Missisquoi River VT 6/24/06

[Bob_D]

We had a great weekend as far as weather goes and since the water had cleared up a little, we decided to do a little fishing. We packed up a lunch and the beach chairs and headed down to the river.

We went to a spot that had easy access and a good flat area so the kids could play a little. Not what I would consider a prime fishing area, but those places are not always kid friendly.

Within 5 minutes my daughter hooked her first smallie. It had a couple of good jumps and the kids got a big kick out of it. The fish were a little jumpy, so the kids had dad hold them for the picture.

A few minutes later my son got his smallie.

Things slowed a bit and my daughter got a white perch a little later.

My son got a rockbass a little later but we did not get a picture.

We kept the trip short a sweet so the kids would leep interested. Then we headed out to get an ice cream to finish off the adventure.

[Matt Johnson]

Great report and pictures Bob! Jumping fish are always exciting for anglers of all ages! And thye even got ice cream to top it off, what a trip!

What other species are in the Missisquoi River?

[Bob_D]

Matt,

I was on the lower end of the Missisquoi river which is connected to Lake Champlain. There are the normal panfish (white+yellow perch, sunnies, etc.), crappie (at times), northern pike, pickerel, largemouth, smallmouth, bowfin, catfish, brown bullhead, walleye, drum (aka sheepshead),carp, suckers,and a few old muskies left from a stocking program.

What you catch depends on where and when you fish. I'm still trying for a musky. I will be like winning the lottery for me when I get one.

Sorry I've been missing for a while. I had some stuff that needed my attention.

[Matt Johnson]

Wow! Looks like you have quite the smorgasbord of fish in that area. Where does a person begin!?

I landed my first real muskie (the 3-pounder when I was 12 doesn't count ) while throwing for bass in a tourny. I haven't really targeted muskies, I guess it's one of those patience things

I did notice in one of your other posts that you landed some nice pike. Are there a lot of large pike in that area? It seems like I hear of a lot of nice fish caught out there in regards to pike. Minnesota lakes are full of those 2-3 pounders (slimers)...

[Bob_D]

There are some nice pike, but a lot of smaller ones. Mostly a management issue. I hope it gets addressed soon so I can stop being the sqeeky wheel with the biologist. I'd like to see a slot limit, but we will see what happens.

Yes, there a lot of species to choose from. Some being easier to find then others.

[Matt Johnson]

Quote:

---

I hope it gets addressed soon so I can stop being the sqeeky wheel with the biologist.

---

Yep, but you gotta do what you gotta do

You could always come on out to MN, we have a few regulations out here

[Bob_D]

LOL.....I could move out there, but then I would have to learn how to use a flasher.

We have the potential for some world class fishing right here in VT. The previous leadership was more about politics and the new one is more about doing the right thing. So, that is a step in the right direction. The biggest problem we have is that our biologists are so overloaded it's hard for them to get to everything. I think they are a good group of people who will do the right thing once they get the time to do it.

[Matt Johnson]

Glad to hear things are moving in the right direction. But if you ever want to try your hand at a LX-5 let me know

[Bob_D]

Quote:

---

..... But if you ever want to try your hand at a LX-5 let me know

---

That would be great. Let me know when you are sending me that free unit. While you are at it, send me a VS560 ...I had to sell me VS500 last winter.

[Matt Johnson]

I knew I probably opened a can of worms

However, you're free LX-5 (for a day or weekend) is waiting for you here in MN if you come this winter

[Bob_D]

Thanks Matt. It will probably be a while before I can get out there. Kids in daycare really kill the budget.

[Matt Johnson]

When the time is right you let me know and we'll plan something...

[Bob_D]

Thanks Matt.