Greetings All;
With the river open now and with many anglers heading out, its a great time to start fishing those freshly thawed backwater slough areas for the hungry catfish that are available there.
Every year as the ice melts those dead fish that have been frozen in the ice over the Winter months sink to the bottom and the catfish are there in huge numbers to gobble them up. Look for those dark bottom bay areas that warm up quickly and enjoy some fast catfish action. As far as bait, I like to fish fresh smelt right on the bottom and have been having excellent results.
Cast the bait out and after it sinks to the bottom, take up the slack in the line, leaving just a little. Leave your reel bail open and wait for the bite to happen. When the catfish takes your offering, close your bail and give it a moment to get the bait in its mouth before setting the hook.
Right now is a great time to get out and fish for these hungry catfish that are feeding heavily in a backwater slough near you on the river. Its a bite that many anglers are not even aware is happening.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Monday, March 23, 2015
Monday, March 16, 2015
MISSISSIPPI RIVER POOL-13 OPEN TO ANGLERS!!!
Greetings All;
I'm happy to report that as of this post, the Mississippi River at Bellevue, Iowa, is open for fishing. There are still ice chunks in the river but with the warm weather it is opening up fast. Many folks are fishing close to the dam with mixed results for Walleye and sauger. I have been making my way down river as conditions permit and have found good concentrations of fish that are hungry for my offering. Was out this morning for a few hours and did well on a mixed bag of both Walleye and sauger fishing jigs in current break areas.
Another area that is hot this time of the season is fishing those discharge areas where warmer water is coming into the river. Bait fish are moving into these areas and the game fish are not far behind looking for an easy meal.
Look for rising water levels as the melt off continues but remember the fish are still there, they have just changed their location to avoid the harsh currents of Spring.
With dry and tolerable temperatures forecast for the upcoming 10 days, hopefully you can make some time to get out and shed those Winter cobwebs. One thing for sure, the Mississippi River will have you recharging your own batteries after the long Winter season.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
I'm happy to report that as of this post, the Mississippi River at Bellevue, Iowa, is open for fishing. There are still ice chunks in the river but with the warm weather it is opening up fast. Many folks are fishing close to the dam with mixed results for Walleye and sauger. I have been making my way down river as conditions permit and have found good concentrations of fish that are hungry for my offering. Was out this morning for a few hours and did well on a mixed bag of both Walleye and sauger fishing jigs in current break areas.
Another area that is hot this time of the season is fishing those discharge areas where warmer water is coming into the river. Bait fish are moving into these areas and the game fish are not far behind looking for an easy meal.
Look for rising water levels as the melt off continues but remember the fish are still there, they have just changed their location to avoid the harsh currents of Spring.
With dry and tolerable temperatures forecast for the upcoming 10 days, hopefully you can make some time to get out and shed those Winter cobwebs. One thing for sure, the Mississippi River will have you recharging your own batteries after the long Winter season.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Friday, March 13, 2015
LIMITED OPEN WATER ANGLING STARTING!!!
Greetings All;
Just a quick update on a few open water angling opportunities that are available right now on the Mississippi River.
Went out early this morning and checked a few of my favorite wingdams that I am able to fish from shore and found some good, open fishable water there. Best part is that there were a few nice Northern cruising these areas and in less than one hour I hooked and landed 5 really nice fish. I was casting spinnerbaits with big noisy blade that had lots of flash also. Just a nice steady retrieve was all that was needed. Only reel in fast enough to get those blades turning in the water. The Northern hit this presentation by coming up from behind the bait and engulfing it. All the Northern were safely released to grow and fight again.
With open water areas showing up more every day, hopefully you can find a good shoreline spot to cast for these quality Northern that are hungry for your offering.
Enjoy the weekend warm weather and catch a few for me.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Just a quick update on a few open water angling opportunities that are available right now on the Mississippi River.
Went out early this morning and checked a few of my favorite wingdams that I am able to fish from shore and found some good, open fishable water there. Best part is that there were a few nice Northern cruising these areas and in less than one hour I hooked and landed 5 really nice fish. I was casting spinnerbaits with big noisy blade that had lots of flash also. Just a nice steady retrieve was all that was needed. Only reel in fast enough to get those blades turning in the water. The Northern hit this presentation by coming up from behind the bait and engulfing it. All the Northern were safely released to grow and fight again.
With open water areas showing up more every day, hopefully you can find a good shoreline spot to cast for these quality Northern that are hungry for your offering.
Enjoy the weekend warm weather and catch a few for me.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Thursday, March 12, 2015
ICE ANGLERS BEWARE, THE ICE IS LEAVING US FAST!!!!
Greetings all;
Just a reminder that the warm weather is making the ice go away very fast in most Midwest locations. Use extreme caution if venturing out for some late season ice fishing. Be especially careful in areas that have even the slightest current running under the ice. This will only quicken the ice melting and cause very dangerous conditions much quicker.
Farm ponds and river backwaters are also going out quickly so use caution there also.
If your looking for something to do, its a great time to get all your open water tackle ready for the upcoming fishing season. With this very mild weather expected to last for a while, open water angling is not far away at all.
Be safe out there and know those ice conditions before heading out.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Just a reminder that the warm weather is making the ice go away very fast in most Midwest locations. Use extreme caution if venturing out for some late season ice fishing. Be especially careful in areas that have even the slightest current running under the ice. This will only quicken the ice melting and cause very dangerous conditions much quicker.
Farm ponds and river backwaters are also going out quickly so use caution there also.
If your looking for something to do, its a great time to get all your open water tackle ready for the upcoming fishing season. With this very mild weather expected to last for a while, open water angling is not far away at all.
Be safe out there and know those ice conditions before heading out.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
ULTIMATE SPORTSMANS PICKUP TRUCK!!!
Greetings All;
It's that time of the year again and I am happy to announce that once again I will be showcasing the "Ultimate Sportsmans" Pickup Truck at shows across the Midwest.
With the cooperation of Chevrolet Motors this years truck will be a 2015 Chevrolet 1500 Crew Cab Pickup. This truck is being designed with all the bells and whistles that will make any sportsman happy. Whatever your pleasure, be it fishing, hunting, camping or boating, this truck will have features that will make your trips in the outdoors a pleasure.
Equipped with only the finest in equipment from manufacturers of truck equipment this 2015 Chevrolet is one of a kind.
Stay tuned for more information coming on this beautiful, "Ultimate Sportsmans Pickup Truck" and just where you can see it..
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
It's that time of the year again and I am happy to announce that once again I will be showcasing the "Ultimate Sportsmans" Pickup Truck at shows across the Midwest.
With the cooperation of Chevrolet Motors this years truck will be a 2015 Chevrolet 1500 Crew Cab Pickup. This truck is being designed with all the bells and whistles that will make any sportsman happy. Whatever your pleasure, be it fishing, hunting, camping or boating, this truck will have features that will make your trips in the outdoors a pleasure.
Equipped with only the finest in equipment from manufacturers of truck equipment this 2015 Chevrolet is one of a kind.
Stay tuned for more information coming on this beautiful, "Ultimate Sportsmans Pickup Truck" and just where you can see it..
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Friday, March 6, 2015
MILD WEATHER FORCAST, LOOK FOR HOT FISHING!!!
Greetings All:
Just a quick note to let you all know that the current ice fishing conditions here in the Midwest are great. Lots of fish available to the anglers going out. On the Mississippi River, backwater areas producing all species. Lots of nice panfish and some big northern on tip ups.
Hot fishing also available in farm ponds for many different species. Good ice is still available but keep in mind that with the temperature forecast in the 50s this coming week the ice conditions will get very slushy and start to deteriorate quickly. Keep in mind that in areas with current under the ice this will happen even faster.
Note: I look for the Mississippi river to open quickly if the weather man is correct and the warm temperatures forecast the next few weeks occur.
Enjoy the remainder if the ice fishing season while the safe ice is still plentiful. It has been a great season but I am looking forward to the great open water season that is just around the corner.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Just a quick note to let you all know that the current ice fishing conditions here in the Midwest are great. Lots of fish available to the anglers going out. On the Mississippi River, backwater areas producing all species. Lots of nice panfish and some big northern on tip ups.
Hot fishing also available in farm ponds for many different species. Good ice is still available but keep in mind that with the temperature forecast in the 50s this coming week the ice conditions will get very slushy and start to deteriorate quickly. Keep in mind that in areas with current under the ice this will happen even faster.
Note: I look for the Mississippi river to open quickly if the weather man is correct and the warm temperatures forecast the next few weeks occur.
Enjoy the remainder if the ice fishing season while the safe ice is still plentiful. It has been a great season but I am looking forward to the great open water season that is just around the corner.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Thursday, February 26, 2015
GREAT ICE ANGLING CONTINUES ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER!!!
Greetings all;
Just a quick update to let you all know that the great ice fishing in the backwater areas of the Mississippi River continues to be hot. Anglers all up and down the river from Lake Pepin to the North down to New Boston Illinois are enjoying safe ice conditions and lots of hungry fish. Excellent populations of panfish are available along with some banner northern fishing. The real sleeper fish this season has been the explosion of perch that are being caught all up and down the different river pools. Lots of quality eater sized perch are being caught on minnows and also larvae type baits. Also some good crappie action available in backwater areas near deadfalls in the water. Bluegill action continues to be good fishing the weedlines. When starting your search in these backwater areas, look for the deepest water available and start your search there.
With the excellent ice that has been available, this ice fishing season has been an excellent time to get out and explore those many backwater areas the Mississippi River has to offer.
Be safe on the ice, wear that PFD and save a few for me........
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Just a quick update to let you all know that the great ice fishing in the backwater areas of the Mississippi River continues to be hot. Anglers all up and down the river from Lake Pepin to the North down to New Boston Illinois are enjoying safe ice conditions and lots of hungry fish. Excellent populations of panfish are available along with some banner northern fishing. The real sleeper fish this season has been the explosion of perch that are being caught all up and down the different river pools. Lots of quality eater sized perch are being caught on minnows and also larvae type baits. Also some good crappie action available in backwater areas near deadfalls in the water. Bluegill action continues to be good fishing the weedlines. When starting your search in these backwater areas, look for the deepest water available and start your search there.
With the excellent ice that has been available, this ice fishing season has been an excellent time to get out and explore those many backwater areas the Mississippi River has to offer.
Be safe on the ice, wear that PFD and save a few for me........
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
MISSISSIPPI RIVER BACKWATER FISHING GREAT!!!
Greetings All:
With the amount of good ice we now have here along the Mississippi River the ice fishing is in full swing. Many backwater areas are producing excellent catches of both panfish and Northern. In Pool-13, the Browns Lake area located near Green Island, Iowa has had some steady crappie action in the afternoon hours into dark. Small minnows and wax worms have been the preferred baits. Further downriver in the Sabula, Iowa lakes area you will find a good mixed bag of fish coming in. Some nice slab crappie have been taken along with numerous big bluegill. As a bonus, don't be surprised if you hook into one of the many nice Northern that are cruising under the ice.
With this extreme cold we are experiencing as of today, the coming weekend forecast has temperatures moderating into the upper 20's, near 30 which will make for some great conditions to be out on the ice. Hopefully if you like to ice fish you can get out and enjoy some of the great ice fishing that I mentioned.
Note: Other Mississippi River Pools further North are also experiencing some good action. Best is to call ahead to a local bait shop in the area you intend to fish. With that said, Good Luck and great Fishing!!!!!!
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
With the amount of good ice we now have here along the Mississippi River the ice fishing is in full swing. Many backwater areas are producing excellent catches of both panfish and Northern. In Pool-13, the Browns Lake area located near Green Island, Iowa has had some steady crappie action in the afternoon hours into dark. Small minnows and wax worms have been the preferred baits. Further downriver in the Sabula, Iowa lakes area you will find a good mixed bag of fish coming in. Some nice slab crappie have been taken along with numerous big bluegill. As a bonus, don't be surprised if you hook into one of the many nice Northern that are cruising under the ice.
With this extreme cold we are experiencing as of today, the coming weekend forecast has temperatures moderating into the upper 20's, near 30 which will make for some great conditions to be out on the ice. Hopefully if you like to ice fish you can get out and enjoy some of the great ice fishing that I mentioned.
Note: Other Mississippi River Pools further North are also experiencing some good action. Best is to call ahead to a local bait shop in the area you intend to fish. With that said, Good Luck and great Fishing!!!!!!
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Saturday, February 7, 2015
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS FISHING GOING ON!!!
Greetings All:
Both fishing the open water below the dam in Bellevue on the Mississippi River or exploring the backwater areas and ice fishing, you can enjoy some great action going on now.
Backwater areas still have safe ice although the melt off that happened today will make for slushy conditions, good panfish action is available. Use small baits for the bluegill near the edges of old weed beds and small minnows for those crappie near deadfalls laying in the water. Best time for the crappie has been late afternoon into dusk.
For you folks looking for open water, good sauger action happening in tailwater area on jig/minnow rigs fished vertical. I have been having excellent luck fishing a 1/4th. ounce bucktail jig and tipping it with a short piece of plastic worm. You can fish this with or without a minnow. Keep it on or near the bottom for best results and fish it slow.
Right now the best of both fishing worlds is happening on the Mississippi River. Hopefully you can make some time to get out and enjoy.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Both fishing the open water below the dam in Bellevue on the Mississippi River or exploring the backwater areas and ice fishing, you can enjoy some great action going on now.
Backwater areas still have safe ice although the melt off that happened today will make for slushy conditions, good panfish action is available. Use small baits for the bluegill near the edges of old weed beds and small minnows for those crappie near deadfalls laying in the water. Best time for the crappie has been late afternoon into dusk.
For you folks looking for open water, good sauger action happening in tailwater area on jig/minnow rigs fished vertical. I have been having excellent luck fishing a 1/4th. ounce bucktail jig and tipping it with a short piece of plastic worm. You can fish this with or without a minnow. Keep it on or near the bottom for best results and fish it slow.
Right now the best of both fishing worlds is happening on the Mississippi River. Hopefully you can make some time to get out and enjoy.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Monday, February 2, 2015
BLIZZARD CONDITIONS HAVE PUT ANGLING ON HOLD!!!
Greetings All:
The big blizzard that rolled through the Iowa, Illinois Midwest has put a halt to folks going out fishing.
With up to 15 inches of new snow from this storm of yesterday, most traveling to areas to fish is not advised.
For you folks chomping at the bit for some safe ice fishing, I'm afraid that with the heavy snowcover acting as a blanket, those lakes and farm pond that were iffy to start with as far as safe ice have become even more dangerous. If you do decide to venture out in the next few days as the roads clear, use extreme caution when walking out onto the ice. You cannot see what is below the snow and that is not good.
For you folks that have been fishing the tailwater areas of the Mississippi river like I have, this storm is just a bump in the road. The open water in the tailwaters continues to have excellent fishing available for bis sauger and Walleye. The big problem is finding a place to launch your boat. Some cities with launch ramps try to keep them open, but with other snow duties going on this is not a priority. Best bet is to call ahead to the area you intend to fish and find out if the ramps are available to launch.
Which ever form of fishing you choose, just be very careful out there. Even though it's Winter, wear that PFD when venturing out on both the ice and also in the open tailwater areas. Safety is always number one.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
The big blizzard that rolled through the Iowa, Illinois Midwest has put a halt to folks going out fishing.
With up to 15 inches of new snow from this storm of yesterday, most traveling to areas to fish is not advised.
For you folks chomping at the bit for some safe ice fishing, I'm afraid that with the heavy snowcover acting as a blanket, those lakes and farm pond that were iffy to start with as far as safe ice have become even more dangerous. If you do decide to venture out in the next few days as the roads clear, use extreme caution when walking out onto the ice. You cannot see what is below the snow and that is not good.
For you folks that have been fishing the tailwater areas of the Mississippi river like I have, this storm is just a bump in the road. The open water in the tailwaters continues to have excellent fishing available for bis sauger and Walleye. The big problem is finding a place to launch your boat. Some cities with launch ramps try to keep them open, but with other snow duties going on this is not a priority. Best bet is to call ahead to the area you intend to fish and find out if the ramps are available to launch.
Which ever form of fishing you choose, just be very careful out there. Even though it's Winter, wear that PFD when venturing out on both the ice and also in the open tailwater areas. Safety is always number one.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
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