Trout Fishing for Northerns

[Rugbyguy]

Tyler Holm and I made the trip up to the Vermillion River this morning. Fished a number of spots inlcuding two stops in Farmington. Only managed one decent trout (13 1/4"), which Tyler will post later, but we did find NORTHERNS and lots of them. By the time the morning was over we had landed 10 northerns with three more sawing us off. One of them is swimming around with $12 worth of Rapalas in his mouth. Also sighted two large northerns. (I'm sure Tyler can fill in these details as he was a bit spooked ) All in all it was a fun trip even though we didn't get into the trout that we were after.

[Greybeard53]

Rugbyguy, Any size to the northerns you caught?

[Rugbyguy]

Most of the northerns were hammer-handles in the 2 pound range. The two bigger ones we sighted were in the 5 pound range. It is quite the rush to have those jaws coming at you wide open right at your feet.

[Tyler Holm]

Yep, I'll admit I was scared as sin when those pike would come out of the water after my lure right at my feet/waist (mouth wide open). I won't admit however, that I screamed like a little girl! There were times I seriously though they were going to take my lure, and the top 12" of my rod. Man alive those things are agressive!

The pikers kept the trip interesting. As soon as one flashed at your lure, you'd better be setting the hook, or they'd saw you off just bingo. Your only chance was to hook them in the lips. Andy and I got bit off only seconds apart by the same fish.

We didn't take any pictures of the northern, but Andy did find his way to this nice brown.

[DEADhead]

nice brown Andy!

[Rugbyguy]

Thanks Deadhead, it hit an X-Rap. I am still trying to figure out how to use a 9' rod. That bug stuff is a struggle!!

[DEADhead]

yeah, the learning curve is steep, but once you master it, you'll hardly want to fish any other way!

[SpecialK]

Where can you get access in Farmington? I have been looking around (granted not too much) but haven't seen anything.

[DEADhead]

ask rugbyguy (Andy). he can give you the lowdown.

[Tyler Holm]

Well, not to sound harsh, but you can access the river most anywhere in Farmington. We fished the to West and East side of Farmington, and a few places right in town.

Andy can provide more details so I'm sure he will chime in. He's got a pretty good grasp on how those easements work.

[Rugbyguy]

There are 3 marked public access points right in town. Most of them are city parks. You can also access the stream at any bridge crossing, but you have to stay in the stream. If you walk the bank on private property you are trespassing. When in doubt ASK permission from the landowner. Most often they will say yes.

The map below will show you the public access points:

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/trout_streams/2006_southeast_mn/map16.pdf

[SpecialK]

Thanks guys, someone in a differnt thread linked a map that showed the east side access as well. Just need to buy a trout stamp and head over one of these days.

I was wondering why the girl at Gander was asking if I wanted a stamp when I bought my license, now I know why I should have bought it then.