crow river

[hammerfive]

I am new to the catfish game and have a few spots, but none of them are real consistent. Are there any good shore spots around Otsego or Dayton? I am willing to go further west for a decent spot. I release all of the fish I catch and just want to get better at it.

[nitefisher]

check out the small river and streams forum, there are post on there about that area.

[SteveD]

Hey Hammerfive - I'll share a nice spot - this will probably kill it for future use but I don't get up there much anymore and somebody should have some fun with it. There is a nice stretch of Mississippi River that can be accessed through the Kelly Farm Museum, just off Highway 10 south of Elk River. I go into Kelly Farm, pay the $7 entrance fee and then walk their hiking path to the west, walk down the bank and start fishing. Here is a link to the Kelly Farm Museum and how to get there: Kelly Farm Museum

Wear long pants - the nettles along the river bank can sting like He$$. This time of year the water is down and perfect for wading and fishing.

You have to carry everything you need with you because it is a bit of a hike but perfect for fishing. I wear a fishing vest with a good selection of lures, mostly rapalas and rebel crawfish lures. Expect lots of smallmouth and the occasional nice channel cat. It is a great way to spend the afternoon and you will usually have the river to yourself. There is a good mile of accessible water along that stretch so even if somebody else is around you can walk a little farther and have your own stretch to fish.

One last thing - The water is only 2' to 3' deep but it is full of fish so don't let the shallow water fool you. Be sure to fish the current, the smallies are in the fast water usually behind each riffle area and bring your lure all the way down and then back to you in the current. Sometimes they hit if you just hold the rapala steady in the current downstream - the vibration from the lure is what triggers them.

Give it a try - it is a fun fishing trip.

[hammerfive]

SteveD, thanks for the reply. I will give it a shot. I just can't seem to get enough of the catfish. We went out last night and landed six channels. The biggest was 6lbs. 4 oz.

[SgtCaesarfishinguy]

There is a small canoe launch on the Crow just down from the access to the Lake Rebecca park near Rockford, I have fished this spot a few times and done really well for channels. I actually had a very nice fish on there that straightened out my kahle hook and got off, haven't been there at all this year, but might be worth checking out if you are up to the drive! Good Luck

[coop09]

Hey ball peen,

I hear they've been going real good at the K.O.D.

[I Da Man]

Quote:

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I actually had a very nice fish on there that straightened out my kahle hook and got off

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Switch to a Gamakatsu hook...you won't have that problem!

When fishing for "big" fish...a person must count on their tackle...

Pier Bridge pulled in an 8 foot by 8 inch tree the other night into slight currant...that did bend my Gammy hook...and is excusable...a fish bending a hook...isn't.

Sorry, I know you didn't ask for my opinion.

[mplspug]

Quote:

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There is a small canoe launch on the Crow just down from the access to the Lake Rebecca park near Rockford, I have fished this spot a few times and done really well for channels. I actually had a very nice fish on there that straightened out my kahle hook and got off, haven't been there at all this year, but might be worth checking out if you are up to the drive! Good Luck

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Good info. I was hoping to find some info about the area since I have to be that way. Don't worry, I'll put most of them all back for you, unless I get some small eaters. I'll never hit the spot again most likely.

[hammerfive]

I haven't been out in the Rockford area yet but the cats have started to bite near St.Michael and Hanover. I was out on Wed. and caught seven in a couple of hours. Cut suckers are working the best. Good luck.