Greetings All:
Spoke with some listeners on the ESPN radio show today from up in Minnesota and they stated that the Walleye and sauger bite in the Winona, MN area is really going well. Lot's of good catches coming by anglers fishing the tailwater areas from Lake Pepin on down to just past Winona. For any of you folks planning on heading up that way, jig/minnow rigs fished tight to the bottom up near the dams with big minnows in the 3" size range doing well. Some anglers working the wall areas by the locks with sonar type lures also catching fish early and late in the day. Remember, the water is cold so slow that presentation down. Also, make sure you wear that PFD. Safety first always. Stay tuned for more Fall Mississippi River updates right here on LASTCASTOUTDOORS.COM. Your popular outdoor blog for the true sportsman.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Saturday, November 2, 2013
MISSISSIPPI RIVER SAUGER AND WALLEYE ON THE BITE!!!!
Greetings All:
Well, the much cooler water has really triggered the sauger and walleye to put on the feed bag. All up and down the Mississippi river from North of Winona, MN. to Pool 16 down south, the fishing has really improved. Right now the sauger are in the majority of fish being caught by anglers up in the tailwaters but there are some walleye available. The sauger being caught are decent with a lot of small fish mixed in. When you catch these small sauger, release them to grow and fight another day.
One thing I have noticed is that many anglers still cannot tell the difference between a sauger and a walleye and are keeping small, undersized walleye in their daily catch. Learn the difference and be a responsible angler. All you have to do is Google the difference between a walleye and a sauger and you will get the correct identification answer.
As far as presentation, jig/minnow rigs still the best. Use bigger minnows, 3" size range, for best results. If you are getting a lot of short strikes, add a stinger hook to your minnow. You can either back troll or vertical jig while being stationary over one spot. Which ever your choice, stay tight to the bottom for best results. I was out at Sunrise today and did well on hair jigs tipped with a minnow also. I tie these myself and have excellent results in Spring and Fall with them. Best color this morning was a black jig head with a black/orange hair tail. Fish were loving it. One thing I will mention though is that my best action came well down river from the dam. No boats, great fishing conditions and best of all,,,lots of nice fish.
Hopefully you can get out in the near future and enjoy some excellent fishing on the Mississippi.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well, the much cooler water has really triggered the sauger and walleye to put on the feed bag. All up and down the Mississippi river from North of Winona, MN. to Pool 16 down south, the fishing has really improved. Right now the sauger are in the majority of fish being caught by anglers up in the tailwaters but there are some walleye available. The sauger being caught are decent with a lot of small fish mixed in. When you catch these small sauger, release them to grow and fight another day.
One thing I have noticed is that many anglers still cannot tell the difference between a sauger and a walleye and are keeping small, undersized walleye in their daily catch. Learn the difference and be a responsible angler. All you have to do is Google the difference between a walleye and a sauger and you will get the correct identification answer.
As far as presentation, jig/minnow rigs still the best. Use bigger minnows, 3" size range, for best results. If you are getting a lot of short strikes, add a stinger hook to your minnow. You can either back troll or vertical jig while being stationary over one spot. Which ever your choice, stay tight to the bottom for best results. I was out at Sunrise today and did well on hair jigs tipped with a minnow also. I tie these myself and have excellent results in Spring and Fall with them. Best color this morning was a black jig head with a black/orange hair tail. Fish were loving it. One thing I will mention though is that my best action came well down river from the dam. No boats, great fishing conditions and best of all,,,lots of nice fish.
Hopefully you can get out in the near future and enjoy some excellent fishing on the Mississippi.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
"BUMPER BOAT FISHING" STARTING ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER!!!
Greetings All:
Ah yes, you can tell Fall has truly arrived once again. All you have to do is look up by the dam in Pool-13 and you know it is here. Every year in the fall what I describe as "Bumper Boat Fishing" takes place up by the dams on the Mississippi River.
For you folks that do not know what bumper boat fishing is, let me explain. It's when you have many boats up by the dam in search of walleye and sauger. These boats can be so close together at times that you could literally walk from boat to boat. When someone in another boat see's you hook a fish, watch out because in a matter of seconds that boat will be encroaching on your your area. It can get really crazy at times out there and many nasty words have been exchanged between anglers over the years.
Personally, I avoid all that mess and make it a point to head down river to many of the great spots that are holding big fish and lot's of them. Best part is that in most cases you will have the area all to yourself to fish. While many anglers get caught up in that thought that all the fish in the Fall are up at the dam, you can enjoy some great fishing minus the crazy crowd of boats.
This past week I have been find good concentrations of both walleye and sauger down river in Pool-13 and they have been biting well.
So don't get caught up in that "Bumper Boat" mentality up at the dam. Head down stream and find your own sweet spot without all the commotion of boats banging into each other. Fishing is great so get out and enjoy the Fall season.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Ah yes, you can tell Fall has truly arrived once again. All you have to do is look up by the dam in Pool-13 and you know it is here. Every year in the fall what I describe as "Bumper Boat Fishing" takes place up by the dams on the Mississippi River.
For you folks that do not know what bumper boat fishing is, let me explain. It's when you have many boats up by the dam in search of walleye and sauger. These boats can be so close together at times that you could literally walk from boat to boat. When someone in another boat see's you hook a fish, watch out because in a matter of seconds that boat will be encroaching on your your area. It can get really crazy at times out there and many nasty words have been exchanged between anglers over the years.
Personally, I avoid all that mess and make it a point to head down river to many of the great spots that are holding big fish and lot's of them. Best part is that in most cases you will have the area all to yourself to fish. While many anglers get caught up in that thought that all the fish in the Fall are up at the dam, you can enjoy some great fishing minus the crazy crowd of boats.
This past week I have been find good concentrations of both walleye and sauger down river in Pool-13 and they have been biting well.
So don't get caught up in that "Bumper Boat" mentality up at the dam. Head down stream and find your own sweet spot without all the commotion of boats banging into each other. Fishing is great so get out and enjoy the Fall season.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Friday, October 18, 2013
POOLS 9-10 & 11 HEATING UP!!!
Greetings All:
Well, this last week I have been fishing Pools 9-10 & 11 and have been doing very well. Lots of good walleye and sauger action starting up with the cooler water. Most fish coming on Northland Fireball jig/minnow rigs using big 3" minnows. If you are getting short strikes, simply ad a stinger hook. Work the areas of current breaks and any structure in water that causes an eddy to form. Wing dams are also starting to get much better. Tailwater angling still on the slow side in most locations. Look for this to pick up soon.
This weekend forecast to be quite nasty out. Rain, wind and cold will make for some tough conditions. Dress warm and wear that rain suit to break the cold winds. Also, wear that PFD since hypothermia can set in quickly this time of the year if you happen to fall in. Be safe, not sorry.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well, this last week I have been fishing Pools 9-10 & 11 and have been doing very well. Lots of good walleye and sauger action starting up with the cooler water. Most fish coming on Northland Fireball jig/minnow rigs using big 3" minnows. If you are getting short strikes, simply ad a stinger hook. Work the areas of current breaks and any structure in water that causes an eddy to form. Wing dams are also starting to get much better. Tailwater angling still on the slow side in most locations. Look for this to pick up soon.
This weekend forecast to be quite nasty out. Rain, wind and cold will make for some tough conditions. Dress warm and wear that rain suit to break the cold winds. Also, wear that PFD since hypothermia can set in quickly this time of the year if you happen to fall in. Be safe, not sorry.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Thursday, October 10, 2013
COOL NIGHTS MAKING FOR SOME HOT FISHING!!!
Greetings All:
Well, with the much cooler night we have been experiencing here in the Midwest, water temperatures in both lakes and rivers have taken a dive. With the cooler water, fish are really starting to put on the feed bag for the upcoming Winter season ahead.
Here on the Mississippi River, look for good action for many species right now. Excellent white bass action on jigs still going on. Many nice walleye and sauger being taken on wingdams and rocky shorelines. Live bait best here. Panfish action picking up also with some nice crappie showing up in the backwaters that are accessible. Many are low and entry not available at this time. If you fish the backwater areas, look for the deepest water available to start your search. Deep water near structure in the water producing best at this time. Minnows for crappie, larvae type baits for the bluegills. For you bass fisherman, try topwater baits in the afternoon for good bass action. Spinnerbaits also working well. Use big blades for best results.
A chance of some rain in the forecast for this coming weekend so don't forget that rain suit. All in all, look for great fishing here on the Mississippi river. Fishing in Pools 9-10-11-12-13 & 14 should only get better from here on into late Fall.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well, with the much cooler night we have been experiencing here in the Midwest, water temperatures in both lakes and rivers have taken a dive. With the cooler water, fish are really starting to put on the feed bag for the upcoming Winter season ahead.
Here on the Mississippi River, look for good action for many species right now. Excellent white bass action on jigs still going on. Many nice walleye and sauger being taken on wingdams and rocky shorelines. Live bait best here. Panfish action picking up also with some nice crappie showing up in the backwaters that are accessible. Many are low and entry not available at this time. If you fish the backwater areas, look for the deepest water available to start your search. Deep water near structure in the water producing best at this time. Minnows for crappie, larvae type baits for the bluegills. For you bass fisherman, try topwater baits in the afternoon for good bass action. Spinnerbaits also working well. Use big blades for best results.
A chance of some rain in the forecast for this coming weekend so don't forget that rain suit. All in all, look for great fishing here on the Mississippi river. Fishing in Pools 9-10-11-12-13 & 14 should only get better from here on into late Fall.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Thursday, October 3, 2013
OCTOBER STRIPERS ON THE FEED!!!!
Greetings All:
Well hopefully you have had a chance to get out on the Mississippi River and enjoy some of the great Fall White Bass fishing that is happening right now. Even in these low water conditions the bite is really happening. I have been fishing Pools-11-12 & 13 with equally great results. Those of you that listen to me on ESPN know I just love the October White Bass bite when it is common to catch many big fish over 3 pounds.
Right now the best results have been coming from fishing long wing dams that extend out near the main river channel. Jig/twister rigs in bright colors working well. Another great spot I have been getting huge fish near 4 pounds are the sand flat areas near the main channel and also where a stream or river enters the Mississippi. For these locations it's tough to beat a 1/4th. Ounce, all white hair jig right now. Use light line, a light rod and make long casts. The white hair jig is a favorite of mine for these October fighters and they really hit it hard. Vary your retrieve till you find what they are looking for.
I'll tell you my friends, if you can, make some time to get out on the Mississippi River and enjoy some of the fastest Fall fishing of your life. Be safe, wear that PFD and save a few for me...................
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well hopefully you have had a chance to get out on the Mississippi River and enjoy some of the great Fall White Bass fishing that is happening right now. Even in these low water conditions the bite is really happening. I have been fishing Pools-11-12 & 13 with equally great results. Those of you that listen to me on ESPN know I just love the October White Bass bite when it is common to catch many big fish over 3 pounds.
Right now the best results have been coming from fishing long wing dams that extend out near the main river channel. Jig/twister rigs in bright colors working well. Another great spot I have been getting huge fish near 4 pounds are the sand flat areas near the main channel and also where a stream or river enters the Mississippi. For these locations it's tough to beat a 1/4th. Ounce, all white hair jig right now. Use light line, a light rod and make long casts. The white hair jig is a favorite of mine for these October fighters and they really hit it hard. Vary your retrieve till you find what they are looking for.
I'll tell you my friends, if you can, make some time to get out on the Mississippi River and enjoy some of the fastest Fall fishing of your life. Be safe, wear that PFD and save a few for me...................
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Friday, September 27, 2013
LOW WATER TIDBITS!!!
Greetings All:
Well, with another weekend fast approaching the low water conditions on the Mississippi River continue. From Pools 9 thru 15, low water is really starting to effect things. Many of the backwaters are inaccessible at this time with most boats. Those you can get into are shallow and the fish are hard to locate. Between the low water and low oxygen levels, the fish have moved to deeper holes, (if you can find one back there) and are quite lethargic. Best bets are on the main river where you have current flow to mix the water and provide oxygen.
Look for the bluegill bite to be still holding up. Walleye spotty on wingdams on crawlers and floating crank baits trolled. Some smallmouth bass action available near rocks that have current. Crappie also spotty.
Rain is forecast for Saturday but not enough predicted to help with the drought. Hopefully Mother Nature will provide some good rains in the near future to get the river levels up before freeze up.
Good luck, be safe and enjoy the river.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well, with another weekend fast approaching the low water conditions on the Mississippi River continue. From Pools 9 thru 15, low water is really starting to effect things. Many of the backwaters are inaccessible at this time with most boats. Those you can get into are shallow and the fish are hard to locate. Between the low water and low oxygen levels, the fish have moved to deeper holes, (if you can find one back there) and are quite lethargic. Best bets are on the main river where you have current flow to mix the water and provide oxygen.
Look for the bluegill bite to be still holding up. Walleye spotty on wingdams on crawlers and floating crank baits trolled. Some smallmouth bass action available near rocks that have current. Crappie also spotty.
Rain is forecast for Saturday but not enough predicted to help with the drought. Hopefully Mother Nature will provide some good rains in the near future to get the river levels up before freeze up.
Good luck, be safe and enjoy the river.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 19, 2013
UPCOMING WEEKING LOOKING GOOD FOR RIVER FISHING!!!
Greetings All:
Well, with another weekend fast approaching it looks like the storms here in the Midwest will be gone by Mid-Friday. Currently forecasters are calling for a great weekend to be out on the water. Look for much cooler temperatures to move in and this should get those fish moving once again. For you folks that like white bass, look for many good sized fish on the deep water sides of the many wing dams along the Mississippi. If you do not get a hit in 15 minutes or so, move to a new location until fish are found. Once you locate them you will have a ball enjoying the fast action. Best results have been using a 1/4th ounce all white hair jig tipped with a 2" twister tail. If that is not working, don't hesitate to experiment to see what the fish are looking for on that particular day.
The fish are there so get out and enjoy some quality time on the water. Be safe and enjoy the outdoors.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well, with another weekend fast approaching it looks like the storms here in the Midwest will be gone by Mid-Friday. Currently forecasters are calling for a great weekend to be out on the water. Look for much cooler temperatures to move in and this should get those fish moving once again. For you folks that like white bass, look for many good sized fish on the deep water sides of the many wing dams along the Mississippi. If you do not get a hit in 15 minutes or so, move to a new location until fish are found. Once you locate them you will have a ball enjoying the fast action. Best results have been using a 1/4th ounce all white hair jig tipped with a 2" twister tail. If that is not working, don't hesitate to experiment to see what the fish are looking for on that particular day.
The fish are there so get out and enjoy some quality time on the water. Be safe and enjoy the outdoors.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Saturday, September 14, 2013
RIVER BLUEGILL FISHING GREAT!!!
Greetings All:
If you like to catch bluegill, right now is the time to be out on the Mississippi River. All up and down Pools 10 through 14 the bluegill bite is fantastic. All you need is some worms, a small float and some small hooks. Fish a piece of worm about 1 1/2 feet under the float near rocky structures and also dead falls and hang on. Lots of fish in the 7 to 9 inch size range available. What a great time to get the kids out to enjoy the fast action. This bite should last until the water temperatures start to drop.
Get yourself a nice mess of these bluegills, fillet them up and you have some mighty fine eating. Deep fried with a side of fried potatoes and some coleslaw or beans and you have a great meal. Hopefully you can get out and enjoy.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
If you like to catch bluegill, right now is the time to be out on the Mississippi River. All up and down Pools 10 through 14 the bluegill bite is fantastic. All you need is some worms, a small float and some small hooks. Fish a piece of worm about 1 1/2 feet under the float near rocky structures and also dead falls and hang on. Lots of fish in the 7 to 9 inch size range available. What a great time to get the kids out to enjoy the fast action. This bite should last until the water temperatures start to drop.
Get yourself a nice mess of these bluegills, fillet them up and you have some mighty fine eating. Deep fried with a side of fried potatoes and some coleslaw or beans and you have a great meal. Hopefully you can get out and enjoy.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 5, 2013
FLASH DROUGHT HURTING RIVER ANGLING!!!
Greetings All:
Well, the weather service has coined a new term. We have all heard of flash floods but now there is a new term, "Flash Drought". Right now here in the Midwest there are some places along the Mississippi River that have not seen rain in the last 30 days. This has contributed to the river being extremely low. In fact, there are places on the Mississippi River where shore anglers are walking out to the middle of the river on the long wing dams far from shore to get to fishable water. With Fall just around the corner these conditions are not at all a welcome thing.
The unfortunate part is that there is no substantial rain forecast for at least the next week with rising temperatures also forecast. All these conditions combined are just adding to a serious situation. Unless we get some much needed rains, look for Fall fishing to be greatly affected. Hopefully Mother Nature will turn on the spigot and send those much need rains to the Midwest.
Unless we get these much needed rains look for the Mississippi River to keep getting lower in water levels which will adversely effect the upcoming Fall angling season. Not only that, the duck hunters will find many marsh areas that normally hold ducks and geese during the Fall will be dry. Lets hope this situation changes in the near future.
Regards: Last Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well, the weather service has coined a new term. We have all heard of flash floods but now there is a new term, "Flash Drought". Right now here in the Midwest there are some places along the Mississippi River that have not seen rain in the last 30 days. This has contributed to the river being extremely low. In fact, there are places on the Mississippi River where shore anglers are walking out to the middle of the river on the long wing dams far from shore to get to fishable water. With Fall just around the corner these conditions are not at all a welcome thing.
The unfortunate part is that there is no substantial rain forecast for at least the next week with rising temperatures also forecast. All these conditions combined are just adding to a serious situation. Unless we get some much needed rains, look for Fall fishing to be greatly affected. Hopefully Mother Nature will turn on the spigot and send those much need rains to the Midwest.
Unless we get these much needed rains look for the Mississippi River to keep getting lower in water levels which will adversely effect the upcoming Fall angling season. Not only that, the duck hunters will find many marsh areas that normally hold ducks and geese during the Fall will be dry. Lets hope this situation changes in the near future.
Regards: Last Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)