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Minnesota River Fishing Report


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Nice evening yesterday.

1 Walleye (20" Cut bait), 8 Shovels (24"-29" Crawlers), 6 Channels (14"-28" Crawlers/Cut Bait) and this monster Flathead.

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Had to smack my Bird with a shoe too frown

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That looks a lot more like a mad tom than a flathead./

Just sayin'

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Yeah after i posted it i had a friend tell me it is most likely a willow cat - mad tom .. etc. It was used as bait for the next hour but nothing bit frown

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Sounds like you had a great outing Truth.

Seems the river fish are going well.

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The walleye fishing from shore really slowed down today, they had been biting real well lately but they didn't want anything to do with my fatheads today. My buddy caught 2 sheepheads on crawlers and I got a big fat buffalo on a fathead. Seen a lot of gar cruising around lately and I saw a creek completely choked out with big carp the other day in the Chaska area.

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The river will be a dead sea for a while with all this rain. Its chocolate milk and rising fast. Was just down at the falls in Jordan and the creek is ROARING.

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Finally made it to henderson for the first time Tuesday this year, did ok, 1 cat about 20ish and a sumo sucker, and of course a whole lot of little cats (don't they ever get big?!?) Tried plastics for walleye for about a half hour with one good smack but nothing else so I popped a pbr, lit a stogie and threw worms out the back. Pretty consistent bite. Water's moving along decent and muddy but I fished some slower current. Boat launch was muddy but otherwise excellent. I didn't see any green markers on the logs yet though Scott.....

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I have them, I just havent been out much yet this year. I will get them on soon, since I will have some spare time to fish after this week.

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Looking to head out this Fri night and Sat between Black dog and Shakopee the river looks up but nothing like last year. I haven't had any luck catching cats on this stretch, I have managed eye's on the mouths of creeks and inlets but can't seem to find the cats. I am used to fishing the croix with lots of snags and backwaters and this dredged water is new to me. Should I just be looking for holes in the channel or should I try to find snags that are now underwater or should I be concentrating on areas where water flows in? This will be my second year on the MN and I am hoping to have better luck than last year. Any help would be appreciated.

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Been out 4 times over the past 6 days, fishing between Shakopee and Jordan. Water temps have been pretty consistent at 63/64 degrees. Been having between 3-8 runs each night on 5-8 inch bullheads, only one small 20" flathead in the boat. I need to figure out a method for consistently hooking up with more fish, but its been nice to have consistent bites at least. Most of the accesses seem to be in pretty good shape at this point.

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5-8" bullheads i usually run a tandem hook, J or Circle. Make sure there is lots of hook showing. Before tossing the bullhead in the river, make sure the hooks won't turn and hook into the bait. It seems that when i'm missing hookups on catfish - it just continues to happen! Grrr, But those are a few tips that should reduce the misses.

Good Luck.

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went out friday, the weather was nice and thats about it, i decent channel and a dink and a white bass was all i and my partner had to show for a night on the river, heading out tonight to try for a few hours, got some fresh bait that needs some exercise.

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Thanks for the tip truthwalleyes, will make sure with those hook points can't turn back into the bait. Have recently went to a tandem 9/0 circle hook rig. Was using a 9/0; 6/0 rig and just couldn't stay hooked up on that smaller back hook, I'm hoping that the bigger hook will do the job.

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I'm sure there are others- but I personally don't know one single person besides probably Steve D, that uses circles for flats with live bait and does worth a darn on them. Just when I think I've tried it enough over the years and SWORE I'd never try it again I now have reason number XX why NEVER AGAIN- I just had to throw on a big 9/0 circle this morning that was floating around my box. 99% of the time these days I only use them for cut bait on chans and sturg. It was even a smaller bully and part of the reason I did it- had a nice run, engaged and swept/reeled just like I do with any other circle bite with cut bait- it loaded/ bent over nice and POP out comes the hook.

Not that J's catch everyone you get a hit on by any means- there are a million factors. Some nights it might be everything under the sun hitting it besides a big flat mouth you just never know. 10 minutes later after of course going back to the J- I have another hit, run, set, hookup- only to find out it's a 25'' eye ball with a 7/0 half down the gullet. Exactly what I don't want to happen and why'd I'd love to use the circles on live bait too. I'm certainly all ears to anyone who thinks they've mastered them because in my book they stink on big live for flats.

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I'm with ya alagnak. I like an 8/0 circle for cut bait, drag tight, rod in rod holder - let the fish double the rod over and start reeling. I won't use a smaller circle hook unless i'm just using crawlers...and if it's just crawlers for sturgeon i stick with the 8/0.

I also tend to use J's for big bait and flats.

It's a great feeling when your rod is loaded up and the hook pops out sick

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yeah its a major bummer, happened to me about 10 times in the last week. I may go crazy soon if it happens again. So how long are you guys letting those fish run with a bully on a J hook rig then? I run the same channel cat rig as you guys, circles with a closed bail, never really played with the J hooks, guess I will have to give them a shot when using live bait.

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As mentioned- there's just so many variables. I've had several outings where you can't miss one- then the next outing you cant hook one (doing the same thing). I think my record is like 6-7 misses IN A ROW in a night- now that will make you want to break a rod over a knee LOL. So what I'm saying is don't get down on yourself and, they aren't all flatheads that's for sure so it's impossible to hook them all when half of them can't get that bait in their mouth anyway. All I can say is I take it like I take a pike with big bait on a tip up rigged with a quick strike rig. I don't even touch the rod until I know it was hit/smashed and bait stops moving, then I like to set it when it's on a nice slow walk in the opposite direction. This way I like to think the line is coming out the corner of the mouth on the way back to you in hopes for a good corner hook (although half of them are in the upper). Then, you'll have one that just slurps it in, and takes it towards you up stream or sideways and doesn't even pull clicker (not as common) so then I just reel my slack up to it while following it with my rod a little and try to sweep my rod back downstream (same reasons in hopes for corner). You CAN set too hard and rip the hook out, snap braid, break terminal tackle, etc and you can certainly set too soft. When you know exactly when the in between is- let us all know and write a book on it. ;-)

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i stick to 10/0 j's for live bait flat head and 6/0 to 8/0 for cut for channels and sturgeon, i use these mostly for the reasons stated above and i seem to have better hook up ratios this way, sure i have had misses but thats part of fishing, at least your getting action i went an entire year without catching a single fish.

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I appreciate the tips guys, will put that info to good use. I'll get a report up next time I get a chance to hit the Minnesota.

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When you know exactly when the in between is- let us all know and write a book on it. ;-)

Exactly! laugh

I'd buy that book.

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Finally got myself on here! I come on here to check out what people have been saying so I figured i would finally register. I have been having a great year on the river, lately the bullheads have been working well for me and a couple on cut bait. here is a 32,35,28. We have been getting a bunch in the 10-20pd range. Good luck fishing everyone!full-46139-34127-jason35pder.jpg

full-46139-34128-jasons28flathead.jpg

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Been doing most of my fishing out of land of memories and judson area around Mankato. Anyone else had any luck? Here are some more fish we have caught this year. full-46139-34134-hamel16pder.jpg

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full-46139-34137-mattvolk16pdflathead.jp

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Welcome to HSO LukasH and glad to see your posting so kittys

River is high and running a strong current, we got three flats last night 26-31 inches and a turtle. Caught flats in 5-7 fow and on a current seam. The turtle came in almost slack water with a ton of bait fish. Had several other bites, but could not connect.

Lots of debris catching on the line.

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Those are good size cats! Seems like these high water conditions are baring some fruit.

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Those are good size cats! Seems like these high water conditions are baring some fruit.

Actually- those were well before the most recent high water. Notice where they're standing. ;-)

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  • 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
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