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.

Pine Island report 3/18-3/19


Recommended Posts

Started out with a half day on Thursday in 28' of water. It was a tough bite. The fish were totally finicky. We were in a house that had produced 25 fish the day before. Started at 1130am and finally moved to 22' at 330p. This depth didn't produce anything so moved to 17' at 400pm and managed several eyes (13-15") for the day.<BR>Friday: Caught several nice sauger out deep, one at 17" with most going around 14-14". Went back shallow 17' again at 400pm and the fish were very aggressive. Managed to ice a 17", 18" and a nice 19" with the rest running at the 14" length.<P>By downsizing to Glow Green Crappie jigs and the smallest minnows we could find we were able to fill out over two days. Large jigs did not produce for us, and it seemed as though it actually spooked the fish. Many would chase, but shy away once they got a good look. We went throught every type and color of jig in the box trying to figure something out. It was definitley one of the toughest bites we had come across this year in four trips.<P>Had a chance to run into CharterBoss at Riverbend on Friday night and listen to some of his War Stories. It was a great social hour (actually 3 hours). We discussed lots of aspects of LOW and I learned a lot from a guy who has spent a conisiderable amount of time on the water there since 1991. Many opinions and theories were discussed however due to the late hour and the extent of the cold ones we tabled any further discusssion until we get back up next week. CharterBoss, thanks for an enjoyable night.<P>Once again the guys at Riverbend did a super job, Kent and Richard always great to see you guys. They are busy moving houses and trying to stay away from the slush holes that starting to present some problems. The weather last night got pretty cool so things were able to firm up again. They are forecasting that for a couple of more days which will be welcome as the meltdown was in full swing on Friday. Hope those who were out had a good time and found some fish. Good luck and hang on. Bill

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great post Bill! Still envious that you'll have back to back trips!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

NewYankee: Sure hoping the weather holds for just a few more days though. As you know lots of snow on the lake and a big meltdown will turn it into lots and lots of water on top.<P>Too bad you can't make one more run too. Even though the bite was tough it is still worth the drive to this great fishery and we had a great fish fry on Friday night at Riverbend. Take care, talk again soon. Bill

Link to comment
Share on other sites

bturck - Sounds like you had pretty good fishing late afternoon, we had a so so morning bite on Friday and a terrible afternoon, I caught two fish jigging and the rest were on set lines with Blue Demons and Green, Orange & Red glow jigs 2" off the bottom. We were in 24' of water and did not have an option of moving because of the placement of houses at Border View. Saturday morning was pretty good but the bite died around noon and we packed up and headed for home. The kid did great fishing and of course he out fished the old man, he did manage to get a little wet playing outside on Friday afternoon and lost a boot for a little bit but we managed. I wanted to get over and meet you on Friday but the kid was bushed by 7:00, thanks again for the post on the accomodations and I look forward to your future posts and reply's.<P>lakertaker

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Glad to hear that you had fun and the little fisherman showed ya' how its done. I understand being bushed, makes for a long day no doubt about that. Good to hear that you got into some fish though. Happy to hear the accomadations worked out. We will hook up eventually. Making my last trip this Thursday. I would like to make it back up end of May or 1st of June also. Take care. Bill

Link to comment
Share on other sites

BT - do you do the soft water thing also? Bought an older 18' Lund the other week end (after looking at the prices of new ones :eek smile.gif and hope to learn the ways of the North walleye fishing soon; this site really helps. <P>Working in ND this week - our computer system will still allow me to access this page - but 'ya never know when big brother may change that grin.gif<P>Good luck later on - hope the ice holds for you.<p>[This message has been edited by New Yankee (edited 03-22-2004).]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • 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.