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Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | I see there are a decent amount of guys from the Eau Claire area. I have a question for you guys, how is the musky fishing in Dell's pond and the Chippewa River going through downtown? I have some relatives up there and was wondering if those two places are worth bothering with if I am up there. As I recall, the river in the downtown area might be too shallow for boats, but I remember seeing a musky or two hanging by some bridge pilings when I was up there years ago.. Thanks.. |
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Posts: 158
Location: Eagan, MN | I spent four years ignoring my studies at UWEC and chasing Chippewa River muskies instead. The Riv is awesome!!!
I always experienced my best fishing during high water or rising water. Watch for times when there is alot of water flowing out of the dam. This will push the muskies up into predictable locations -- generally any noticeably slack water, but depth and size are definite pluses. Drive across the Water St. bridge, if the bar on the downstream side is mostly submerged it's time to hit the Riv. It seems like the flows were always highest on Mondays.
You are correct in that you need to navigate VERY carefully. Since I was a young whipper snapper at the time all I could afford was a 14' Alumacraft tin tub and ancient 20 horse Merc. With the motor trimmed way up I could pretty much go anywhere except right up below the dam. This is no place for fiberglass. A jon boat, small mod-V or something of that sort is what you need. The high water that keys good fishing helps in this regard.
Now I mostly stayed downstream from the dam, starting in the downtown area and continuing maybe 8 miles downstream. I didn't dare go much further in my rickety set up. However I did spend time on Dells Pond when the water level below the dam wasn't to my liking. I didn't fare as well there. Alot of it is shallow featureless bars with steady current. There is some good fishing just above the dam and in that little 'hook' area where the river swings toward the east momentarily. It just doesn't have the magic of the lower part.
I'm not saying it would be worth a special trip from Illinois, but if you are passing through and have a boat that can get you there, by all means give it a try. If you decide to make the trip I can email you some specific spots to get you started. In fact I have some spots for you even if all you can bring is a rod and a couple baits, and want to try what I would suggest is the best shore fishing for muskies that you will ever find. About a half dozen spots within a few minutes drive of each other that are just golden. Let me know if you are interested and I'll send you some info. |
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Posts: 1335
Location: Chicago, Beverly | I'm not sure if I will get up there this year or not but, sure, feel free to drop me a e-mail with some more info. I have actually had great luck on the river for smallies. But at the time I was there fishing I basically knew nothing about Musky. I lived up there in '88-'89.. When the river was down was when I had all my luck for smallies. Actually lived on 1st av right across from where the Eau Claire comes into the Chip. Went to UWEC? Ever have a professor named James Egan? I think he taught economics... |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Kevin,
Phil gave you good info. Down from the damn is best fished from shore or when water is lower you can use a jon-boat or other small rig, navigate carefully. I have several props chewed up from down there.
Dells has its moments....not a numbers system by any stretch of the imagination but from time to time it'll put out a big girl.
You get this way give a call, would love the opportunity to take you out. |
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| this all makes me want to cry.
i spent 4 years walking over the footbridge going to class at UWEC, and never once wet a line in the mighty Chip. i know the exact bar on the downside of the Water St. bridge, but never thought about it beyond "hmmm, water level's up." of course, this was in my pre-Fever days! when i think back on all the time i wasted tipping back a Leinie's or studying for school, that i could have "wasted" on some local musky action...ouch. |
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Posts: 41
| Dells pond is underrated. I lived in EC for a year and lived on the river above the damn. Spent many days on Dells. Mark was right it's not a numbers water. On some days it can be. Had a few multiple fish days. What keeps you fishing it, is the pigs that you occationally see. The water is best fished during the week. It gets tremendous rec. traffic on the weekends. The best part about it was it was close and easy to fish after work. Wissota was great too and actually more worth spending the time on. |
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