river tip #49

[b1gf1sh1]

islands in rivers depending on the shape can form eddies along it's shore. these eddies are great resting spots for pods of shad and other smaller fish, all are great muskie and pike forage. one island can have multiple eddies along it's shores or just two, one upstream and one downstream. all have potential for great fishing.

islands are also a great area for falldowns (trees fallen in the water) being trapped in and around these eddy areas. these hold fish also.

when two islands are side by side or one is near a main shoreline and still has current these cause what's called a funneling area. the speed of the river picks up in these areas and much like a boats prop-wash baitfish lose some control and become confused. either they swim against or with this current. either way they are easy prey for an ambush above and below this funnel. so fishing both ends is always a good idea. and don't pass up fishing directly in the current. unlike most predators, muskie and pike are not against holding right inside a strong current to feed.

trolling around islands with current on both sides produce better than trolling ones on the edge of a bay area. sweeping the actual bay along with the island is normally a better idea.

hope this get's one for you.