Northlander and BDR Found the Fish...

[Matt Johnson]

(written by BDR) ...

I had the opportunity to fish the St. Louis River this past week. The invitation came from Steve Sutherland (Northlander on fishing Minnesota). He suggested that I bring a medium action Rod 6-7' with a fast tip and a handful of lead head jigs 1/4 to 3/4 ounce. Well I followed his suggestions but also threw in my 7' med-lite St.Croix, as that is my favorite rod for other rivers that I have fished.

I arrived to camp on Wednesday around 6:30 P.M. We set out for the evening bite and I grabbed my favorite rod and we were off. First thing I noticed was that I had not fished Walleyes in that fast of current. I tied on a 1/2 ounce JR'S rattle jig and threw it out. After about 10 minutes of trying to feel the bottom I started to get the hang of it. Steve has 5 fish in the boat by now, including a nice 25”er...

I get to where I can stay at the bottom and then I feel it, bang, nope that’s not a rock, so I set the hook and FISH ON! I feel the fish and next my rod is nearly bent in half, I think this has got to be a huge fish, I am really working to get this fish to the boat. Finally I see it and I am amazed that it is a 19"er. Then I realize that I should have brought out the heavier rod that’s back on shore. We proceeded to catch fish at a steady rate and quit about 9:30 with a total of 42, several of which were 20-22" fish.

After a waking at 4:30 we headed back out for the morning bite. The current had come up and we still found fish holding on the flats around the rocky shelves. Around 7:15 we heard the alarms that the Dam was being opened. The current picked up very fast and the fishing got slow. We decided to check some other spots and found an area where the current was bouncing off a small rocky point that had some shallow water on the shore side. We anchored up so we could pitch jigs right at the current break and the shallower water. After catching a few fish 22-25"s, Steve says " I think we going to get a pig". Just as he finished I set the hook and said,” Okay how about now". I hauled in a very nice 27"er...

We continued to catch a lot of fish in various places the rest of the day.

I learned a lot in the short time I was there about the habits of the Walleye of the St. Louis River. Steve was more than willing to share his knowledge of years of experience of fishing where he calls home. I have fished other spring river Walleye runs and this will go high on my list of destinations I will get to each spring.

Brian Rogers (BDR)

Congrats guys! Thats some awesome fishing!

Good Fishin,
Matt Johnson

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Matt Johnson Outdoors
Metro Area Ice Fishing, Team Catch-N, and more...

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Iceleaders
Catch-N Tackle and Bio Bait
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JR's Tackle

[This message has been edited by Matt Johnson (edited 05-22-2004).]

[can it be luck?]

Excellent! Nice job fellas! It sounds like a great time was had by all.

BDR, when the guide says bring heavy....BRING HEAVY!! LOL When the current's kicking, wimpy rods aren't the best choice. Especially when using jigs weighing upwards to 3/4 oz. I have several rods that have PLENTY of backbone. I nicknamed them ..........my "PIG STICKA RODS!"

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http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck

[This message has been edited by can it be luck? (edited 05-22-2004).]

[BDR]

I should have note that this was Northlanders trip. I greatly appreciate him making room for me for the time I could make it. I have never fished the St. Louis before. He was an excellent host and knows that river very well. He really put us on some nice fish. I had a great time and will definately be back. Thank you Northlander I had a great time!!

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I'd rather be skunked than follow the crowd!

Brian Rogers

JR's Tackle
Catch-N Tackle and Bio Bait

[CrappieMagnet]

Nice set of cheeks guys!
Looks like an exciting river trip!

CM