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River Ice Fishing?


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O.K. Maybe someone here can help me out?

I live in Thief River Falls, MN and fish the river here in town often, but never catch much in the winter. My question is:

Where do I start looking for fish on a river in the winter?

The average depth of the river is 8-14ft. Some deeper holes can be found, but should I fish these? Do Walleye like or dislike current in the winter. Deep or Shallow? What should I look for?

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks Much.... confused.gif

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Catman,

Walleyes relate to current and like current, but not as much as river sauger do. Key on the "relating" part.

Are there streams or Springs in the area you fish? Key in up and down stream of these spots.

"Flat" areas on the inside of turns/holes are good to hit as well as the down stream area of a turn / hole. Imagine your favorite hole and where it begins to shallow on the downstream side would be a great place to start.

Or if you know the water when it is open LAte fall current seams can hold fish too. However, the ice can vary incredibly. Don't fish alone please.

I am not familiar with your river, but try some jigging spoons but start with jigging raps. IS the water stained?

If so go with Charts or firetiger patterns or gold hammered spoons like the Scenic tackle Angel eye, deadly in stained waters. However water with some current the jigging rap might work best.

Are there any back waters on that river?

Keep the rods bendin'!!!

Jim W

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There are some back waters, but all shallow. 2-4ft.

I have marked some deeper holes during the summer with flats on the inside bends. I will try some of these locations on my next outing. Thanks for the info.

There are no streams or springs in this area, Just the main river.

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  • 2 weeks later...

cat man,

if u give me your email i might be able to help you out. I used to fish it everyday before i moved to duluth for college.

w_boy

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I work at TRF Radio, you can email me there at

ktrf-at-mncable.net Title it Shannan Lee. I'm usually at work from 2-10pm Monday-Friday.

Thanks, any help would be great...

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Brianf.
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