Icefishing the river?

[sunnyj]

I know its early to be talking ice when the river looks more like its april. But I'm thinking of giving it a try this winter. I've icefished Maple, Union, LOW and UR but have never tried right here at home. Where would be a good spot to try, Holes on bends or by the dam? I'v seen people down by the dam but is that safe? Will my elctronics work as well with a moving current and any differnt jigs to use? Any advice, as always is apricated.

[Wiskers]

WEll that is a great question. And a smart Question.

First off fishing any river is always in need of due caution. That current can make very thin spots unless you know where you are going. The dam area is a good spot to fish if you get to the slack water areas, the ice will be much thicker there and the current is much less allowing you to use jigs.

The electronics will work just great in the river, it clears up a great deal in the winter. As for down river, look for slack water also. Inside bends that drop off or holes but you have to work the current again. Best I can tell ya is to study the river before it freezes in the areas you are interested in fishing in the winter. There is nothing saying you cant just ask some one who fishes the river in the winter, most fellas will help you out.

Just make sure you always go with some one the first few times and go slow, check the ice often and watch for water levels going up or down to make sure your ice is still safe.

Good fishing...................

[Scoot]

Sunny,

If you really want to up the learning curve for ice fishing the river, hire Wiskers for a day. He'll teach you more in one day than you can learn on your own in a couple months.

[Wiskers]

The biggest thing in fishing rivers in the winter is to get out on them in the summer and make mental notes or maps.. Plus you can get in some fishing.. this late in the year the fishing is tough but the wild life is quite abundant.

[Wiskers]

Well I went out tonight on the RLR.. brrrrrrrrrrrr.....

Water still moving pretty darn good.. getting colder.. 37* Fished with frogs for about an hour.. not a bite..

Might have to put away the PR and dig out the ice house... .?? Some ice on the water in the landing .... Not a good sign for the RP.. LOL...

[jgeatz]

If you are waiting for ice, don't wait, the eyes are going now, all you need is a minnow and a green jig, that's if you are fishing in T.R.F. Just got done hunting for those deer so I'm about to start to try the river. If like last couple of years all you have to do is show up. If you like walleyes, now is the time to fish. If you think you are good try the lakes, like union or maple, you should get them. The river will produce more fish for the buck, there is no doubt about that. Unless you fish the lakes big time, like me, but they are still tough to come buy.