Greetings All:
Well, the Mississippi River is still high but there is some great fishing available in the many backwater areas and sloughs. With so much flooded vegetation back there the fish have moved shallow to feast on the new food supply like nightcrawlers and insects. With that in mind, fish those shallow flooded areas for some very nice panfish. Both crappie and bluegill are in this flooded brush and trees and can be caught right now. I was out early this morning on Pool-13 and the panfish were feeding well. Minnows for those crappie and larvae baits for the bluegills. Remember to fish right up tight to and in the flooded cover and you will score. Note: With so much flooded area available for the fish to use, if one spot does not produce fish in 10 minutes or so, try another. With some patience you will find the schools and when you do you will have a ball.
With a nice weather weekend on tap, hopefully you can get out for a few hours of fishing on the Mississippi River.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze,,,lastcast13@yahoo.com
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Saturday, April 20, 2013
GREAT TIME FOR "HONEY DO"!!!!!
Greetings All:
Well, with the very high water on the Mississippi River, it's a great time to take care of your "Honey-Do" list. Get those jobs done now so that when the river gets back to being fishable, you will be ready to go. It's also a great time to check over your tackle for another season of angling. Right now it looks like high water is going to be with us for a while. Once the weather stabilizes, fishing will get much better, even with high water. Right now, muddy and very dirty water with lots of floating junk in river.
With the floods here, get that Honey-Do list finished and she will love you for it!!!
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well, with the very high water on the Mississippi River, it's a great time to take care of your "Honey-Do" list. Get those jobs done now so that when the river gets back to being fishable, you will be ready to go. It's also a great time to check over your tackle for another season of angling. Right now it looks like high water is going to be with us for a while. Once the weather stabilizes, fishing will get much better, even with high water. Right now, muddy and very dirty water with lots of floating junk in river.
With the floods here, get that Honey-Do list finished and she will love you for it!!!
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
MANY WALLEYE IN BACKWATERS!!!!
Greetings All:
With the very high water conditions along the Mississippi, main river fishing is a bust right now. With that in mind though, there are many big walleye available in the many flooded backwater areas. These big fish are in search of warmer water so that they can start their spawning activity. Was out this morning and caught some nice big females by pitching jigs tight to flooded willows in 2 to 3 feet of water. The fish are holding tight to the cover so expect to get hung up occasionally. All the fish I caught were released safely to complete their spawn. Hopefully if you catch some of these big females you will do the same. Bring the camera, take some pictures and let them go. If your looking for some fish for the pan there are many smaller males available for a great meal.
Don't let this high water get you down. Hit the backwater areas all up and down the Mississippi River and you will find fish to catch.
Note: Forecast is for possibly 3 to 4 inches of rain in the Midwest over the period of Wednesday thru Thursday, so plan accordingly. Call ahead and check the weather.
Good luck and enjoy.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
With the very high water conditions along the Mississippi, main river fishing is a bust right now. With that in mind though, there are many big walleye available in the many flooded backwater areas. These big fish are in search of warmer water so that they can start their spawning activity. Was out this morning and caught some nice big females by pitching jigs tight to flooded willows in 2 to 3 feet of water. The fish are holding tight to the cover so expect to get hung up occasionally. All the fish I caught were released safely to complete their spawn. Hopefully if you catch some of these big females you will do the same. Bring the camera, take some pictures and let them go. If your looking for some fish for the pan there are many smaller males available for a great meal.
Don't let this high water get you down. Hit the backwater areas all up and down the Mississippi River and you will find fish to catch.
Note: Forecast is for possibly 3 to 4 inches of rain in the Midwest over the period of Wednesday thru Thursday, so plan accordingly. Call ahead and check the weather.
Good luck and enjoy.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Friday, April 12, 2013
HIGH WATER IS A REALITY!!!!
Greetings All:
Well, with all this rain we have been having, the Mississippi River has risen numerous feet in most locations. With lot's of snow on the ground up in Minnesota and Wisconsin still to melt, look for high water conditions to be around for some time. With that in mind, forget about the main channel fishing and head into the many back waters for some fine fishing. Right now there are big, pre-spawn walleye there that are quite catchable. Try pitching jig/minnow rigs tight to flooded willows and hang on. Was out earlier today and caught some nice fish in the backwaters using this method. In place of a live minnow I used a 3" plastic shad body with excellent results. Match the color to your local forage base.
You can also find panfish and catfish active in the flooded backwaters and they are hungry also.
So don't let the high water ruin your plans, learn to adapt, fish those backwater sloughs and you will catch some nice fish.
One last thing. Let those big egg laden female walleye go to complete their spawn. This will help the future populations thrive. Heck, there are enough eater size fish available anyway.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lasatcast13@yahoo.com
Well, with all this rain we have been having, the Mississippi River has risen numerous feet in most locations. With lot's of snow on the ground up in Minnesota and Wisconsin still to melt, look for high water conditions to be around for some time. With that in mind, forget about the main channel fishing and head into the many back waters for some fine fishing. Right now there are big, pre-spawn walleye there that are quite catchable. Try pitching jig/minnow rigs tight to flooded willows and hang on. Was out earlier today and caught some nice fish in the backwaters using this method. In place of a live minnow I used a 3" plastic shad body with excellent results. Match the color to your local forage base.
You can also find panfish and catfish active in the flooded backwaters and they are hungry also.
So don't let the high water ruin your plans, learn to adapt, fish those backwater sloughs and you will catch some nice fish.
One last thing. Let those big egg laden female walleye go to complete their spawn. This will help the future populations thrive. Heck, there are enough eater size fish available anyway.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lasatcast13@yahoo.com
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
WHAT A GREAT DAY ON THE RIVER!!!!
Greetings All:
Well, with the mild day today it was just to nice to stay home. With that in mind I hit the Mississippi River for a few hours of fishing. While most boats are still fishing the tailwater area by the dam, I headed down river to a spot that has produced for me many times over the years in the Spring. After making the 8 mile run I found conditions just perfect. Nice current combined with good structure and an inflowing stream of water made conditions just what I hoped for.
After tying on a 1/4th. ounce jig and a 3" plastic shad body, I started casting the area. It did not take long for a nice fat walleye to engulf my bait. After a nice fight a chunky 4 pound walleye was caught and then gently released to fight another day. In a few hours of fishing and never leaving that spot, I boated over 25 healthy fish, both walleye and sauger. I did keep a few for the pan but all others were released safely.
With the weather getting better, hopefully you can make some plans to get out on the Mississippi and enjoy some great fishing that is going on right now. Search out the types of spot I mentioned above and you will find fish there.
So get that boat ready for what is shaping up to be a great Spring of fishing on the old Mississippi river.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze,,,lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well, with the mild day today it was just to nice to stay home. With that in mind I hit the Mississippi River for a few hours of fishing. While most boats are still fishing the tailwater area by the dam, I headed down river to a spot that has produced for me many times over the years in the Spring. After making the 8 mile run I found conditions just perfect. Nice current combined with good structure and an inflowing stream of water made conditions just what I hoped for.
After tying on a 1/4th. ounce jig and a 3" plastic shad body, I started casting the area. It did not take long for a nice fat walleye to engulf my bait. After a nice fight a chunky 4 pound walleye was caught and then gently released to fight another day. In a few hours of fishing and never leaving that spot, I boated over 25 healthy fish, both walleye and sauger. I did keep a few for the pan but all others were released safely.
With the weather getting better, hopefully you can make some plans to get out on the Mississippi and enjoy some great fishing that is going on right now. Search out the types of spot I mentioned above and you will find fish there.
So get that boat ready for what is shaping up to be a great Spring of fishing on the old Mississippi river.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze,,,lastcast13@yahoo.com
Saturday, March 30, 2013
IT'S EASTER WEEKEND!!!
Greetings All:
Just wanted to take a moment to wish all of you folks that use LASTCASTOUTDOORS.COM a very Happy & Blessed Easter.
I'll be taking to weekend off for this holy holiday but will be back on the water Monday. Until then, enjoy your weekend.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Just wanted to take a moment to wish all of you folks that use LASTCASTOUTDOORS.COM a very Happy & Blessed Easter.
I'll be taking to weekend off for this holy holiday but will be back on the water Monday. Until then, enjoy your weekend.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
MILD WEATHER FORECAST FOR EASTER WEEKEND FISHING!!!
Greetings All:
Well, finally Mother Nature is giving us a mild weekend forecast coming up. Don't know how many of you will have a chance to get out on the river with this being Easter weekend but just in case, here is the scoop as of today.
Was out this morning and still finding many fish down river. Look for flats and also points that are breaking the current. Also, if you find a steep tapering rocky shoreline that the wind is blowing into, work it over good. The sauger and walleye have been schooling baitfish into these types of areas, especially on cloudy days. With a 20% chance of showers on Saturday in the forecast, it might be a good idea to hit these areas hard. Casting jig/minnow & jig/shad bodies tight to shore and retrieving back down the slop into deeper water has been working well for me. Now we all know that a bite can change fast but this method has put some nice, big fish in my boat the last few days.
If you can't get out, don't worry, fishing is only going to get better as we move further into Spring. With that said,,,HAPPY EASTER to All!!!!!!!
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well, finally Mother Nature is giving us a mild weekend forecast coming up. Don't know how many of you will have a chance to get out on the river with this being Easter weekend but just in case, here is the scoop as of today.
Was out this morning and still finding many fish down river. Look for flats and also points that are breaking the current. Also, if you find a steep tapering rocky shoreline that the wind is blowing into, work it over good. The sauger and walleye have been schooling baitfish into these types of areas, especially on cloudy days. With a 20% chance of showers on Saturday in the forecast, it might be a good idea to hit these areas hard. Casting jig/minnow & jig/shad bodies tight to shore and retrieving back down the slop into deeper water has been working well for me. Now we all know that a bite can change fast but this method has put some nice, big fish in my boat the last few days.
If you can't get out, don't worry, fishing is only going to get better as we move further into Spring. With that said,,,HAPPY EASTER to All!!!!!!!
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Thursday, March 21, 2013
FARM PONDS STILL PRODUCING GOOD!!!
Greetings All:
Even though it is officially Spring, the very cold weather has kept good safe ice in area farm ponds. The fish in these locations are really cooperating with great catches of panfish available. Excellent bluegill and crappie action is available at ponds that contain these species.
I have been out the last few days with excellent results. Using small rat-fink jigs tipped with a juicy waxworm has taken some nice slab crappie. For the gills, small spikes on a tiny teardrop jig working well. Look for this action to continue for a while with this cold air expected to stick around for the next week or so.
Dress warm and get out and enjoy. The fish are hungry!!!
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Even though it is officially Spring, the very cold weather has kept good safe ice in area farm ponds. The fish in these locations are really cooperating with great catches of panfish available. Excellent bluegill and crappie action is available at ponds that contain these species.
I have been out the last few days with excellent results. Using small rat-fink jigs tipped with a juicy waxworm has taken some nice slab crappie. For the gills, small spikes on a tiny teardrop jig working well. Look for this action to continue for a while with this cold air expected to stick around for the next week or so.
Dress warm and get out and enjoy. The fish are hungry!!!
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
RAIN AND MELTOFF CAUSING RIVERS TO RISE!!!
Greetings All:
Well, the heavy rains and the ensuing melt off of the snow has cause the Mississippi River to rise rapidly and get quite muddy. Strong current in the tailwaters of the dams making fishing very poor at this time. Backwaters still have some ice in them making boating in still impossible. If you must get out and wet a line, head down river although you may still hit areas of ice. Look for any type of a good current break right now that the fish can use to get out of the main current. Fan cast the area with jig/minnow rigs or jig/shad body rigs and let the current do the work for you. Fish in these less current areas will hit a well placed lure as it drifts by.
If we do not get any more rapid melt off, look for things to stabilize within a week. Before the rise, fishing was actually quite good in Pools 11-12-13 & 14. Hopefully it will return soon.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well, the heavy rains and the ensuing melt off of the snow has cause the Mississippi River to rise rapidly and get quite muddy. Strong current in the tailwaters of the dams making fishing very poor at this time. Backwaters still have some ice in them making boating in still impossible. If you must get out and wet a line, head down river although you may still hit areas of ice. Look for any type of a good current break right now that the fish can use to get out of the main current. Fan cast the area with jig/minnow rigs or jig/shad body rigs and let the current do the work for you. Fish in these less current areas will hit a well placed lure as it drifts by.
If we do not get any more rapid melt off, look for things to stabilize within a week. Before the rise, fishing was actually quite good in Pools 11-12-13 & 14. Hopefully it will return soon.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Friday, March 1, 2013
START YOUR SPRING TURKEY SCOUTING NOW!!!
Greetings All:
Just a reminder that it is not to early to start your Spring turkey scouting now. It's a great time to get out into the woods and learn the areas where the birds are roosting and also feeding. You can also bring along your favorite turkey call and try getting the birds attention. Keep your distance while doing this and see what call the birds react to best. By doing this now, you will be way ahead of the game when hunting season starts. As I write this, I am looking out my window at approximately 25 nice big wild turkey that are feeding in my corn field. What a great site to see all these big, healthy birds. Getting that Spring turkey hunting fever more and more each day.
Spring turkey season will be here before you know it so get out and explore the area you intend to hunt. You'll be glad you did.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Just a reminder that it is not to early to start your Spring turkey scouting now. It's a great time to get out into the woods and learn the areas where the birds are roosting and also feeding. You can also bring along your favorite turkey call and try getting the birds attention. Keep your distance while doing this and see what call the birds react to best. By doing this now, you will be way ahead of the game when hunting season starts. As I write this, I am looking out my window at approximately 25 nice big wild turkey that are feeding in my corn field. What a great site to see all these big, healthy birds. Getting that Spring turkey hunting fever more and more each day.
Spring turkey season will be here before you know it so get out and explore the area you intend to hunt. You'll be glad you did.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
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