One Last Time?

[Sarge]

Well, I couldn't resist getting out and enjoying the beautiful weather sunday, its like mother nature was calling out to me "one last time" come on "one last time".

So I headed out to the Root River trying to find the last smallie of the year. I went to the largest hole that I know and tried to slowly work some plastics along the bottom. I had no bites so I thought I'll run a rap through a couple times and leave. I did have one nice follow on the rap but it looked like a trout so I thought I better quit.

I didn't catch any fish, but that didn;t matter, bass is catch and release only anyways. But I sure did enjoy being out in the 45degree weather on sunday December 2nd.

The way it looks I'll be winter trout fishing before there is any ice to fish, maybe everyone will have to come down here to get thier fishing fix.

[Guest]

If the weather holds up like it has been for the past few days, winter trout fishing will be very productive. Midge activity could be very good come January into February.

Just think how much the unseasonable weather has helped those spawning fish this fall.

[Sarge]

What conditions make for an excellent spawn?

Whats most important? water temps, water levels, or something else?

Thanks

[Jim W]

Clear, cool and steady water levels. With warmer temps and minimal precipitation for all of November, it has kept the water temps and water levels at a more favorable temperature longer for spawning fish.

Plus, with warmer water, comes food! There is a better food supply for spawning fish as well, with more irregular hatches of those little aquatic critters, plus more minnows!!!
That's my take, and I am sure Hopper will enlighten us as well!

PS. Still up for some fishing this weekend Sarge?

[This message has been edited by Jim W (edited 12-07-2001).]

[Guest]

Jim,

You're right on. The trout start to get on the redds in October and by November the spawn is full fledged. I have a friend who runs the fly fishing area at Four Seasons in Red Wing tell me that he's been out recently on Hay Creek watching the browns on the redds - some in the 15 inch plus range and a hog significantly bigger than that.

The better the weater, the better it is for spawning for trout. I'm sure they have had a tremendous food supply floating through in the last few weeks. Midges are a year round food source, but they are very obvious in the winter months since they are about the only insect that is hatching on area streams.