Something Ive been wondering about river fishing..

[honda4life]

This may sound stupid to some of you but several of us were talking about this tonight.... HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR BAIT UNDER URE HOLE??? for the average non river fishing person ... RIver = flowing water! that would mean you drop ure minnow down and the current would swipe it down river. the only thought I have is do they stop a dam somewhere in the river so the current stops and the water is still? and does the ice change day by day with water flow?

[KTapper]

I think on a river that has enough ice to fish on would be a little slower current so I wouldn't think that it would be to bad. Not like when I was at pool 4 this fall the current wasn't to bad but is def. pulled your jig down stream.

[croixeyes]

Depending on what you use and where you are fishing on the Croix the current will have some pull on your line.Most places in the Bayport area have a little current,this is seen when you use light tackle IE split shot and hook or small jigs etc.To correct this drag I drill my transducer hole a little downstream of my fishing holes,allowing the bait to flow into the cone of the transducer.hope this helps.

[AuggieDawg11]

i haven't had too much trouble with not being able to keep my bait in the cone except for a few areas. I just add a split shot to add a little weight.

[DonBo]

I drill my transducer hole a little downstream of my fishing holes,allowing the bait to flow into the cone of the transducer.hope this helps.

This is what I do also.

[honda4life]

that is quite an interesting thought. just a slight angle im sure correct?

[Turk]

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR BAIT UNDER URE HOLE???

Add a little more weight - like said above - split shots above the lure. Also currents differ in the Bayport basin. The stronger currents are in the predictable places, i.e. points.

Happy New Year folks!

Turk

[blf8518]

yep just got back from the croix yesterday...easiest way to take care of the current problem is to drill another hole for the flasher a lil downstream from where ya sit maybe 2-3 feet depending on depth

[john.wells]

This may sound stupid to some of you but several of us were talking about this tonight.... HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR BAIT UNDER URE HOLE??? for the average non river fishing person ... RIver = flowing water! that would mean you drop ure minnow down and the current would swipe it down river. the only thought I have is do they stop a dam somewhere in the river so the current stops and the water is still? and does the ice change day by day with water flow?

No stupid questions at all! In fact, they are all good ones. Keep in mind that wariness will keep you alive, and when it comes to ANY river, it pays to be especially aware. For the most part, the St. Croix is reliably safe in the winter in a few spots. Stillwater got its name from just what the name implies-upstream from here the river is quite quick, but south of the Boomsite (public access/rest stop/park) the river pretty much turns into a reservoir. The Boomsite got its name from where logs were pulled from the river because they tended to stop moving and jam up there. This, believe it or not, is the result of the river running into the Mississippi. The Miss' acts like a dam and backs the flow. Flatter terrain helps as well. There are several places where the river constricts into a rather narrow channel. Afton, Hudson, and the confluence of the Kinnikinnic River are the most notable. When the river narrows up, the current increases due to the mass volume of water trying to squeeze through. Conversely, where the river is wide, the current is lazy. This takes us to pretty much the only driveable spot on the Croix, which is the Bayport area. You can drive on around Prescott, but it is a little dicier and you will be limited to a small area. The Bayport area, however, is fairly safe for quite a large amount of river for travel by truck or car. People have driven on this area for decades, but it isn't without hazards. The ice stays fairly stable, but warmer temps that bring thaws even in January can raise the water level and increase the current flow. This can make the shore a little tricky, and even erode the ice. If there is any advice you need, it is to stay on the established routes out here when in a passenger vehicle. Only go exploring if you have a four wheeler or a snowmobile or on foot. When it comes to the actual fishing, the guys who posted before me pretty much covered it. The current in the "safe" spots is minimal. In fact, in the summer a gentle breeze can push your boat upriver in many spots, the Bayport area included. It seems that in 30 feet of water, even a fairly light hook-and-sinker combo will only sweep maybe 5 or 6 feet downstream from you. Just keep in mind to respect the river and get to know its ways. Most of the time I would say get away from the crowd when it comes to ice fishing, but out here it pays to mix right in and stay alive. If you do venture away, go on foot and bring a buddy! Hope this helps.

[Sandmannd]

Nice to see you posting again John, how you been?

[honda4life]

Wow that was very well said and it makes sense now. I appreciate the input and this weekend if all goes well I will be trying my luck out there solo or with friends either way Id like to catch some fish. Thanks for the info again.

[john.wells]

Nice to see you posting again John, how you been?

Been busy with work, only out on the ice twice this year! Other than that, life is good. How about yourself? I have a wicked twitch to head south and hit the Bayport area. I haven't fished down that way in over a decade, and I really miss it.

John

[Sandmannd]

If you head down there John, let me know. I'll meet up with you. Would be good to see ya again. Life is good here too. We're in the process of adopting an 11 year old to add to the family. Lets get out fishing sometime.