Wing Dam how-to

[CrappieJohn]

Wing dams are very common on this stretch of the river and are some of the best fishing at this time of year. Walleyes, sauger, the basses, northerns....they all relate to wing dams. Many people do not know how to approach these structures other than to avoid them because of thier notoriety for doing damage to outboards and lower units. Again, this is wing dam central. Any one care to share some of the secrets regarding safe, successful fishing around these animals? Personally I lose an awful lot of tackle around them, so I'm hoping some ideas come back on how to cut my tackle loses.

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Sure life happens- why wait....The Crapster....good fishing guys!
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[Iron Man]

Well, first off let's start with how to approach a wing dam. Granted, there are many techniques for fishing wing dams but two of my favorites are anchoring and trolling.

Trolling cranks along wing dams works well for ol' marble eyes, especially right after they move out of the backwater sloughs into the main channels in the spring. Though it can be an expensive way to fish, it's also very effective. I look for a Shad Rap that's going to dig into the bottom with it's lip, and troll long-ways along either side of the wing dam.

Anchoring is another effective method, and can be used in most river conditions. First off, you're gonna need a heavy anchor and lots of rope. Start by heading 40-50 yards upriver from the wing dam you want to fish amd face the front of the boat into the current then drop the anchor. From here there are several approaches you can take. I would start a good distance in front of the dam because generally the active fish are on or in front of the wing dams. Move progressively closer to the dam until you find the fish. If you use live bait, who knows what you might catch! Isn't that the beauty of the Mighty Miss?

Fish On!

Iron Man

[This message has been edited by Iron Man (edited 08-08-2003).]

[Bodyman]

I think wingdam fishing is at it's best this time of year. The river level is low and the current flow is under 20,000. Low and slow is perfect for wingdam fishing for just about any specie.
While casting or trolling them with cranks will produce fish. I don't like the cost factor when you combine rocks and cranks. Alot of the fishing is right in front of the dam in and on the rocks. I prefer achoring close to the dam, within 30ft and using live bait rigs. Mostly leeches and willow cats and some crawlers.
Simple slip sinker set up 1/4 ounce or less depending on current flow. Just enough weight to get the bait down. Cast it up river and let the current take the bait to the dam. You want it to move with the flow but slow enough to feel the bottom. Cover that casting area good and if no fish move along the face of the dam until you find them.
I usually fish walleyes this way with alot of success, but you'll catch more than just eyes. I like to combine the bait fishing with casting the top of the dam(if deep enough) with shallow cranks. Cranks seem to produce larger fish. The live bait can make for some fast action even on these hot summer days.
There are alot of dams on the river, not all will produce fish. If your not having luck move to another one. Be sure you hit the end of the dam where it drops into the channel. If your going to get a big one it will be there most of the time.Good luck.

Fishing is Life.

[Bodyman]

I fished 3 wingdams on pool 8 Sunday afternoon. Casting cranks took 7 nice bass, including one 20" smallie. Walleyes were hard to find, only 2 15"er's on leeches.But the day was made by the bluegill bite. Nice slabs were holding tight to the rock all along the dams. Got a couple on tubes, but they really went after leaf worms. Small hook and a splitshot, no bobber. Casting on top or in front of the dam it was constant action.
If your fishing the wingdams don't forget the bluegills.

Fishing is Life.

[CrappieJohn]

Thanks for the reminder...With the low flow rates we are having now, those sunnies will be found up on the rock and in the slack water ahead of these structures. And on more than one occassion this year the sunfish have been the saving grace . Darned good on the table as well as the line.

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Sure life happens- why wait....The Crapster....good fishing guys!
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