Sauger & Eyes on the Root

[Snogan]

Just wondering if anyone else that fishes the Root (especially below Lanesboro) has ever patterned or had any luck targeting sauger/eyes. This is my first year trying for them after hearing whispers for years and I've been surprised with my results. So far I've caught 5 sauger and 4 eyes out of the Root this year, a 17 inch Sauger and a 22 inch eye being my biggest so far. I know the river is a lot better known for trout but if anybody else has had any luck targeting other species I'd love to share reports or tactics. 

[gim]

I have a former co worker who fishes it for brown trout and smallmouth bass.  He exclusively fly fishes.  Never seems to catch any trout of reasonable size though.

[Wanderer]

I fished it a fair amount from Lanesboro to Petersen but also just for trout, catching occasional smallies.  There are some deeper holes that I’m sure hold them; it’s a pretty decent sized river.  I’ve never seen any in the flats when canoeing though like I sometimes see in smaller rivers.

 

It surely doesn’t surprise me they’re in there.  I’d probably drown a crawler or use a jig and minnow along with tossing a Rapala around.  Time of day might be your most significant pattern there?

[delcecchi]

I think the lower part of the Root gets too warm for trout at least part of the year.   Not sure where the transition takes place.   I would figure the eyes and smallies would hang out in the lower part and trout in the upper colder part.    

[hookedupfishing]

I’ve caught two near the Chatfield area on the root this year. Was trout fishing and didn’t know they were in there so was surprised to say the least. Both were pretty small 12-14 inches

[Snogan]

On 10/7/2020 at 10:38 PM, hookedupfishing said:

I’ve caught two near the Chatfield area on the root this year. Was trout fishing and didn’t know they were in there so was surprised to say the least. Both were pretty small 12-14 inches

May I ask what you were using when you caught them? I've only had luck catching them on crankbaits.

[hookedupfishing]

Just a worm and some split shots. Like I said I was fishing for trout so it was a surprise to see them

[DonBo]

Buddy and I were fishing just below Whalan last summer and he caught two keeper sized walleye on a Rappala.  We were pretty surprised.