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Ice fishing in Fargo on the Red?


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I posted this question on Fishingbuddy.com and got no response-
Does anyone do any icefishing on the Red in Fargo? Are there places that are traditionally safe or is it wise to stay off until soft-water fishing starts?

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Hay Scoot!

Get your Red Info, get your Red River information here!

smile.gif

OK, yup there are ton's of overlooked area's in the Fargo area to ice fish the Red.

Fist off be SAFE! River ice is ALWAY'S DANGEROUS!

Scouting for a good spot is looking again at backwaters created by large snag piles on or ahead of major wintering holes. Major wintering holes are usually the deeper pool's in the first 3 miles below a dam on the Red. Stay clear of the Dam's man, that's just asking for it! The dam's will be too shallow and fast for walleye in winter.

The high side of a inside bend is a good place to look. Walleye will set up at the base of the break into the channel. Pop a lot of holes if need be to locate the groove, then set up at it's head. If this type of structure is associated with a snag, BINGO, your in a hot area!

Don't be fooled into thinking a smalle bait is best, not so. Use large suckers and heavy jig's. Beat the mud, make a fuss, get there attention.

A good aggressive style jig to us is a SONAR or similar blade bait. These jigs are best tipped with a minnow head on the rear treble hook.

Larger bait's such as suckers work best on meaty leaded jig's rigged with a stinger hook. Jig's in the 1/2-3/4 oz. range are common even in off current areas.

Remember current and structure are like fences to a cold water walleye they will fallow them in and out of holding area's.

A specific area you may wish to look for is the break behind the VA Hospital in Fargo. There is a huge pile of rip-rap in the center of the channel with a large backwater on the down river side just behind it. This area is 4-11' deep.

BE VERY CAREFULL OK!!!!!!!

Test the area well before you venture out on the ice. Remember ice in the center of a river and in necked down areas is thin!

Hope this is of help, good fishing, C/R the piggy's bud!
------------------
Backwater Eddy...><,,>

Backwater Guiding Service
"ED ON THE RED"


[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 12-22-2000).]

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BWE,

You are the man! Thanks for the info. I always appreciate your input and I think you are one of only a relatively small percentage of fisherman who actually isn't totally full of crap (like all fisherman, I'm sure you'll admit that you are at least a little bit full of it...)
I really appreciate the details.
One more question- I know what you're talking about when you say be careful, river ice is nasty stuff. I was told that because of the VERY high water and strong current at freeze up that this would be a great year to stay off the Red all winter. I don't care how big the piggy, I'm not risking my neck! Am I being stupid even considering going on the Red?
Also, if I do decide to try the ice in town (basically if you think it's safe) I'll be sure to carry spikes, a life jacket, a long rope, and to have a buddy along so you can forgo the safety precautions.
Thanks again for just a smidge of you infinite wisdom (I'm making myself sick with my pathetic shmoozing!)
Scoot

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I may not be "FULL OF IT", but it's there in measure.

The areas I stressed on rivers are OFF CURRENT AREAS and are more likely to be safer then mid current area's.

SAFTY FIRST and LAST!

Behind large snag piles and oxbow's will be the best area's to concentrate on as reduced current will hold the fish.

High current areas are HIGH DANGER AREAS!

The safety procedures you named are good an you will learn fast after drilling a few holes what looks safe. Test don't assume anything man.

I don't have that many fan's so stay healthy!

Go for it, Be Safe, Good fishing!

Thank's
BE.......><,,>

------------------
Backwater Eddy...><,,>

Backwater Guiding Service
"ED ON THE RED"
1-701-671-3079

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BWE,

I appologize for hitting you with a barrage of questions, but I tried to get on the river somewhere behind the VA- a place that held a snagpile- major strike out. Unless I go through somebody's backyard I can't get down there. I checked at the VA, north and south of it, and on the Moorhead side. Is there somewhere that I'm missing that would be a decent place to park a vehicle and walk down to the river?
Thanks again,
Scoot

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It will be a walk no mater what I am afraid.

The area is straight East of the North side of the VA Hospital complex about 100 to 150 yards +/-.

The ND side is the closest that I know of to get there?

If that area is closed then look for another large snag on a run into a bend.

Just be carefull man!!

OK?

BE...><,,>

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Scoot-
I know what you mean by locating a place to park at this location. Forget about getting out there on the Moorhead side. It is tough and you may have to walk aways. I fish this hole in my boat and I know exactly where it is. I have seen people watch me fish from what looked like a road behind the hospital, but I'm not sure. This spot seems like it may be dangerous with all the current here. However, I am not one to speak since I have never ice fished on a river. I am kind of curious to see if the fishing would be any good.
There may be a good area closer to the Moorhead boat launch site....south a bit on the trails. Give this a shot. There is a real deep hole there, but I would bet that it is open water. Too fast of current.

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