merkman Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Has anyone tried darkhouse spearing on a river?I know of a good river that has quite a few northerns in it and I was thinking of trying it out this winter.I am not sure if it would work or not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnmuzzleloader Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 It would work I would think it might be pretty dirty it all depends on how fast the river is moving, but I would give it a try I don't see a reason why not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassNspear Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 i have never done it for the simple fact that i believe it would never be clear enough to do so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordie Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 I have speared in the elk river just out side of Big lake and its really not that bad. water was clear and I guy that I used to work with speared the mississippi near clearwater and did exceptionally well he used a decoy that looked like a crappie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassNspear Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 thats interesting. I wouldnt think that it would be that good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordie Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 I speared on outside bends of the river or the down stream side of were a feeder creek came in. seen carp northerns and even a muskrat. it is differnt because of the current but its really not that noticable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merkman Posted August 25, 2008 Author Share Posted August 25, 2008 I have speared in 3~4 ft of water (on a lake) when you can't see the decoy more than half way down. When I saw a 6lber come "out of nowhere" and he was 6 inches below the bottom of the ice, it was an awesome rush. I was so afraid of spooking him. So clear water is not as big of an issue for me.I could see the current in some rivers being too strong.It seems that the fish would move allot more in the river though?It is good to know that it has been done anyway.I am not going out on a river until late in the season though. I don't like thin ice... especially with current under it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassNspear Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 dude, all you have to do is have your catfish and your set.For myself, i just dont like to have to current under me on the river with my monster hole that i cut in my house. As you all know, i dont think there is anyone out there that cuts the hole to size of mine in my house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordie Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 you really dont set up in the current like you think, there is current but its not that noticable look for back water eddies were the current isnt that strong. preseason scouting is a must in the fall look for these spots and first ice watch for what frezzes first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassNspear Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 ya i understand what your saying there bud. Your going to want to make sure you have ice with the current Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spearchucker Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I believe that in South Dakota they spear on the Missouri River. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorGetter Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 You bet they spear on the Missouri in SD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laska Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 Mississippi River down by Winona, MN is clear is the backwater, Late fall before the ice I could see 10ft down to the bottom, as long as you stay in the backwaters you'll be fine, hardly any current and the northern love it in the winter, BIG BIG northerns least down here, and this time of year there is atleast 8" of ice most talks right now are 12 to 16" which is crazy but its been a cold season so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Early Riser Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I am not sure you can spear in the river down there. Be sure to check the regs on that one Laska. If you can spear it you should give it a try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heartman Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 With enough ice, shouldn't be trouble. Think how quickly your hole would clear - that would be worth it right there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott M Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I speared a lake outlet to a river in the Pillsbury state forest that had a decent amount of current, enough to put a bend in the water celery. We saw a LOT of nice pike, also saw some really big perch. That was before you could use a line. Those perch were driving us crazy, they were true jumbos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMKURT Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 The only drawback is depending on the river's depth one year you will have plenty of water & Then the next year the silt will fill it in. We would always spear a meandering river, first time out for the year we would be scouting to find at least 5' of water sometimes all you could find was 4'. Similar to summer fishing find the changes in structure & depth & you would find fish. Good Luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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