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.

St Cloud Fishing Reports


Recommended Posts

  • 4 weeks later...

I was on the chain last night from 5pm till almost 1am. The light wind and bright moon made fishing enjoyable and ad to it that the walleyes were biting it made for a good night. I started the eve throwing jigs and fatheads over some mid lake stuff and got a few of the 11-12in fish that are so plentyfull this year. I found better size walleyes along a shallow sandy shoreline while throwing a gold shadrap. I never got into any real numbers of fish but size was good with biggest being a 23in. did get a nice smallie and a couple cats in the same area the walleyes came from. Water temp was 50- 52.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have been hitting Cedar island as of late. I havent had a chance to fish horseshoe much this fall but there is plenty of good structure to try thats for sure. My best spots this year have been points and bars that have a large shallow flat or a slow depth taper on the top. If you can find one of theese areas with some rock even better and if there is still some weeds present you will be on them in no time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Fished Horseshoe yesterday. Well I started off fishing Horseshoe, but after having major issues staying in any one place or trying to control a slow drift w/ the wind I ran over to Cedar Island lake. Found and area w/ numerous cats, caught 4 eyes that will be keepers next season, and had about a 32-34" Northern to the boat side before he stole my favorite jig.

A nice "bowl" w/ steep transitions, eyes were caught in 21-23 FOW, Cats were deeper (26 FOW-ish), and the slimmer was in deep weed bed I found.

Heading out again today for a while. Just can't get myself to winterize the boat just yet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

Why would you winterize it if you have time to fish and the fish are still biting. If it weren't for deer season I'd be out this weekend.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Borch, I totally agree with you. The fish are biting and today was no exception. Fished the chain again and caught more cats than I really wanted to but ended up w/ a few nice keeper eyes that found their way to the dinner table tonight. Only saw 2 other boats on the water today so finding room to fish wasn't an issue at all.

I know for many of us the change of seasons (fishing-hunting-hard H2O) can be pivot-able. As far as rifle opener for myself....not happening, I get to work this weekend.

You're right, my work schedule is set up nicely to accommodate fishing time.

I still need to make it over to Koronis to try that lake again. I take it you haven't put your boat to sleep yet either ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Im not putting mine away till there is ice forming around the shorelines. I will be headin back out to the chain in about a half hour for hopefuly a good mix of crappies cats and walleyes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Didnt end up getting any crappies and only one catfish but found the walleyes. I serched out about a half dozen of my favorite late fall early ice spots before I came across good marks on the Lowrance. Best depth was 19-23ft. on a steep shoreline break with much deeper water close by jig and fathead was what worked for me, my brother was getting less fish on larger jigs and redtails but he was getting a few better size ones.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

Borch, I totally agree with you. The fish are biting and today was no exception. Fished the chain again and caught more cats than I really wanted to but ended up w/ a few nice keeper eyes that found their way to the dinner table tonight. Only saw 2 other boats on the water today so finding room to fish wasn't an issue at all.

I know for many of us the change of seasons (fishing-hunting-hard H2O) can be pivot-able. As far as rifle opener for myself....not happening, I get to work this weekend.

You're right, my work schedule is set up nicely to accommodate fishing time.

I still need to make it over to Koronis to try that lake again. I take it you haven't put your boat to sleep yet either ?

It's still ready to go based on how the hunting season goes. If it stays somewhat mild I'll likely be pulling cranks for November full moon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fished the Richmond Chain O Lakes this afternoon. Another quite out in regards to the # of boats on the water. I was one of 4 in the parking lot. 1 person was pulling out while I was putting in. He had some success on Horseshoe but had to do a lot of sorting.

I fished Cedar Island and found the same thing, caught some fish but many were in the 13"-ish class and will be good fish in 2 years.

Right after the sunlight disappeared so did the fish. Not sure if they moved shallower and I missed the move or what. By that time though I had this section of the lake to myself yet again. smirk

I'll keep the boat ready until @least after next weeks full moon w/ maybe 1,2 or 3 more soaks between. It's still good fishing folks, just have to dress like you are sitting in stand waiting for da deer.

Cheers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

hats, gloves, parkas, boots off to you and the other three guys. thanks for making me fell like a wussy grin sure is fun having the lake to yourself. enjoy!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fun but add any kind of wind and its down right cold thats for sure. I have taken a break from the chain till iceup. I have been finding some better size walters on Birch the last few times out. The numbers are not quite what the chain has been kicking out this fall but the size of the fish out there has made it worth while. Might make it out one more time in the boat this year then I will be fishing the river till there is enough ice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Riverfish.... I can't agree with you more.....down right cold @ times. Guess we can look @ it as "pre-season (ice) training".

I've tried fishing B Birch a few times this fall wit nothing to show but a couple of slimmers. It's a beautiful lake but very frustrating.

I'm going to head out fishing somewhere tomorrow, hopefully I'll be able to give a favorable report.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hit Horseshoe this early am fished from 6ish till around 8 when the wind got to be to much to handle. I didnt get but one small walleye in my two hours out but did see lots of activity on the graph. I had a tough time with boat controle today as the gusty cold wind made things intresting. I got the boat in the garage now warming up the lower unit so I can drain it for the year. Im done with open water and will wait a week or two for ice. Water temp was 35.5 so it wont be long now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Riverfish.... I fished Cedar Island yesterday from about 11-3 and dealt with the same issues. That wind was brutal for both control and warmth. It is to the point that I am wearing the Ice Armour I purchased @ the end of last season.

Like you I caught 2 small eyes that will be good eaters next season.

I'm holding off winterizing my boat until after Sunday's full moon. I'm just hoping that 1:the pressure system doesn't jack the bite up. 2; the Temps @least stay in the current area. 3; I'm not breaking through too much ice on the lake I'm strongly considering.

Water temps I saw on Cedar were about 34*, could be the discrepancy between fish finders.

While driving by Little Rock Lake today I noticed that it had a layer of ice covering (mostly) it.

Won't be long now if this weather pattern stays. Woo Hoo

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Was back on Horseshoe again today and found about the same conditions as yesterday. We sure didnt gain any ice in the last day but havent lost any either although the condition of the top layer took a slight beating today its still in decent shape. I have been working a steep shoreline break keying in on the 14-24ft depths. Ther is a deep water basin near by witch the walleyes have been holding in durring the mid day hours and feeding heavy on the break im fishing from around 4 till just after total darkness. Have had more luck on small fat heads on set lines or tip ups than I have gotten on the jigging spoons the last two days. If your headin out to the chain in the near future besure to check your path well with a sharp spud bar because the ice hasnt formed up real uniform this year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

RiverFish.... I need to get together with you @ some point. you seem to have an fairly decent understanding of the ice in this area. I've looked @ the map that someone posted of Horseshoe and the "Meth hole". but NOTHING can compare to local knowledge. So if you are ever looking for a fishing partner of the day..........

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

If we get what we're supposed to get tonight and tomorrow it will mess things up terribly. Getting 6-8 inches of snow on thin ice is a bad recipe.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You're so right Borch. If we do end up getting as much snow as they are forecasting, it might as well snow enough to sink this layer of ice and start from scratch. 2 days of above freezing temps w/ rain today has darkened the ice on the lake in front of my house, and about 1/3 of the lake is still open.

Of course this is all my fault, Wednesday I finally winterized and put the boat into storage.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Osok we should hook up at some point this ice season as I would love to trade a little info. Well Horseshoe didnt flood to darn bad from all the rain and snow we had. I was out for prime time this evening and there was some slush pockets and a bit of standing water but the ice is still in fair shape. We could use some good cold weather to firm things up a bit thats for sure.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I went out yesterday in search of some good ice- found varying thickness from around 1-2" upwards to 4"+. All of it had breakable crust layer w/ about 1/2" of water underneath. Definitely need to use extreme caution and lots of common sense, the 1-2" was literally right by a 4" section. So folks when you're out there and your "spider senses" kick in, take the time to figure out why.

All I caught yesterday was 2 dinky Perch, but it felt good to "ice" some fish, even if they went back to the hole.

I think with this weather and this area being spared the brunt of the storm we will see some increased activity this weekend.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Anybody been out recently? I've been focusing on Mille Lacs the past few weeks, so I haven't been out much in the area. But it's about time for the ice fishing to turn good, so I'm getting excited for some late ice fishin'. smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

welcome greg!

how deep were you fishing? would think if you were able to find some green weeds in the 7 to 10 ft range there should be some fish nearby.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out to Little Rock tonight....left lots in the lake for the next guy. Same old story out there, lots of little fish and none worth cleaning. Better than sitting inside all night, tho. smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fished Horseshoe Monday night, Caught quite a few Croppies, quite a few were fat in the belly and had to do some sorting but ended up keeping 4 10" + Croppies. The fat bellied ones I figured were spawners and let them swim. Still a lot of ice out there.

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.