So what about Pelland?

[Guest]

We've fished Birchdale in years past. We know its hot. Noting that a 17 1/2' Crestliner with a 115 hp might be a challenge to get over shore ice, can anyone describe how the fishing experience differs at Pelland? (ie: numbers, size, is the water deep enough noting the river is down 4 feet, do the big females get up that far this early, etc...?)

[Guest]

I say you go for it at Birchdale--Just make sure I'm there to see it. What's the worst that could happen? Pelland presents different challenges--The ramp is steep and can be slick. We've had success there later in the season, when the water level is high and the forks have let loose. Not sure what it would be like under these conditions?

It's pretty much gotten to the point where I can wait any longer. We're coming up and will find a way to get on the water. If you're out there Mr. backhoe operator, please clear the way...it's for the children.

[Guest]

From Matt C on the "Rainy Open?" thread...

we were launched out of pelland with 14 and 16 foot alumacrafts on the 28,29,and 30. We had to drag over shore ice- only bout 10 feet of it though. By the 30th the river had dropped by bout three feet so gettin them back up through the mud was fun. It was worth it though, the four of us caught 105 walleyes, mostly on the 29th. 13-18 inchers common. A lot of big boats drove down from the falls to bout a mile west of pelland to a 25 foot hole. Jig and minnow worked for us. Wind is cold! Had a blast though- commin back up from Elk River on the 13th and 14th- hopefully they'll be runnin!

[Guest]

The crestliner's going in. If mere mortals can get a 16 1/2 footer in, I have the utmost confidence that we can the Superhawk in. FYI, I think it's just straight 17', not & 1/2. The intereior appointments add a pile of weight vs what the web featured boat appeared to be, but I have no fear. "There is no try. You either do, or do not."
The question is, can little Johnny Eyewhacker get his boat in the water? Will the motor start, coming off the long winter storage? (We smoked up the garage with the 115 last night thanks to a garbage can full of water)These things and more in the next episode of "We Be Fishin'"

[Beckman]

I sure hope you guys with the big boats know what you're doing. Yes it can be done easily enough, but I'm sure it'll take extra time for some people, I predict long lines this weekend if all these big boats are coming up. I'm hoping for Frontier to be open soon for those of us bringing smaller boats.

[Guest]

Sorry if my topic has raised the ire of those who don't want to wait in line at Birchdale. That was not my intention. I was just trying to get some Pelland information. I apologize for wasting White Tips' time reading my post and would like to assure him that having a medium to large size boat does not make somebody slow or pretentious. Fishing is for everybody & we should all be happy to share in the thrill of this outstanding spring opportunity. If we give Birchdale a go, I promise to let both Beckman and White Tips cut in front of us in line. Peace!

[Guest]

White-Tips: A 17' Crestliner is a tournament boat? I suppose in a way I should be flattered, but mostly it makes me laugh. I guess not everybody has the luxury of having two boats.

As far as your little idea for horsepower restrictions, let me sarcastically say that would be a great idea. Let's see how many interested anglers we can disenfranchise while there are motions on the table to eliminate the spring session altogether. Great idea. Fishing needs more forward thinkers like you.

Beckman: I agree that people who don't know what they are doing will cause lines at ramps. Hopefully the DNR will get the ramp cleaned up, so things will be smoother. I pride myself at being very ramp-etiquette savvy, but I will admit I have never put in over ice, hopefully it will go smoothly.

[Capt'nJosh]

Dominator, I'll be right behind you with the same rig. I figure if they can do it with the 16 footers the 1750 should go (possibly with a little more grunting and swearin). I honestly wish that I had a smaller boat for this particular trip every year, but since I don't I may take a little more time at the ramp than you fellas with the smaller boats. Just remember that we are all out there for same purpose, we all love fishing and the outdoors. So relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while waiting in line, after all your not at work... We are leavin after work tomorrow and will be there until Monday. Stop and say hi if you see four fellas in a tan Dodge Quad cab with a tan/green 1750 fishhawk behind.

Good Fishin!
Capt'nJosh

[MJCatfish]

Likewise with my green and cream 1750 Pro Am behind a silver-gray F-150. I will be more than happy to help people if needed to help speed up the process. I agree, we are all trying to break the crust off of winter by coming up and enjoying God's country for a few days.

I think what might help is a winch on the front of four wheeler to help pull the boat out, as it always seems tougher to get the boat out than in.

MJ

[Beckman]

I didn't mean to offend those that plan on landing larger boats over the shore ice, hopefully it will all go smoothly, and nobody will wreck their equipment. The great thing about it is that there are always enough guys there that are willing to lend a hand if you need it. Actually if the shore ice gets cleared, the guys in the big boats can land 'em twice as fast as the small boats. Either way people will have to wait in line, regardless of the size of the boats.

[Sandee]

Dominator - Fishing out of Pelland is not LOW fishery. As far as I know those walleyes don't go past the Manitou rapids. I have heard good reports from the area near I-Falls. You could call the I-Falls DNR and ask about their fishery. I don't know if they have the spawning area near the falls or Pelland area.

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