 15-20 minute sits on spots keeping the bait fresh looking for the active catfish.
 

Bait is still heavy to frogs and frozen suckers with goldeyes working some but it seems that frog and sucker are the best.  As water cools down I suspect fresh sucker will come into play as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Our prayers were answered from the south with some river flow. For now the river is back to easier and safer boating so we can get around.
 
The catfishing has held steady, same as the past two weeks. The fish have moved to the shallow off current sides of the river since the nights have recently become cooler.  Sits have become longer to 25-35 minutes per spot to allow the fish to find the bait.  Mid-Day don't be afraid to find some current or move back to the middle to see if the fish have moved out to feed.
 
Bait has been frozen suckers and frogs.  All other baits just don't seem to have the same effectiveness.
 

We are entering into some transitions to fall and things will be changing over the next week or two.  The new flow should get the fish moving a bit more and that fall feed should ramp up over the next couple weeks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
Catfishing the Red remains fair.  The lack of current has the catfish spread out meaning you have to keep moving the baits and keeping it fresh to locate active fish. The good news to that is that in finding a pattern they are hanging out on the off current side of the river with recent small fronts that have gone through.  Sit times have been fairly short with the warm week at 15-20 minutes.
 
Baits remain that same frogs and frozen sucker with a little bit of a liking for fresh sucker again.
 

The forecast going into the weekend is for fall.  We will be experiencing some quickly falling water temps over the next week and that can slow fish down.  Stay on the off current side of the river and work the shallows more than you normally would.  Be prepared to adjust sit time longer of 20-30 minutes should the temps fall more than six or seven degrees or more.  Water temperature right now is 70.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Brianf.
      I'm not there, so I can't tell exactly what's going on but it looks like a large area of open water developed in the last day with all of the heavy snow on the east side of wake em up Narrows. These two photos are from my Ring Camera facing north towards Niles Point.  You can see what happened with all of snow that fell in the last three days, though the open water could have been wind driven. Hard to say. .  
    • SkunkedAgain
      Black Bay had great ice before but a few spots near rockpiles where there were spots of open water. It looks like the weight of the snow has created a little lake in the middle of the bay.  
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   Thanks to some cold spring weather, ice fishing continues strong for those still ice fishing.  The bite remains very good.  Most resorts have pulled their fish houses off for the year, however, some still have fish houses out and others are allowing ATV and side by sides.  Check social media or call ahead to your favorite resort for specifics. Reports this week for walleyes and saugers remain excellent.   A nice mix of jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, and an occasional crappie, tullibee or sturgeon being reported by anglers. Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second line is the way to go.  Green, glow red, pink and gold were good colors this week.     Monster pike are on a tear!  Good number of pike, some reaching over 45 inches long, being caught using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring in 8 - 14' of water.   As always, work through a resort or outfitter for ice road conditions.  Safety first always. Fish houses are allowed on the ice through March 31st, the walleye / sauger season goes through April 14th and the pike season never ends. On the Rainy River...  The river is opened up along the Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale, the Frontier boat ramp and Vidas boat ramp.  This past week, much of the open water skimmed over with the single digit overnight temps.   Areas of the river have popped open again and with temps getting warmer, things are shaping up for the last stretch through the rest of the spring season, which continues through April 14th.   Very good numbers of walleyes are in the river.  Reports this week, even with fewer anglers, have been good.  When temps warm up and the sun shines, things will fire up again.   Jigs with brightly colored plastics or jigs with a frozen emerald shiner have been the desired bait on the river.  Don't overlook slow trolling crankbaits upstream as well.   Good reports of sturgeon being caught on the river as well.  Sturgeon put the feed bag on in the spring.  The bite has been very good.  Most are using a sturgeon rig with a circle hook loaded with crawlers or crawlers / frozen emerald shiners. Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing is winding down up at the Angle.  Walleyes, saugers, and a number of various species in the mix again this week.  The bite is still very good with good numbers of fish.  The one two punch of jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is working well.   Check with Angle resorts on transport options from Young's Bay.  Call ahead for ice road guidelines.  
    • CigarGuy
      With the drifting, kind of hard to tell for sure, but I'm guessing about a foot and still lightly snowing. Cook end!
    • PSU
      How much snow did you get on Vermilion? 
    • Mike89
      lake here refroze too...  started opening again yesterday with the wet snow and wind...  very little ice left today...
    • Hookmaster
      A friend who has a cabin between Alex and Fergus said the lake he's on refroze. He texted me a pic from March 12th when it was open and one from 23rd when it wasn't. 🤯
    • SkunkedAgain
      I don't think that there has been any ice melt in the past few weeks on Vermilion. Things looked like a record and then Mother Nature swept in again.   I'll give my revised guess of April 21st
    • leech~~
      As I get older it's really not just about sending bullets down range.  Some of it's just the workmanship of the gun and the wow factor. The other two guns I have really wanted which I'll never have now because of their price, is a 8mm Jap Nambu and 9mm German Luger.   Just thought they always looked cool!  
    • jim curlee
      I had a guy hit me with a lightly used 1969 BAR, he wanted $1650 with an older Leupold scope. More than I think they are worth, I made an offer, he declined end of story.   You know if you look at the old brochures, a grade II BAR sold for $250 in the late 60s, $1650 would be a good return on your investment.    Why would anybody want a 50 year old gun, they are heavy, have wood stocks, and blued metal.  I guess mainly to keep their gun safes glued to the floor. lol   You can probably buy a stainless rifle that you never have to clean, with a synthetic stock you never have to refinish, is as light as a feather, and for half as much money, perfect.   I'm too old for a youth gun, although I've shrunk enough that it would probably fit. lol   No Ruger 10/44s.   Jim      
×
×
  • 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.