SMELT

[REEFRAKER]

I went out jigging for lake trout Sunday, I saw large schools of bait fish down 40' in 170' of water. My guess is they will be running for sure in two wks.

[evntam]

Good report, except that you didn't mention if you caught anything or not. How'd it go?

[loadmaster]

cool report, why did you not keep the smelt posts going. It will be be like URL post so many things to to visit. Where were you jigging???? Was out Sunday off park point diddly squat. Let us know where you were at and how you did

[musky hunter]

I was also out this weekend, mainly to shakedown the boat. Went from Duluth entry out to about 21st ave. east and in front of Fitgers. Found occasional small schools towards Fitgers. Deepest water was 60', marked one large school suspended at 20' over 55' of water. Had a hit trolling through the big school. Fishing was prety slow. Water temp about 37.5 deg. The run is a good week away if we really do get sooome warm weather.

[Surface Tension]

Reefraker was off Two Harbor's. Got 1 and a few hits. The wind kicked in and had to get off.

[REEFRAKER]

I went out of Two Harbors and fished in front of the Stewart. Surface was right I got one about 4 lbs. Saw about 1/2 doz. boats and only a few fish caught. Report from guys that are jigging alot is that its been hit and miss, fishing in 170' to 200' of water. They,re picking up a few downrigging.

[Guest]

I fished for 9 hours Sunday, out in front of the Knife river, hardly saw any fish on locater. trolled back and forth between stoney point, caught didly squat. Tried anywhere from the surface to 60 feet.

[REEFRAKER]

tyee55- I tried jigging one hump that tops out at 64' I saw fish on the bottom but no bites. I don't know if they were trout or not

[jigglestick]

any fresh smelt details? i was hoping the warm weather, and warm rain would get things started. i'm afraid the weekend cool temps might hold them back.-----jigglestick-----

[jeff042479]

checked last night just after dark. Water temp was hovering around 40. This rain today might help warm it a little more. I have heard rumor that smelt spawn at 43 degrees... anybody know more biology than me? I would be interested to know. Punchline of the story... NO smelt yet.

[jigglestick]

thanks for the info.there is a fellow i can ask the technical questions. i'll let you know what i find out.keep on dippin'--------jigglestick---------

[jeff042479]

by the way... Idiots-son told me that they spawn at 39 degrees, apparently he was wrong, but it took putting the thermometer in his hand, letting him read it and then watching some guy dip unsuccessfully for him to realize it. Nice name for him, those of you who named him.

[This message has been edited by jeff042479 (edited 04-18-2002).]

[jigglestick]

he's a pretty good $#!t. he only got that name cause my kid didn't want to get stuck with it he's probably just going by what he once heard. they will run when they run. i have a post out to find out smelt details, although i could probably find out on the web.

[jigglestick]

refer to a post on upper red lake forum------LOWE, smelt facts please. he says smelt like 43--56 degrees, and other interseting tidbits -----jigglestick-----

[loadmaster]

Made three pulls at the tot lot and three pulls at the bridge, a total of ten all about 6 inches long this waS Wed night about 10:00. Has anybody heard of site that gives out the surface temps for the big lake and not the weather service bouys included. I heard the water temp on the point was only 37 deg

[Surface Tension]

Surface water temps on Lake Superior.........http://www.coastwatch.msu.edu/superior/s1.html

[Big-Al]

The gulls thing really brings back memories. I came to the shore most years in the 70's to smelt. I remember one time, at about 18 years of age, I was sitting beside a local elder who said he would tell me when it was time to dip. The river was full of folks and they were getting one or two once in a while. All at once he said "listen". Didn't hear them at first, but then I heard the gulls. In a couple of minutes he walked to the mouth of the river and dipped three or four times to fill up his 10 gallon cream can.

I'll always remember that.

[Northlander]

We are headed out Sunday night to check out the smelt situation, nothing to report so far but " Big Smelt". The kind to big to keep!
I will fill you all in on Mon. A.M. They should be starting out by then.

[jeff042479]

Interesting. I have heard the same thing about the gulls, I haven't been smelting for about 8 years so I don't remember from experience. It is my guess that by the end of the weekend there should be some smelt coming up with the peak of the run mid next week. Just a guess from an uneducated fisherman.

[Surface Tension]

Wallmart has them. You will have to make your poles. 2" x 6 1/2' pvc or popple work's good.
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Im going to make a prediction and say between April 25 and May 3 for siening on the point.

[This message has been edited by Surface Tension (edited 04-19-2002).]

[Guest]

Went out to the Lester last night - river water temp was 37. Which fell from a high of 40 Wednesday night. Met a few people trying their luck - unanimously nothing!!! We're heading back out tonight and will post again tomorrow.

[Guest]

evntam,

Just made mine last night. Had a 15 footer and attached it to two 5 footer poles.

Good fishing...

[loadmaster]

evntam, It depends on how serious you are for smelt. The Wal Mart Spec Wooork but I bought a Christen Net last year($60aaaaaaa0 but it Out preforemd the nets from Wal Mart, Gander MKnt, and any local outlet by 10 smelt to my 100 smelt They will only sell you a net that is legal and they are handmade on the site. You pay for what you get. I DO NOT RECOMMEND any net that is gray in color and is made if stiff nylon they do not work they roll over on themselfs when you get close to shore

[loadmaster]

Surface Tension, are those betting words or what?????? Those dates are broad can you bring them in closer . A cold Linny will taste good

[Surface Tension]

loadmaster broad! that's a lot closer then the DNR dare's to get.
Pick any night after 11:30 pm on those date's to sien. How's that. Hey I got the Linney's to back it up.
Im going to hit it next friday. Start around 11 pm. Whatta ya say, can you make it. Let's see if we can find some rebar with your fancy net.

[evntam]

dumb question: Where do you guys get sein nets for smelt?

[Guest]

Checked the Lester again last night - river water temp was still at 37. More people were out since it was a Friday. All in all, a couple dozen people with nothing...

[Northlander]

Its 10:30 pm and Im headed for Park Point, Ill let you all know how long I lasted. Its cold and windy but Ill check it out. Surface Tension your going to be real close with your predictions. Got to go find the long underwear, hope to see some of you guys out "dragging" sometime.

[loadmaster]

you are on. But Sat night would be much better got to work Sat daytime. Let me know where and how many you have going. If stays this cold, might have to rethink the ice-fishing gear.

[Northlander]

Lester River, Park Point, Arrowhead Pier all cold, windy and slow. Some people got a few but nothing special.
The mungs continue to keep the trout they net on the Lester though! Anyone from the D.N.R. reading this? How long can this blatent law breaking go on? Its not like they even hide the fact they are doing it!
Ok Im done venting. Good smelting.