WI River Water Levels/Reports

[Lunker]

For those of us who witnessed the 10ft+ rise in water levels this spring, you will be glad to know that it is almost back to normal.The dams have closed most of the open locks and the water is back in the channel, though still a foot high or so.

Unfortunatley this long high water period timed perfectly with the walleye run and spawn, and the fish are spawned out now that the river is fishable. However they are still in the shallow spring haunts and under the dams. I was out last week and caught 30+ eyes in a couple of hours in a rocky fast currented area only 3-4 feet deep, though no great size. Artificials and live bait are both producing. Channel cats and carp have started to put the feedbags on in the main channel also, mostly under the dams.

The backwaters are starting to warm up, and I've been seeing some crappies and bass becoming active in the deeper backwaters. There are some eyes and perch hanging out around the wood in the backwaters as well, but doubt they will remain there long. Key seems to be in the backwaters with access to deeper water.

Will be out in the boat the next couple of days either on the lakes or river, and will report.