Random Question To Pass The Time

[TMF89]

So last summer we were out fishin on the Minnesota River, out of the Shakopee 101 access (how far up from this is the "Chaska area" considered? Just wondering), three guys, and the water was so low we couldn't even get to our old spot, places that were 6-12 feet a few weeks ago (don't remember exact numbers), were so shallow the boat bottomed out in the sand.

Well we went downriver instead, and found a huuuuuuuge fallen tree area, if I remember right like two or three ones fell (or one huge one, again I don't remember exactly). It was like a giant U with the trees making the sides, and the shore making the bottom. Well the water in/around the area was anywhere from 8-12 feet deep, and we tried bullheads, live suckers, cut bait, even bobbers. We heard a TON of big splashing all night, it sounded bigger than gar? Well except for one 12lb channel, we didn't get a single bite. I just thought of it now, and I've always wondered why, when the river's so low you'd think the fish would be stacked in there, let alone the fact that it looked like perfect structure, we didn't get zilch. Any of you experts have any ideas?

[DTro]

Lots of factors to consider. The first one I can think of is that you might have been fishing smack dab in the middle of the spawn. That will contribute greatly to your success, even in the best of spots.

Pretty sure I know exactly where you got stuck, and where that big tree was at. You were in the right spot but perhaps just the wrong time.

Being the water was that low, I'm guessing it was in July sometime? Maybe August. During that time period, you have two options, aggressively target the Flatheads by systematically hitting each and every snag until you find an active fish (can be very successful during the day) or camp out on one or two spots and wait out the hunters.

Depending on how motivated you are, the first option will be more work, but will yield more fish, the second option will be a lot more waiting, but the potential for a very large fish.

[TMF89]

It was either late July, or the first half of August, sometime then. If you don't mind sharing, what did you mean by right place/wrong time? What would the right time be for a spot like that?

Also the spot we bottomed out at was right before a giant concrete/stone/colisium looking thing, it looked like an old greek theater or something. Again it was a long time ago, but I doubt there are too many giant structures on the sides of the river like that. It was on the right side as we headed up river.

And normally we'll hit anywhere from two to five spots a night, so I guess we're a bit of both. I have a confidence problem, so some nights I'll sit on one or two spots all night, others I'm movin every hour.

[Larry FlatCaster]

If you don't mind sharing, what did you mean by right place/wrong time? What would the right time be for a spot like that?

When the fish are biting??? The person who can consistantly answer that question for that spot or any spot....taking into all the variables into consideration. Would be the best fisherman the world has ever seen.

Wrong time = lots of things, some were not even aware of.

Not trying to sound like a smart [PoorWordUsage].

I'll let Dtro give his take on this and patch it up.

[DTro]

What would the right time be for a spot like that?

Million dollar question The right time could've been 5 minutes after you left, or even the next night.

The stone structure you speak of is basically a storm water runoff from the city of Chaska, those pillars divert the water to minimize erosion. I've seen guys fishing around there a couple of times and from what I've heard it's very hit or miss. Mostly depending on water levels and time of year.

Yeah, you bottomed out exactly where I thought

[rushing]

Larger flatheads are predictable in the simple fact they can be fairly unpredictable. The best you can do is to try and put yourself in the best situation to succeed and hope something good happens. If something good happens, its a learning experience and if nothing happens...learning experience.

[TMF89]

Alright cool, I was just wondering because it seemed like a perfect set-up. So if I'm reading your responses right (thanks for all of them by the way), it WAS a theoritically great spot, but thanks to Mr. Kitty it just wasn't the time?

[hanson]

I can't tell you how many "perfect spots" I've fished over the years that have never produced a bite.

Sometimes our idea of a perfect spot is a heckuva lot different than a flathead's idea of a perfect spot.

[TMF89]

I hear that! It's a nice confidence boost to know what I was doin everything right, and that it was the fishs' fault! lol