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| Dumb questions??? We'll see.
I have been musky fishing seriously for close to 8 years. The huge majority of my time has been spent on lakes with clear or algaed water. I have had what I consider OK success. I don't catch a lot of fish but seem to see "tons" (I guess I must be doing something right). I have spent time on Monona and Waubesa, St Germain area lakes and Silver Lake in Portage.
Finally this year I was able to get my own boat and have been able to do some exploring around to some new areas. I have fished the Wisconsin River at Lake Wisconsin and Lake DuBay and also High Falls and Caldron Falls.
First, is there anything that I need to do different, or different areas I need to look for when fishing rivers? Does the current make the fish do different things or frequent different areas?
Second, when fishing what I would call stained water do I have to change tactics at all? I know there is and excellent article in MH by Roger this month but when reading his article he talks about not being able to see your bait on the figure 8. The water I fish that is stained is very clear but copper colored. You can see several feet down in this water.
Any suggestions would be helpful.
Good Luck and Be Safe.
Scott
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| I love impoundments, and rivers, too. Fish the slop, pay VERY close attention to current breaks, and use spinnerbaits alot. Bright is best on the Wisconsin. Get alittle further North, and I can help more.[8)] |
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| Treat the current breaks as if they were structure edges, for example the line between an eddy and the main current, or the disrruption of the current by a rock or downed timber. |
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| Here is what I know about current and river fishing...I have had my best days fishing when the wind is blowing in the direction of the regular current flow.I call this natural current.When the wind is blowing hard opposite the natural current,the fishing gets harder.A light wind is ok,fish seem to be somewhat active,but a stong wind forcing the water up stream the fish are usually in a negative mood.
I look for current beaks,logs,stumps,big rocks and don't over look a neck down area,even if the current is strong.Areas below a set of rapids can be a good spot especially if there is an eddie next to it.Of course holes will hold fish.My lure selection on rivers is the same for lakes.I like bucktails,topwaters,jerk baits,twitch baits.Whatever you have confidense in will work on the river.I hope I have helped and Good Luck,Paul |
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| In any river check the wood,slop,current breaks as fore-mentioned but don`t forget those deep dish-pan holes!The back/downstream sides are key staging/holding areas for big fish with teeth.This pattern has produced several nice fish for me already this year!These fish seem to run pretty high in this type situation and alot of these areas are by-passed by most fisherman,it does take confidence though!Your standard baits will work here to!Try it,you`ll like it! Jeff [:devil:] |
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| Along with the breakpoints,structure,holes,points etc. that were mentioned look for areas on structure or dropoff's near where other creeks enter the main stream.These smaller creeks are sometimes spring fed and are colder,this draws baitfish like a magnet and feeding Muskies will be there as well.Muskies like those spots where they can move from the protection of the deeper water to an area of semi deep water behind shallower structure with current flow over it and get there by not exposing there self by traveling over the shallows.Find one of those spots that holds baitfish on a regular basis and you have found yourself a clasic food shelf that will produce time and time again.
Capt. Larry |
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| To keep it simple look for any minor change in the current flow. Log jams, brush piles, docks, creeks inlets etc. all will hold fish in ambush areas.
Colors in dark river waters in Wisconsin that work best for me are: Org/blk, Gold/blk, Copper,blk and chart/chart at times works well too.
Topwater is one of my favorite methods on dark stained waters. Good luck and stick a slob!.
Jason Smith [:bigsmile:] |
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