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.

Ole' Miss. this weekend


BigMike

Recommended Posts

Calling all smallie magnets... is anyone else heading out on the 'sippi this Saturday? I am dropping my lady off at the airport Saturday morning around 7:30 and I'm packing the gear and heading up the northern stretches of the 'sippi (elk river, otsego, monti, st. cloud) and I'm wondering if anyone else is heading out or if you have any new reports to help steer me in the right direction. How is the water level?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

BigMike, I have a family reunion this weekend so I won't be out there. I wish I could fish that area, because it should be real good. The river is nice and low, so you should be able to find some good spots.

I went through Elk River/Otsego yesterday and it looked like there's some good bank fishing there, too.

Let us know how you do.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I will definitely report back... when don't I smile.gif. I am just hoping my wading boots arrive! The boots I wanted were on back order for the last 2 months because i have size 14 feet, but I just got word that they should be here any day. (Fingers crossed) If not, I've been using an old pair of tennis shoes that work alright, but when you start talking about the rocky/boulder sections, it gets a little scary walking around without felt soled boots. But if the water levels are down it should be a little easier to wade.

The weather is holding steady (knock on wood) for the next 4 days and should be great fishing on the river! Smallies, here I come!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

have fun BigMike....I plan on getting on some smallies this weekend too..maybe tomorrow sometime. Good luck.

S.A.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Big Mike, are you using a boat or waders? The water seems to be down some in the Monticello area but not below the average. Last year I drifted from Montisippi park to Ellison park and rarely did I see 5 feet of water. The deepest I saw was in front of the trailer park (about 12 feet). Another thing was it seemed really fast. I know there are some good spots up past Becker too. Get back to me and maybe I can help.

Corey

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Big Mike I just got in form the river ten minutes ago fised the island area a little bit by the downtown area of elk river water level was up about 1 to 2 feet from last weekend, current seemed slower than it was early in the week lots of action in the shallows(1to 3 feet) 5 smallies in 2 hours and one big pike (drop me a line of you wanna wade this area this weekend I will probly be out there but its my wifes birthday so who knows

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Big Mike I just got in form the river ten minutes ago fised the island area a little bit by the downtown area of elk river water level was up about 1 to 2 feet from last weekend, current seemed slower than it was early in the week lots of action in the shallows(1to 3 feet) 5 smallies in 2 hours and one big pike (drop me a line of you wanna wade this area this weekend I will probly be out there but its my wifes birthday so who knows

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just out on the Ole Miss last night. Hit the stretch between Sauk Rapids, and the Sartell Dam.

Water is up 1.5-2 ft from just a week ago.

I casted the shorline for smallies, and between my partner and I we fished from 6-8:30 and picked up 7 smallies, 3 northerns. Had at least 4 more spit the hook. I would describe the action as a little slower than the last time I was out. I usually pick up at least 1 northern, but they seemed a bit more aggressive than usual. Didn't get a single fish up by the dam! very unusual. I think the change in depth and hot day had something to do with the change in action.

If you don't have a jet boat and go in this area be very careful if you head north from the S.R. access. With the water up, you can make it-just be sure you've got some shear pins. Mike

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks guys for the responses... I'm definitely going to be wading (although my boots haven't come in yet- see above post. I'm hoping they come today, or I'm stuck with my waders & tennis shoes frown.gif).

Corey, I've waded the montisippi park a little (from the launch to the plant) and I have fished that section with Hawgtide in his sweet jet boat as far down as the trailer park and creek inlet. I'm trying to remember how far down it is, I was hoping to wade down that direction this weekend (trailer park).

River Rat, I've wanted to get out, wade & learn the Elk River section too and would be interested in hooking up tomorrow. What time are you looking to get out (if you can with the birthday)? Depending on when you are available, I may try to fish one section (Monti) in the morning (8:30 'til about 1ish) and then hop in the car and fish Elk River in the mid-afternoon into late evening. Another FM'er "LOST" might be available to hook up in the afternoon (from about 1pm on) too. Let me know what you are thinking.

Corey & River Rat, drop me an email: [email protected]. I'll be on email all day and I'll check it tonight & tomorrow morning.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got out this last Saturday all day on the 'sippi between monti & otsego. I hooked up with a guy from FM (Tinman) up in the monti stretch and waded downriver from the Ellison Park access. We did alright, but the action was pretty slow. I caught a northern, channel cat and two small smallies. Tinman was fly fishing and had a little better success with the smallies. All pretty small but he did have a nice fish on for about 2 minutes until it threw the hook. We think it might have been a walleye because a smallie would have jumped and a northern would have bit it off. Who knows now.

After the morning with Tinman, I took a break for lunch and then headed down to the Otsego area and found a great spot with some great looking water. Unfortunately it didn't produce bigger fish for me, but I did get a lot of smaller smallies and one nice 4.5lb northern. I wish I would have ended up hiking right to where I had stopped for the day, I found some great pools, eddies and boulder fields that need further probing. So even though I didn't nail any big smallies, I found some spots to keep in mind when I head out again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

BigMike, glad to see you did well on your day on the river. I haven't been out there in a long time. Need to get back out there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey big Mike
Sorry I couldnt get out last saturday wife had me running to stillwater for her birthday just sat at the Freight house drinking and looking at the river trying not to cry.... lol

I went out on sunday though and caught a lot of little smallies then on the walkaway cast as i was gonna leave got a 18 inch football size smallie was real fun on a light rod with 4 pound test where abouts were those boulder fields and eddies you were talking bout? I would love to try em out glad to see noones reporting a killer bite I was starting to wonder if I'd lost my touch. lol post next time your hitting this area we'll meet up and share notes

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The RiverWader and I went out yesterday evening in the sauna like conditions. We caught around 18-20 smallies on spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. His first fish(and the largest) of the day was a 19" 3lb'er. We were mostly in the Becker area. The last hour of the day was awesome using buzzbaits.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If I had a day to go, I would definitely get out today before that cool front moves through! The action is bound to be hot. I know that the river isn't effected by the weather as much, but a 10 degree drop is big difference when we've had upper 80's and 90's for 5+ days.

Hawgtide, congrats on a pretty decent outing. Buzzbaits are awesome on the river, but I haven't had a good bite going on them just yet. Only slimers seem to want to hit them!

River Rat, a 18'' is a real nice smallie any day, any time...last cast or not. Now the question is, after you caught that smallie did you stick around a bit longer smile.gif I'd be happy to get out sometime in the next few weeks to show you that rapids area (after I move this next week)... It's awesome, I wish I had more time to pick it apart. But at least now I know it's there. I drove by the elk river section and it looks pretty awesome, but where do you park and fish from around there? I was going to try but I didn't know where to even start (plus it was getting pretty dark by the time I drove by there).

I got my wading boots finally on Monday. They are SWEET!!! I can't wait to hit the river with them!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

hawgtide was right the fishing was a blast during the last hour, but the bugs started hitting just as hard as the fish.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Big Mike I only live about a 1/2 block off the river right buy those townhomes down there. and yes I did stay alot longer right until I couldnt see the other side of shore but had no further luck just drop a post next time your ready to go out I'll be ready (wifes gone first week of aug for famiuly reunion I'll be out every night)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My 14 year old son and I took a canoe trip from St. Cloud to Clearwater this morning. Caught 13 smallies, all about 2 lbs. Lost Big Mo after a couple short runs. Best action was off Rapala's and Ugly Bugs tipped w/ crawlers. Wish I'd brought top waters. Seen lots of fish surfacing.

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.