Straight River Park Rapids area

[LuckyRedHat]

I heard there was a reclamation project on the Straight this year. Can anyone tell me what part of the river that was? Has anyone been out and fished that area?

The time is fast approaching for those big browns to put on the feed bag!

[DEADhead]

There was no reclamation on the river this year. It's pretty difficult to reclaim a river, and most likely would never happen.

You're most likely thinking abou the habitat improvement work done on the Straight by TU and the Ecological Services unit of the DNR this summer. I believe the section they worked on was closer to US 71. And no, I haven't fished that area.

If you get out on the Straight, send us a report on hatches and if you see any fish. You don't need to give your location or anything. I've been debating about whether to head out there soon and was curious as to what hatches are occuring out there so I can hit the tying bench before heading out. Thanks.

[LuckyRedHat]

Well I hope the improvement helps. The stream was running really low when I was out there in July. If I get out this month I'll report on the flies that were successful.

[DEADhead]

I think water levels may be better upstream, closer to Straight lake.

[MuskyBug85]

water levels are really high in the upper river right now. the river rehab work done this summer was done on the upper river. you can park in Osage right behind the muskie rearing ponds on the south side of the river and the "stucture" is just down stream from there. a buddy of mine works for the DNR and they shocked it 2 weeks ago they found a fish over 20" in each of the wing dams and a few in every hole. hope this helps. JOnah

[DEADhead]

now there you go Jonah, giving away all of my good spots

Now that the cats out of the bag, good luck. I've seen some bruisers creeping around behind the MUE rearing pond... The biggest fish historically from electrofishing are found around the cty 123 bridge. just upstream and downstream of the road crossing have tended to be the most productive areas. Last October behind the rearing pond, I saw at least 75-100 browns schooled up. Of course, it was after the season closed...

Jonah who's your buddy over in PR fisheries? My crew will be repairing the outlet control structure for the MUE rearing pond in Mid-October so there shouldn't be any disruption over there during trout season. Which reminds me I need to talk to Scott and Doug about that....

[MuskyBug85]

sorry deadhead. i didnt mean do duvolge any secret info. my bad. hahaha my buddy is season help and his name is Kyle Little love the job. he gets to trap and fish, does it get any better then that. JOnah

[DEADhead]

no worries Jonah, just had to razz ya on that one. The straight can be a frustrating river at times. Let's hope that the habitat improvement will improve anglers catch rates