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.

Mississippi River Pool 4 Fishing Reports Pool 5, 6, 7 , 8 & 9


Recommended Posts

Got out below the lock and dam at Dresbach again last weekend. The ice was in better shape out from the short lock wall, and the current seemed to be down a bit, although still stronger than I remember it being in past winters.

Things started good when I caught this 13" sauger not five minutes after I got there--I followed it up with a 12" a little later. Both fish came on a deadstick and minnow:

full-3973-42192-1_25_14dresbach13sauger.

I caught those fish before 4:15, and figured I was in for a good afternoon as we got closer to sunset...but that was pretty much it. Like the weekend before, the sunset bite never happened for me. I don't know if it was because I was in deeper water or because of the snow cover, but the "golden hour" was not golden at all for me.

Most people were fishing straight down from the end of the short wall, and some of them seemed to be catching fish around 5:00 PM. Maybe I needed to move in a little as it got darker.

I hope to be up there at least one more weekend while there is good ice below the dams, and I want to put a few more walleye and sauger on the ice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
  • 4 weeks later...

I spent the afternoon fishing on pool 4 yesterday with a buddy. We concentrated all of our efforts in <12' of water pitching blades looking for big fish. We covered a lot of water throughout the day and didn't get into the big walleyes, but did stumble into a pod of smaller keeper sized fish in 6-10' of water right after sunset. We ended up keeping (3) 16-18" walleyes and 1 smaller sauger about 15" for a meal. The fish were all caught on either chrome or white blades.

The water was super clear with about 6' of clarity, although I'm sure things will be changing by the hour now that temps are above freezing. We found water temps ranging from 36-39 degrees depending on where we were.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I'm thinking by the lack of reports that it is pretty dead down there right now...Four Season in Red Wing said it's been brutal when I called there yesterday.

Can anybody confirm or deny?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Id assume with the temperatures and wind we have been having its kept some people off the water,I know its kept me at home.That being said, I have seen some pictures of fish caught,some eaters on stringers and some very large ones [email protected] have been hoping for warmer or at least less windy weather,looks like this weekend it will come but it will surely be busy then to.I will stick to the weekdays.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Heading to red wing in the morning 4-4-14 just wondering if there is any word of fish biting??

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I spent the day on pool 4 yesterday. Managed to catch 12 walleye/sauger mixed. All were in the 15-18" range except 2 smaller saugers and a 22" walleye. Found fish scattered from 6' down to 18'. Water clarity is less than a foot with water temps around 40. I did not use live bait at all and stuck with blades or plastics in oranges, yellows, and greens. The most consistent bite was mid day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We haven't caught a fish today. Yesterday we only got 5, but one was a 10 lber so we are putting all our effort into the big girls today.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It Was Brutal For Us Today. Got One 17" Eye. Prett Disappointing After A Decent Day Thursday When The Weather Was Horrible.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We ended up picking up two 17's in the evening. Hopefully tomorrow will be better, but the trip was already made with that 10lber.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What a SLOB! Nice fish gloomis... good work

Thanks, we have been trying for a long time now to get a 10+ up there. Even though I was only the net man I felt like I caught it myself. Cool moment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What's with the whiteout in some of the pictures posted? I see it more on this thread then any other. Just wondering.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What's with the whiteout in some of the pictures posted? I see it more on this thread then any other. Just wondering.

Don't want to take a chance of a whole bunch of people recognizing the spot and then having to deal with 30 boats next time I go back there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gotcha. Seems a little aggressive to try to pinpoint a spot based on a fraction of a picture but I suppose there are some out there who would.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah I hate to do it, but I have seen it burn some guys. I will say if you want a big girl, target shallow sand, less than 10 ft

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah I hate to do it, but I have seen it burn some guys. I will say if you want a big girl, target shallow sand, less than 10 ft

i agree with ya on both subjects. there are tons of people whom just lurk these site and know river well enough to pinpoint those spots. ive personally burned myself before as well. next thingy ya know theres a hoard of peeps on the same spot.

i dont mind sharing tactics such as dept, presentation...as ive learned tremendous amounts from others on this site. heck, half the fun is just gettin on the water and searchin

i was on P4 on wednesday from 730-2, we started out pitching blades, we caught a few but then switched over to V-jiggin and dubuque rigs as the sun got higher. all in all we caught about 20 fish and put 8 in the box. also got a nice bonus flatty as well. not the biggest but sure fun on wally tackle

on a blade bait

1atonblade040914.jpg

1stflat040914.jpg

gotta luv those bonus fish =D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What's with the whiteout in some of the pictures posted? I see it more on this thread then any other. Just wondering.

I don't get why people do this. Just because you can recognize where the pic was taken, it don't mean that is where the fish was caught. Maybe its just me but if we get a big eye, it goes in the livewell until we find a nice secluded place for a pic and release. Beautiful fish by the way

Link to comment
Share on other sites

]

I don't get why people do this. Just because you can recognize where the pic was taken, it don't mean that is where the fish was caught. Maybe its just me but if we get a big eye, it goes in the livewell until we find a nice secluded place for a pic and release. Beautiful fish by the way

Most places I fish I am by myself and no more than a boat or two could fit, I most definitely don't need pictures of fish being spread on the internet. Also, I hope the big walleyes aren't in the livewell too long before the picture is taken!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Special Good report! I keep trying blades, but I can't seem to get any on them. I have had far more success on bright plastics.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't get why people do this. Just because you can recognize where the pic was taken, it don't mean that is where the fish was caught. Maybe its just me but if we get a big eye, it goes in the livewell until we find a nice secluded place for a pic and release. Beautiful fish by the way

Link to comment
Share on other sites

First time i tried blades was about 5yrs ago and after losing 4 in an 1hr period i swore them off for yrs.

then last yr after sum strong recommendations from others i tried them again. the 1st hr or so was slow and i was just about to give up but then caught a nice 26" wally. which turned out to be one of my best days for size ever. i caught 6 fish between 23"-29".

i personally don't think blades are as versatile as plastics "which IMO can be used in any structure, depth, presentations.." but they definitely have a time n place in my arsenal.

most fish i catch on blades are usually better size and they seem to hit it like a truk. i like to pitch blades in less snaggy soft bottom areas. i usually position the boat parallel to the shore, a lil outside the current seem in 10-15fow.

cast them upstream of my position a tad towards shore, follow it dwn to bottom, then give a quick snap up about a foot, follow dwn again "but keep line a lil tight not slack" and repeat all the way back to the boat. quite often, i get hits right next to the boat.

my Fav blades are

1/4 Chartreuse, orange or gold

keep trying them bro, but i know its hard to go away from sumthing that is puttin fish in the boat.

goodluck and take care

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Special Good report! I keep trying blades, but I can't seem to get any on them. I have had far more success on bright plastics.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Like spinnerbaits, or inline?

The term "blade baits" referred to in river fishing are Cicada style metal baits. Paul, your probably more familiar with some of John Gillespie's favorites like the Zip Lure and more recently the Verato.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My Buddies Slapped Them Friday And Saturday. They Had 5 Between 24-28 Saturday AlongWith A Bunch Of Eaters.

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.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
    • 11-87
      Looking for recommendations on scope or red dot    I basically hunt turkey and whitetail, live in southern MN. So it’s all deer/ shotgun    looking to add a scope/ red dot as my eyes don’t work like they used to to with the open sights.    my gun options are 11/87 12. Browning BPS 12    not looking for the most expensive or the cheapest    pros and cons of one over the other
×
×
  • 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.