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.

Species roll call.....


Aquaman01

Recommended Posts

Say,
In my short experience on the Upper Missy I have yet to encounter any of the following which can be found south of the cities...
Sturgeon
Paddlefish
Sheepshead
Flathead Cats
Mooneye

Any more to add? Is it because of all the Dams? Theories? Anything?

Thanks -
Rob

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not sure about those species...but here's one we have that I've never seen south of Coon Rapids...eelpout!!

Only thing is...I'm not stating it with the intent of having "bragging rights" to this fish!! wink.gif Nav

------------------
Jon Navratil
Navigator Guide Service
www.naviguides.com
Serving Central MN rivers & lakes

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been fishing the Clearwater to Elk River stretch for about 15 years & haven't seen those species either. I'm sure the dams have played a roll in this. There must have been a few of these fish roaming that stretch before the dams were built. It would be interesting to research that some more. I've caught plenty of sheepshead & mooneye below the Coon Rapids Dam, but I don't think the other species exist in any real numbers above the Ford Dam & Pool 2. I'm sure a few slip thru the locks, but I've never seen one. I think FisherDave once mentioned catching flatheads right above the Ford Dam. Here's what I have caught: smallies, pike, muskie, walleye, channel cat, bullhead, rockbass, crappie, carp, various redhorse, white sucker, bluegill & lots of turtles. I might be missing a few but you just don't see many other species up there. I don't think I've ever caught a largemouth in that stretch. So Navigator you caught an eelpout? That's very interesting. What else have you guys caught that's not on my list? Vern

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Vern I was just out 2 weeks a go around Elk River and boated 3 largemouth bass so they are in there. I really haven’t caught any of the other species mentioned by aquaman although I did once see a sturgeon

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I grew up fishing the Miss between Little falls and Brainerd. Never saw any of those species up there. Fair number of Muskies...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wonder which dam stops the muskies from going downriver? I've had two 'close encounters' while generic fishing in Little Falls, but none in Monticello or Elk River.
Vern - One more ot add. My son got a nice bowfin in spawning colors in Monticello on walleye opener weekend.

Anyway, back to the crux of the biscuit...

Okay - so IF...
None of those species which are common b e l o w the cities are encountered a b o v e the cities, THEN....

Maybe these big-head & silver carp won't make it up either.

Thoughts?

Rob

[This message has been edited by Aquaman01 (edited 10-27-2003).]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I caught an eel that was about 20inches long and had a snout on it like a needlenose pliers. I still have no idea what it was.; Heck I cut my line being I was afraid to touch it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just a thought, through the history of the Missisippi, St. Anthony falls was the major cut off for many species. All of the fish identification literature mentions this as a dividing line for many species. This also applies to the species mentioned in the original post. However, there have been introductions upstream od St. Anthony falls, including channel cat, flathead cat, white bass, etc. Basically there should be a slim chance bighead or silver carp make it up here. Of course there are always helpful fisherman to thank at times for introductions. (sarcastically)
Species upstream of St. Anthony Falls should currently include:
Eel pout, american eel (occasionally), smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, northern, musky, yellow perch, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed, rock bass, channel cat, Flathead cat (rarely) bowfin(dogfish), carp, 5 species of redhorse, white sucker, northern hog sucker, buffalo, bullhead (3 species), and many species of shiner, darter and dace. I may have left a few out, but, the entire species list should include about 50.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

MMMMMM eelpout!! poor mans lobster. tried it once with a fishing friend and it wasn't half bad.

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.