Greetings All;
Why is Spring one of my favorite seasons to be out on the Mississippi? Well, maybe it's because of the great fishing that is available to those willing to learn its secrets. Right now, another one of my favorite species of fish are really putting on the feedbag. I'm speaking of the hard fighting, great tasting Catfish.
With ideal river conditions occurring, the catfish are really putting on the feedbag and many nice fish are available to anglers fishing for them. For some excellent Channel Catfish action, try fishing either worms or cutbait along the main channel edges. The catfish are currently using these areas and good catches have been the rule. Another method I have been using this past week is to float a single nightcrawler under a slip float rig with the current through likely fish holding areas. Set your initial depth about 3 to 4 feet deep and adjust as necessary. Add a few splitshot to your line about a foot or so up from the hook on your line and your ready to go. Let the current drift that crawler down river and hang on. The catfish have been hitting this rig hard and I look for this great bite to continue.
Hopefully mother Nature will not provide any whammies in the weather department and you can get out and enjoy.
Till Next Time,,,,Take Care and I'll See you On The Water.......................
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Monday, May 11, 2015
THE "SILVER BULLETS" ARE ON THE BITE!!!!!
Greetings all;
Just wanted to let everyone know that the White Bass bite on the Mississippi River in Pools 11-12 & 13 has been great. Without a doubt this has been one of the best Spring runs in many years with lots of nice big fish available.
This last week I have had the best success using a 1/4th. ounce, all white hair jig and casting to the fish. I tie my own hair jigs and the all white color has been driving the fish crazy. Best action has come fan casting areas like steep tapering, rocky shorelines, and wingdams. I have also had great success fishing big sand flat areas down river from river bends. Thoroughly work the area by casting at a 45 degree upstream angle and let the jig drift down river as you retrieve it. I have not been using any type of trailer on my jig but if you wish you can attach a 2" twister tail of the same color to your jig to give it a bulkier appearance.
With fish close to the three pound mark available, this is shaping up to be one of the best early run of these "Silver Bullets" that I have seen in quite a while. Hopefully you can get out and enjoy before the fish move into their Summer holding patterns. I do look for the current pattern to hold up for at least another 3 weeks or more, pending any drastic weather changes in river conditions.
Till next Time, Take Care and I'll see You On The Water...........
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Just wanted to let everyone know that the White Bass bite on the Mississippi River in Pools 11-12 & 13 has been great. Without a doubt this has been one of the best Spring runs in many years with lots of nice big fish available.
This last week I have had the best success using a 1/4th. ounce, all white hair jig and casting to the fish. I tie my own hair jigs and the all white color has been driving the fish crazy. Best action has come fan casting areas like steep tapering, rocky shorelines, and wingdams. I have also had great success fishing big sand flat areas down river from river bends. Thoroughly work the area by casting at a 45 degree upstream angle and let the jig drift down river as you retrieve it. I have not been using any type of trailer on my jig but if you wish you can attach a 2" twister tail of the same color to your jig to give it a bulkier appearance.
With fish close to the three pound mark available, this is shaping up to be one of the best early run of these "Silver Bullets" that I have seen in quite a while. Hopefully you can get out and enjoy before the fish move into their Summer holding patterns. I do look for the current pattern to hold up for at least another 3 weeks or more, pending any drastic weather changes in river conditions.
Till next Time, Take Care and I'll see You On The Water...........
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
DRIFT FISHING BITE IS HOT RIGHT NOW!!!
Greetings All:
For those of you folks that are making your plans for the upcoming weekend and those of you that can fish during the week, the Mississippi River bite has been hot despite of all the rain we have had here in the Midwest. The water clarity in Pools 10 through 14 has been really good and the fish have been responding well.
Best presentation the last few days has been drifting a single nightcrawler under a small float with the current near structure. Simply hook the crawler through its nose using a Salmon Egg hook and that's it. I also put about 3 to 4 split shot about 2 foot up on the line from the hook to keep the crawler down in the fish zone. Set your float at 3 to 4 feet deep as your initial setting and adjust the depth as necessary from there. For best results, use a line no heavier than 8 pound test. Also use a rod 6'6" or longer for best results in the medium to medium light range. Simply cast the crawler rig upstream from the structure you are targeting and let the current drift the crawler downriver. Keep a fairly tight line for best control and if there are fish there you will know very quickly. Simply repeat your drifts on the structure you choose.
Right now this drifting presentation of a single nightcrawler in this natural looking presentation is really working well for all species of fish.
That's it my friends, give this rig a try and I know you will be pleased with the results.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
For those of you folks that are making your plans for the upcoming weekend and those of you that can fish during the week, the Mississippi River bite has been hot despite of all the rain we have had here in the Midwest. The water clarity in Pools 10 through 14 has been really good and the fish have been responding well.
Best presentation the last few days has been drifting a single nightcrawler under a small float with the current near structure. Simply hook the crawler through its nose using a Salmon Egg hook and that's it. I also put about 3 to 4 split shot about 2 foot up on the line from the hook to keep the crawler down in the fish zone. Set your float at 3 to 4 feet deep as your initial setting and adjust the depth as necessary from there. For best results, use a line no heavier than 8 pound test. Also use a rod 6'6" or longer for best results in the medium to medium light range. Simply cast the crawler rig upstream from the structure you are targeting and let the current drift the crawler downriver. Keep a fairly tight line for best control and if there are fish there you will know very quickly. Simply repeat your drifts on the structure you choose.
Right now this drifting presentation of a single nightcrawler in this natural looking presentation is really working well for all species of fish.
That's it my friends, give this rig a try and I know you will be pleased with the results.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
MISSISSIPPI RIVER UPDATE!!!
Greetings All;
Just an update for you folks that may be planning a trip to the Mississippi River this coming weekend for some fishing.
Due to the last few days of sustained high winds and gusts of over 40 MPH., the river has really muddied up. In Pools 11-12-13-14, the main river is very muddied up with just about zero visibility in the water. This will make fishing next to impossible until the river clears. Actually, the fishing is still possible, it's the catching that will be the problem. Once the winds lay down, it will take at least 3 days or so for the river to start clearing up and be fishable once again. If your set on coming out, best bet is to head into some of the many backwater areas and search out the cleanest water you can find. There are some panfish that are available back in these areas.
Just wanted to post this information for those of you thinking of heading to the river this weekend.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Just an update for you folks that may be planning a trip to the Mississippi River this coming weekend for some fishing.
Due to the last few days of sustained high winds and gusts of over 40 MPH., the river has really muddied up. In Pools 11-12-13-14, the main river is very muddied up with just about zero visibility in the water. This will make fishing next to impossible until the river clears. Actually, the fishing is still possible, it's the catching that will be the problem. Once the winds lay down, it will take at least 3 days or so for the river to start clearing up and be fishable once again. If your set on coming out, best bet is to head into some of the many backwater areas and search out the cleanest water you can find. There are some panfish that are available back in these areas.
Just wanted to post this information for those of you thinking of heading to the river this weekend.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Monday, April 20, 2015
A FEW STRIPERS STARTING TO SHOW UP ON THE RIVER!!!
Greetings All:
Just a quick update. The last few days some really nice big Stripers have been showing up in Pools 12 and 13. This is the time of the year I start looking for them with the coming month of May really being the jackpot month for these scrappy fish to arrive in force. One set back though is this cold front that is expected to be in the Midwest area for the next few days accompanied by very strong winds. This will act to slow the bite down until we once again get some sunny, warmer weather.
For you folks that like fishing for Stripers, get ready for a great year on the Mississippi with many very large fish available to catch. Stay tuned here for updates on when it gets better as I am checking on them on an almost daily basis. I realize it's a tough job but someone has to do it.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Just a quick update. The last few days some really nice big Stripers have been showing up in Pools 12 and 13. This is the time of the year I start looking for them with the coming month of May really being the jackpot month for these scrappy fish to arrive in force. One set back though is this cold front that is expected to be in the Midwest area for the next few days accompanied by very strong winds. This will act to slow the bite down until we once again get some sunny, warmer weather.
For you folks that like fishing for Stripers, get ready for a great year on the Mississippi with many very large fish available to catch. Stay tuned here for updates on when it gets better as I am checking on them on an almost daily basis. I realize it's a tough job but someone has to do it.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
MISSISSIPPI RIVER WALLEYE AND SAUGER ON THE SPAWN!!!
Greetings All:
If your wondering what happened to the great walleye and sauger bite that was happening on the Mississippi river, it's simple. The Walleye and sauger are busy making baby fish and are not biting at this time. Now granted, all the fish do not spawn at the same time so you can still catch a few here and there, but the hot bite that we have been experiencing is not very hot any more.
Look for the fishing for these two species to remain on the slow side until after the spawn is completed and the fish go into their post spawn feeding frenzy. This usually takes a few weeks or so depending on the weather and water temps.
Best bet now is to head into those many backwater areas and cash in on the early crappie bite that is just starting. You can also find some hungry bluegill to take home for the frying pan. As a bonus, try casting noisy spinner baits in the backwaters for some of the very nice northern that are available there.
Great weather in the forecast my friends so hopefully you can make some time to get out and enjoy some great fishing on the Mississippi River.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
If your wondering what happened to the great walleye and sauger bite that was happening on the Mississippi river, it's simple. The Walleye and sauger are busy making baby fish and are not biting at this time. Now granted, all the fish do not spawn at the same time so you can still catch a few here and there, but the hot bite that we have been experiencing is not very hot any more.
Look for the fishing for these two species to remain on the slow side until after the spawn is completed and the fish go into their post spawn feeding frenzy. This usually takes a few weeks or so depending on the weather and water temps.
Best bet now is to head into those many backwater areas and cash in on the early crappie bite that is just starting. You can also find some hungry bluegill to take home for the frying pan. As a bonus, try casting noisy spinner baits in the backwaters for some of the very nice northern that are available there.
Great weather in the forecast my friends so hopefully you can make some time to get out and enjoy some great fishing on the Mississippi River.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Monday, April 6, 2015
LOOK FOR FORECAST RAIN TO SLOW THE BITE!!
Greetings All;
Well it looks like the streak of dry weather is coming to an end. With rain forecast here in the Midwest for the next 3 to 4 days, look for the Mississippi river to start losing the very clear water we have been experiencing. Conditions have been excellent with the good water clarity and the fish have been responding. Look for runoff to occur which will quickly muddy up the river and limit visibility in the water. With some good winds also forecast, this will help the muddying process.
The best bet will be to search out those areas that are somewhat sheltered such as backwater bays and sloughs where the mixing of the water is not as bad. As of this report, these type of areas are holding good numbers of fish of all species. Crappie action picking up but look for the rain to slow it once again. Bluegill slow. Some excellent Northern in the backwater areas using bass style lures and casting near visible structure in the water. Walleye and sauger scattered and with poor visibilities expect, look for them to be tough to catch. Also, many walleye and sauger are starting their spawn which will take them off the bite.
The bright spot is that the coming weekend looks excellent in the weather department, even though the water will still be stained if the rains happen as forecast. Hopefully you can get out and enjoy.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well it looks like the streak of dry weather is coming to an end. With rain forecast here in the Midwest for the next 3 to 4 days, look for the Mississippi river to start losing the very clear water we have been experiencing. Conditions have been excellent with the good water clarity and the fish have been responding. Look for runoff to occur which will quickly muddy up the river and limit visibility in the water. With some good winds also forecast, this will help the muddying process.
The best bet will be to search out those areas that are somewhat sheltered such as backwater bays and sloughs where the mixing of the water is not as bad. As of this report, these type of areas are holding good numbers of fish of all species. Crappie action picking up but look for the rain to slow it once again. Bluegill slow. Some excellent Northern in the backwater areas using bass style lures and casting near visible structure in the water. Walleye and sauger scattered and with poor visibilities expect, look for them to be tough to catch. Also, many walleye and sauger are starting their spawn which will take them off the bite.
The bright spot is that the coming weekend looks excellent in the weather department, even though the water will still be stained if the rains happen as forecast. Hopefully you can get out and enjoy.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Saturday, March 28, 2015
GOOD WALLEYE AND SAUGER AVAILABLE NOW!!!
Greetings:
Was out early this morning and wanted to pass this along to all my friends that fish the Mississippi river and those thinking of fishing it.
With the Mississippi River open and in good shape, the fishing so far for both walleye and sauger has been very good.
In Pools 12 and 13, I have been experiencing a really decent bite with many nice fish being caught. There are two things that I have been doing different that has really helped catch those fish. Getting away from the usual 3-way rigs many anglers choose to use in the Spring and also the locations I have been fishing.
Right now I have been having excellent success using hair jigs that I tip with a plastic trailer. Best trailer so far this past week has been a 2" piece of plastic worm that I simply attach to the hook of the jig and let it trail. The bucktail jigs I tie myself have been great using this method either tipped with a minnow or just plain. As far as color?, the most fish I have taken were on an all black jig head with a combination of black and orange hair. This color scheme has been outstanding. Start with a 1/4th. ounce weight and adjust to the current conditions as necessary. For the plastic trailer, black or purple have worked best.
The second thing I have been doing is not fishing up at the dams. Right now there are many down river spots holding good fish that are hungry and never see an angler. River bend areas, sand flat areas and any creeks and streams that dump water into the river are holding fish. Look for distinct current breaks in these areas and you will find the fish. Fan cast the areas completely, changing your retrieve until you find what the fish are looking for. Also, stay within a foot or so of the bottom for best results. The water is still cold and the fish will not chase your lure far.
The walleye and sauger are available in many spots down river from the crowds up at the dam. So why not go and find your special honey hole? With great weather forecast, get out and enjoy.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Was out early this morning and wanted to pass this along to all my friends that fish the Mississippi river and those thinking of fishing it.
With the Mississippi River open and in good shape, the fishing so far for both walleye and sauger has been very good.
In Pools 12 and 13, I have been experiencing a really decent bite with many nice fish being caught. There are two things that I have been doing different that has really helped catch those fish. Getting away from the usual 3-way rigs many anglers choose to use in the Spring and also the locations I have been fishing.
Right now I have been having excellent success using hair jigs that I tip with a plastic trailer. Best trailer so far this past week has been a 2" piece of plastic worm that I simply attach to the hook of the jig and let it trail. The bucktail jigs I tie myself have been great using this method either tipped with a minnow or just plain. As far as color?, the most fish I have taken were on an all black jig head with a combination of black and orange hair. This color scheme has been outstanding. Start with a 1/4th. ounce weight and adjust to the current conditions as necessary. For the plastic trailer, black or purple have worked best.
The second thing I have been doing is not fishing up at the dams. Right now there are many down river spots holding good fish that are hungry and never see an angler. River bend areas, sand flat areas and any creeks and streams that dump water into the river are holding fish. Look for distinct current breaks in these areas and you will find the fish. Fan cast the areas completely, changing your retrieve until you find what the fish are looking for. Also, stay within a foot or so of the bottom for best results. The water is still cold and the fish will not chase your lure far.
The walleye and sauger are available in many spots down river from the crowds up at the dam. So why not go and find your special honey hole? With great weather forecast, get out and enjoy.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Monday, March 23, 2015
ICE OUT CATFISH ON THE PROWL!!!
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
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 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
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