Early Season Walleyes

 

Like a whirling dervish I tore around the house trying to get my boat water ready after its rather short winter rest. Just like anything else I normally attempt in such fashion, things just did not go as smoothly as I wanted.   I quietly (and not so quietly) vented my frustration for not having the foresight to get this done earlier in the week. After three consecutive days of balmy early March weather, it was all going to come crashing to a halt with a fast approaching major cold front.   But for now, spring was in the air and I shed layers of clothing to remain comfortable. 

 

Glowing reports from friends fortunate enough to be fishing the previous two days had the adrenalin pumping. As I drove the fifty plus miles to this day’s destination, I couldn’t help but notice the wind buffeting my rig as I cruised down the road. Of more concern, was the twenty degree drop in temperature in a little less than two hours.   Fortunately, I knew river fish are not as susceptible to “lock Jaw” that lake fish are so notorious for under these conditions.   As an added bonus, the deteriorating weather had the landing and parking lot just about cleared of competition by the time I arrived.

 

As I approached the lock side of the river, large chunks of floating ice were evidence of a recent break-up. In fact, the ice along the lock side had broken up just hours before; the scenario could not have been more perfect. Electronics revealed pods of fish in the area. Due to the lack of current and smooth bottom, I was able to “dead stick” a Lindy rig while jigging with another. Within minutes we were into fish, not the cookie cutter 12” fish common this time of year in some of the community holes, but chunky two to four pound wallys and saugs. For the next three hours we had continuous action. We remained relatively comfortable tucked up against the western bank, impervious to the wind’s chilling effects.   After the wind swung due north hitting us head on, we finally had to call it quits.  

 

For many Wisconsinites, March is not often viewed as one chock-full of outdoor opportunities. March finds itself caught in a perpetual meteorological tug of war between winter and spring. On any given day we can be caressed by warm spring breezes from the south and within hours be pummeled by a howling northwest wind as temperatures plummet.   No good weather deed goes unpunished in March. 

 

Those in pursuit of piscatorial pleasures do have some choices. While walleye season will not be open for two more months on inland waters, there are still viable options for those wishing to get their fix chasing the “wall eyed wonder.” Whether you want one for the wall or numbers of action fish, the Mississippi has it all. The great river does not play favorites, as anyone can be a hero on any given day. One of the biggest eyes I ever saw yanked out of the river was by a grizzled old man in a 12’ Alumacraft which was surrounded by thirty thousand dollar high tech power rigs. He held up the fish for all to see and said “That’s what they look like boys!” The icing on the cake was that while putting it on a stringer he muttered, “I’ll eat off this one for a week.”

 

The locks and dams of the Mississippi are the destination of many from this area as well as from the surrounding states. Since it is the only game in town for the moment, you will have plenty of company. When I first began fishing the river, the crowds were a source of frustration. Now I know what I am in for and enjoy it for what it is, simply a chance to get a jump on the open water season and boat some fish.   For those willing to leave the popular community holes and do a little searching, there are fish for the taking in spots where you can enjoy your solitude.  

 

 

Since late fall/early winter, pods of fish have been slowly making their way upstream in preparation for the spawn. The locks and dams of the river halt this upstream migration effectively concentrating the fish. As a general rule, walleyes occupy the shallower depths while their cousins, the sauger, dwell deeper. Saugers also seem to tolerate more current.   Giant flathead catfish can be an extra bonus this time of year and really spice up the day.     

 

During the latter part of February and into early March the river is often running low and clear.  Since the invasion of zebra muscles, the water seems to be even clearer this time of year.   As a rule, the current is usually slow and a pleasure to work a boat in. With such clear water, nighttime is definitely the right time to boat the pigs. Despite the abundance of people during the day, by the time the sun sets you will have the river to yourself. 

 

Structure around the dam and a half mile downstream usually holds the lion’s share of the fish. Within this area, the washout hole and wing dams are prime spots worth checking out. After you’re done with the more popular spots, it’s time to investigate the less obvious spots. Deep outside river bends, clam beds and bridge abutments can yield some nice catches with much less competition.

 

Ice cover can also be a structural element worth checking out. I often find active fish while jigging right along the edge of intact ice. As eluded to earlier in this article, areas recently uncovered by ice can yield some good catches. In regards to the latter scenario, timing is everything as the action usually only lasts a day or two. 

 

I still remember the first day I discovered this pattern. The river was packed with guys. You would have thought the bite was super hot based on the number of boats. In reality it was terribly slow. Looking for solitude, I noticed a large swath of boat free area around an iced in channel. As I examined it, I began thinking how the ice represented a distinct edge which might attract fish. My hunch was right and I was soon into some nice saugers.  

 

Over the years I’ve learned to bring fish into the boat as surreptitiously as possible.   If not, catch them and they will come, the “they” being guys looking to horn in on a hot bite. I had been doing well swinging fish into the boat without being seen. My luck ran out after boating a particularly nice sauger. I looked up just in time to see a guy pointing at me from about 70 yards away and talking to his mates. Soon all three heads were eyeballing me and I was busted.   The onslaught of boats efficiently and effectively turned my honey hole into a, “see ya later fish, hole.”            

 

Things change in a hurry once the melt starts. The water turns into a sediment laden witches brew fraught with nautical hazards requiring the utmost care when motoring.   To keep on fish you will need to adapt with a change of tactics and locations.   They’re still there and they still need to eat.  

 

The key is locating current breaks. Once the river overflows its banks, fish will invade the woods looking for respite from the current. I have had some dandy catches in the timber. Weedless “timber” type jigs are the ticket. You also need a rod capable of horsing fish out of logs and other debris without much messing around.    

 

One of the more efficient ways I’ve found to search for active fish is with a modified three-way rig. The key to this system is the three-way swivel. The line from your rod is tied to one eye. In the traditional three-way or Wolf River rig, one of the other two eyes holds a bell sinker connected by a 6” dropper. On the modified three-way, also known as an Iowa rig, the 6” dropper has a large jig attached giving you another fish hooking opportunity. A ¾ ounce jig is normally sufficient to plumb the depths in average current. The final eye has a floating jig or plain hook tipped with a minnow attached by a longer line. The length of this line depends on water clarity. On average, mine usually run about 24”. 

 

This type of rig requires a rod with some backbone. A 7’ medium heavy action rod is perfect. A baitcaster loaded with 12lb test line completes the package.   I usually use a little lighter line on the dropper because once snagged, I only loose a jig and not the entire package.   With this rig I probe the edge of the washout hole, around wing dams and any other cover which may hold fish. When on the move, you need to make sure the rig stays in contact with (or very close to) the bottom. I constantly monitor proximity to the bottom and adjust accordingly by either letting out or reeling in line. A slow pumping or swimming motion is often all that is needed. 

 

I learned a long time ago that fast, aggressive jigging is often ineffective in such cold water. Remember the water at this time of year is extremely cold, barely above freezing. Fish being cold blooded creatures correspondingly have reduced metabolism and activity levels.   They normally don’t want to work too hard for a meal in March. 

 

I have often said I would rather be lucky than good and luck definitely led to the discovery of this presentation. I had been working two rods, one which I was actively jigging while the other was in a rod holder with a Lindy rig. After snagging the rig, I put the jig down to try and free the other rod. After a minute or two I noticed the tip start bending on the pole with the jig. I figured I had another snag. I was pleasantly surprised with a beautiful four pound eye. Not putting two and two together just yet, I put another minnow on the jig, cast it out and went back to work on the snagged rig. I soon had a second fish in the boat identical to the first. This one also came on the jig being dragged on the bottom. 

 

At the time I was dead in the water at the mercy of the current as my trolling motor had just died. I was just lazily drifting around in an eddy where a tributary entered the main river. I had a guy get so close he bumped my boat trying to see what I was using for bait. I finally just lifted it right in front of his face and said, “1/8 ounce chartreuse fuzzy grub.” He put one on and remained fishless due to his failure to stop ripping his jig off up the bottom in aggressive two foot sweeps.   He was in the right area with the right bait, but he failed to realize that without the correct presentation, he was bound to remain fishless. I rarely use any other presentation this time of year. In an area with a lot of snags, you just want to “swim” the jig above the bottom. I sometimes give just a wiggle of an inch or two to trigger bites.        

 

In water deeper than about ten feet, I’m normally vertical jigging. One of the greatest enhancements to this type of presentation has been the development of the “super lines” such as Fireline. With the increased sensitivity you can even distinguish the differences in bottom type as the jig bounces along the bottom. Fireline’s thinner diameter also reduces drag in current. Detractors often cite an increase in lost fish when bringing them in due to its no-stretch properties. Monofilament has much more stretch which equates to increased shock absorbing capabilities. This helps keep a tight line tight even when you make mistakes; however, with the stretch comes loss of sensitivity. Once you get the hang of landing fish on no-stretch line, I don’t think you loose anymore than you would on mono. Additionally, when fighting a fish on Fireline it feels as though you have the proverbial “tiger by the tail.” The line transmits every ounce of energy the fish is generating directly to you. In my book, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. 

 

“Slipping” with the current right down the main channel from the dam can also pay off. For those not familiar with slipping, it is basically a fancy name for drifting. However, some boat control is required as you want to keep the boat moving the same speed as the current. I really like my bow mount trolling motor for this. I keep the boat pointed upstream as I drift down. A short burst of power, either to speed up or slow down the drift, is all that is needed. As an old friend used to say, “There is more than one way to skin a cat,” so if you don’t have a bow mount trolling motor don’t worry. You’ll see plenty of fishermen using their outboards effectively when slipping, it all boils down to personnel preference and what works best for you. You can effectively cover the entire channel in multiple drifts by using this method. Again, a vertical presentation seems to work best.   

 

As I mentioned earlier in the right areas, i.e. relatively snag free, I like to use a rod with a Lindy rig. This gives me yet another chance to determine what the fish want on that day. I often just place this rod in a holder and keep an eye on it for action. Most days, fish will show a definite preference for either the rig or jig. 

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One of the hottest topics of late is the live bait vs. plastic debate. Over the last several years plastics have burst onto the scene. From ring worms to shad bodies to twister tails, the fact remains, more and more people are discovering just how truly effective these baits are. Companies have spent untold millions of dollars in their quest for the perfect formula combining both scent and texture in just the right combination. Despite my lifelong penchant for the real deal, I’ve slowly been making the transition to plastics.   They’re extremely durable, easy to use, and most importantly, effective. I know many who never even take live bait along on their early season forays.   I’m not to that point quite yet and in reality probably never will be, but plastics are definitely a welcome addition to my arsenal.  

 

Have Some Fun    

 

If you are looking for something a little different from shed hunting or late ice pan fish, why not give early season eyes a try. Pre-spawn walleyes and sauger provide a great excuse to get the boat out of mothballs and have some fun. The techniques described above are universal in that they can be applied to any similar river environment. Accordingly, they can be effective on the Wisconsin, Chippewa or any of the like. Remember, when navigating larger rivers such as the Mississippi, there can be all kinds of navigational hazards. Wing dams, sand bars, logs, chunks of ice and the like can sneak up on you in a hurry, not to mention other boats.   The human body does not function well in water barely above freezing so the utmost in care is required.   However, like any other cold weather activity, a little care, common sense, and the right equipment is all that is needed for a safe day out on the water.   Good luck!