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Posts: 3240
Location: Racine, Wi | It seems as if there is little or no talk about fishing flowages. I know that there are some that do (the Schweiks, Meyers, Justin, and others) but I don't think that many people spend their time on Wisconsin flowages (outside of the Chip) chasing ski's. Are we missing out on some big fish by not targeting these areas?
Why don't we hear of more people saying, head to the TFF when we tell them lakes to fish? I think that with all the water there, there are definitely some giant opportunities out there. It's different fishing since there typically aren't as many weeds for people to target and alot seems to be fishing other structures.
What are your thoughts on fishing flowages? Why do you target them, why don't you target them?
I know I spend a little time each year fishing flowages, but not nearly enough time to learn them well. With all the water out there there's sure to be some giant fish that don't see any baits throughout the year.
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Posts: 2089
| The Wisconsin River and it's associated bodies of water hold some of the biggest fish found anywhere. I have no doubt there is more than 1 WR swimming in those waters. Although it's been a few years, these flowages were my happy place for a long time. One of the best shots around for a pig. My fishing changed dramatically when I focused more on the river channel and it's associated structures(fingers,cuts,bars). Not only more fish, but bigger fish. I used many of the same baits but fished some differently. Bumping deep wood with a weight added spinnerbait and running heavily weighted Suicks and Bobbies were some of my favorites.These flowages/reservoirs have plenty of "manmade" structure as well that always held fish. Railroad berms to fish cribs. I'm sure there are some anglers cashing in on this bonanza , but not many. The newest "last frontier"? I don't know, but it sure would be a lot of fun finding out! Steve
Edited by Steve Jonesi 1/9/2008 7:53 AM
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| Sure there are big fish in flowages, but it is some of the hardest fishing out there. Hidden stumps, rocks, constantly changing water depths, floating dead heads and no map or GPS in the world can help you with these things.
I've tried to exploit these fish, but the risk just isn't worth it to me. Lost lures, wrecked props and lower units. We hit a rock or piling once that destroyed a prop and knocked the tiller out of my buddies hand and cracked on of his ribs! To this day I can not find what we hit! VERY DANGEROUS.
Also, I'm just not sold on the fact that the fishing is that much better than any of the other lakes. |
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Posts: 2091
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Definately some biggies in the flowages around here, though as mentioned before they can be tough nut to crack due to lower densities, lot's of water to cover, and navigation hazards. I spend a majority of my time on river/flowages here in the Point area and the fishing has really improved over the past 5 years even. It's not uncommon to have 3-4 fish days during certain times of the year when the fish are quite predictable in their location and the forage they are after. When the skinny water bite it hot it is really hot as I'm sure Point could attest to. The toughest time of year for me on these waters is the really hot, low water level times. I'm starting to get into trolling more during these times and am really going to give it a good shot this year to boat some fish from the deeper channels during these times. |
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Posts: 367
Location: Chicago | Joel,
Not as many weeds? Holy crap! When is the last time you were on the TFF? That body holds some giants. If only the muskies would make their primary forage pike between 12 and 24 inches........ |
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Posts: 3240
Location: Racine, Wi | That's what I'm talking about. I think it is the fact that they are tough to crack. Lots of water and lots of places for fish to hide.
I've never actually fished the TFF, so I'm not sure what they have for weeds out there, but just generalizing I guess.
I would think if you break it down and take it slow (boat and self preservation) you could learn alot out there and score some good fish. Is it just too time consuming for people to give it a shot? I might have to go stump jumping this year to try to learn some flowage stuff.
PP, I did the same thing when I was up there, even up on DuBay and Lake Wausau. great shore fishing. That's what got me to thinking about this again.
Sled, sorry if I disturbed the peace.  |
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Posts: 617
Location: Clintonville, WI | Flowages aren't worth the time. I don't know where Jonesi is coming from on this issue?!
You're better off leaving them to guys like Muskymeyer, PP102, Medic and ME who have nothing better to do.
Nice post, Joel...........way to go  
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Posts: 355
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin | There is no question, intimdation plays a large role in the lack of angling pressure on the Wisconsin River flowages. There are good reasons. It took me several skegs, props, transoms, trolling motors and hulls to learn this water. Just when you think you know everything, a stump, a rock, whatever, decides to find a new home. Without a doubt, the combination of little pressure, huge acreage, massive forage bases, endless structure and a pure genetic strain contribute to the capability of 50, maybe 60 pound fish. The productive areas change constantly, water levels change constantly, it's intense at times. But to me, there is nothing more enjoyable than covering miles and miles of water with all of this structure. It never gets old. I could image fishing the same 500 acre lake everyday would get boring, never the case on the river. There is no doubt flowages are special places with awesome capabilites. There is no place I'd rather fish, more or bigger regardless and our clients are never bored. They like to watch me break stuff.
Edited by 8inchcrank 1/9/2008 10:42 AM
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Posts: 3240
Location: Racine, Wi | So if one was to target a flowage for the first time, what are some things (you don't have to tell all the secrets) that people should look for. I would imagine like Jonesi and Medic have mentioned, river channels, bends in the river channels, areas that have submerged timber with these other elements.
What's the best way to learn them safely? Just looking for ideas. There are definintely a few rivers that I fish and love doing that. Just have spent limited time on a few flowages. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | I'm no flowage expert at all...been meaning to devote more time on the TFF (Turtle-Flambeau Flowage yes) for years but just seem to have limited time up north and usually end up hitting the lakes I feel I know I can score some fish on for the few days I'm there at a time...
that being said, I keep telling myself to get out there more, If I was smart which I'm not I would have gone out there this fall as the water level was super low in early Oct and there were many rock bars, etc etc that were exposed that I should have marked as they will most likely be under water next year...What I would do Joel is take large flowages and learn them in small sections, for the TFF for example I concentrate on the area closest to Fishermans landing and the not venture farther than the baraboo basin...what I would do in learning a new one is concentrate on the river channel and closest adjacent good structure, weeds, stump fields etc...some big fish in them no doubt and less pressure but I'm not convinced they are any better than some of the lakes we like to fish either...it boils down to a time thing for most of us unless we live near them to spend more time on them...don't worry about Sled getting his tighty whities in a bundle,he doesn't fish much anway!
Edited by MSKY HNR 1/9/2008 11:40 AM
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Posts: 52
| I suppose I could just PM someone and not look like an idiot to all...... But what is the TFF. |
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Posts: 550
Location: So. Illinois | The Turtle Flambeau Flowage!!? |
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Posts: 52
| gracias. |
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Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | Joel, what is this shore fishing you speak of? I've never heard of such a crazy idea! Certainly it couldnt work!
In all seriousness, the major thing that I like to look for are currnet breaks next to the nastiest current I can find. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | very dangerous ... |
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Posts: 355
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin | Not to be shameless, but there is no better way of saving your boat then getting with an in-the-know friend or guide. Current no doubt, is the leading contributor to musky location. The stronger the current, the higher the density of forage and thus muskies. The closer a large amount of deep water is to these areas, the more likely you are to consistently find muskies. This doesn't mean to overlook other areas as I've been pleasantly suprised with areas I didn't think were good. Defined current breaks like eddies, large rocks and fallen timber commonly offer the most consistent spots. Seasonal locations are present, but many areas hold fish year round. In addition, lure choices don't change much throughout the year. I throw big baits from day one and also catch muskies on jig and minnows in October...strange. Another thing that is nice is that big fish are likely to hang out in the same area. John Sparbel's 48" tiger was in the same place it was three years earlier when it was 44". I've since caught the same tiger which is now in the mid 40's three times in the same spot. The location where I caught my freak has since produced several 45" - 50" fish while the location where Phil and I caught back to back 49s on his wedding day has not since produced a big fish for us. Ultimately, all spots that look good hold fish at one time or another, it's just hitting the spots on the spots that you learn with time and covering as many as possible. |
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| Really, Really, Really dangerous.
Also, I just don't think the fishing is that good. |
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| Remember boys, the World Record came from a flowage! |
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| to me, we are talking about 2 different kinds of flowages here..Justin is talking more about a river flowage that is simply a dammed up portion of a fairly large river with lots of current..then you have the other flowages like TFF, Gile, Chip, Willow that fish more like lakes with not a ton of current and old lake basins and river channels...how does one find the best spots on the larger, lake types?
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I fish both types of water, and search out the smaller downstream lakes and reservoirs attached that get less pressure than the main. I hate the river sections, because I too don't have the time to carefully learn them at the peril of my rig and person; however I still spend time on them every year.
I really like reservoirs. I spend as much time as is possible fishing them, and fish places very few others bother with. Given unlimited time, I would be spending quite a bit of time on bodies of water that fill from one place, have a water control structure, and empty to another... |
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Posts: 691
Location: nationwide | I have written two long rambling replys to this post and submitted neither, too much information to try to discuss.
I wholly agree there are two types of flowages, large sprawling for the most part current-less flowages and the smaller flowages on our larger river systems that have defined current. Both types will hold impressive fish without a doubt. The smaller flowages are easier to learn just because of their size. Look for the best areas and start there, but do not count out any areas. The larger sprawling flowages are a beast to learn and can take for the most part a lifetime to learn entirely. The best way to learn one of these is to spend a day or two with a guide, concentrating on not only areas where fish are, but also where not to try going with your boat. The guides fee alone will pay for knowledge gained. Tell the guide of the area you want to learn before that day so he/she are prepared to fish it. I have had people tell me they want to take 3 hours in the middle of the day to learn a certain section of the flowage, not only to fish it, but to learn where not to go with their boat. If you are one to try it yourself take a small section and learn it real well and fish it at all times of the season to try and pinpoint fish movements. If in an unfamiliar area go slow and watch the depth finder. If you are on any flowages during low water be extremely cautious. The Chip water level has been very low the last couple years and has claimed hundreds of new hardware because of it . . . luckily not any of it mine.
Flowages are constantly changing entities and tough to learn on a few times a year basis, but over time some of the pieces fall together to help the puzzle look more clear.
Corey Meyer |
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Posts: 691
Location: nationwide | On the topic of smaller flowages. Maps are very hard to come by and in some instances do not exist with contours. This at times will make people shy away from putting their boat in.
Corey Meyer |
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Posts: 355
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin | I agree with two different types of waters however my tactics on a river stretch aren't that much different than an evil monster like DuBay. I tried writing an article on it once but confussed my simple self and went back to watching the biggest loser while eating an ice cream sandwich. |
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Posts: 92
Location: chicago | I fish the tff about ten times a year. I would rather be on that body of water then the smaller lakes in the area. I attack the tff in sections and work it that way. You can for the most part always find an active fish or two. But itfthe water is down, You are wasting time. I know for sure there is a record tiger and truth record fish in there. I caught a 44inch before thats had a bite mark 10 inches wide!!! Go figure!!! |
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Posts: 193
Location: Mayer, MN |
Having never fished a flowage before or in the state of Wisconsin I came to Muskie First for some help. That was my first step. The next step involved throwing everything in the boat and developing a pattern as quick as possible. The flowage in question was the Holcombe. Here is a link to how it played out, from my question and answer session with members of this site to our results. I too was struggling at finding info or discussion for this particular flowage, maybe people are tight lipped or it isn't a premier fishery, but we enjoyed ourselves for sure. I cannot comment on big fish, but the future of the flowage was eager to eat.
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=37...
I fish Minnetonka almost exclusively, Holcombe was the change of pace I needed. Cannot wait to get back and try it again.
Jason Roberts |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | sworrall - 1/9/2008 2:05 PM
I hate the river sections, because I too don't have the time to carefully learn them at the peril of my rig and person; however I still spend time on them every year.
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cause you're always hogging the back-side of that island! ...
oh, and don't bother buying a keel protector ... unless you want to buy a new one every year like i've had to do ... stay out of the river ... like stellaflue said ... it's very, very dangerous |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | That stupid fish WILL get stuck someday, during league, I hope... |
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Posts: 3240
Location: Racine, Wi | Justin, DuBay is what I was thinking of originally when I posted this. It's a big beast for sure. I've gotten a couple of fish out there in limited time, but those were luck as I was fishing walleye at the time. It's a nut I've wanted to crack for a while, but like BN said, it's tough to go to new monsters when you have some good holes at home.
I may have to hook up with one of you Hooksetters boys to start to learn that water.
Does current play as much of a role there? I would imagine in the inlet areas and outlet areas, but how about the bigger main lake areas.
A flowage that I've seen more current related fish would be Wasau Lake. I fish that like a big river, but DuBay I would see more like a lake. That coming from someone who has limited time on DuBay though. |
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Posts: 355
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin | Joel,
I fish Lake Wausau in a similar method as I do Wausau. I love both waters and both have produced 40# plus fish for us. Lake DuBay is a giant version of Wausau with less weeds and more stumps. I grew up fishing it with my Grandpa who lived on it and it is still a mystery in many ways. It is thrilling to see the weeds starting to come back as they were when my Grandpa owned Mosinee Bait and Tackle some 20 years ago. Wausau has a higher population density but is more pressured being right in town. If I had to pick one or the other...I don't know. As a multi-species fishery though, I do prefer DuBay. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me. |
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Posts: 1455
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | For me Lake Wausau was a 3-prop lake...got it down now.
Dubay cost me two skegs and I'm still learning...Phil helped with the north end, more comfortable there now.
To me, flowages are facsinating and challenging....there are spots where you may pop multiple fish off the same spot two years in a row and then not produce for the next two...As an example, there is one spot on Wazoo that I boated 4 different fish off the same exact spot with the same exact bait in 04. Next year same spot, same bait, same results. Next two years NOTHING.
The quandry becomes....there are TONS of great looking spots....say you have 8-10 that have produced fish...and you see 20-30 that LOOK good, but you've not tried yet....naturally you want to hit your 'honey holes' first...let's say now you spend a few hours hitting these spots and NADA...so....you try a new spot...nothing...Okay...Did that new spot get a fair chance? Obviously the fish in general are not moving since the proven spots were dead....
With so, so, many, many, great looking spots its like you have to force yourself to fish new spots first....but then that means blowing off your proven spots, and with only so much time that's hard to do.
This summer I randomly pulled up on a spot I always thought looked good AFTER boating one fish off a proven spot....I was throwing a homemade black on black D-10...was playing with black blades for the first time....after 8 casts I was retrieving and was just about to say, okay, enough of that experiment, when a 40'er ate it at boatside.....
So, flowages offer many, many great spots and you have to force yourself to give new spots quality chances .... |
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