12/6/09 Fox Warm Water Discharge

[Ken G]

Travis and Lance, apparently you didn't tag them all.
Got a bunch at Ed's Hole (that don't sound right) but Travis will remember a conversation from when the three of us fished. That spot changed after last years big flood. It's a good foot deeper. Walked around in it after catching fish.

Wound up with 10, only missed 2 others, the biggest was 16 inches. Was swimming the jig along the shore and watched it come out from under the roots. Lance was right, they were VERY tight to shore. At least that big one.

Had something big on in the corner, didn't hit like a carp. The carp were jumping all over the place back in there. Very odd. Wonder if something bigger was there. Lots of little ones jumping, which is even odder.

[twade]

Once I saw some one else heading down the river bank and I stayed near the hole for awhile. I wanted to throw the fly rod and hope that the smallies or carp will take to it. Once I got my fish I was pretty distracted. One part getting cold, one part trying to figure out who was ahead me, I wanted to ditch the fly rod on the bank and hoped that some one didn't think it was left behind. Next time I am doing either one or the other. It kind of jacked up my game. Plus since the float and fly, crappie jig, hit I was sticking with it. I did not hug the shore line. Lesson learned, no biggy.

Still pretty new to river fishing, won't complain about getting a bite in temp's most people wont go out in.

[Ken G]

I never carry more than one rod just for that reason. Tried it once, that was enough.

Can't beat December smallies, except for January smallies.

I keep saying that's my last time out for the year. I should return my leaky waders and that will solve that.

[twade]

As long as it is only your waders leaking than you are fine.

If you premeditate another weekend before it all goes to heck let me know... apparently premolested water won't affect your catch count.

[Special Ed]

Nice work fellas. I was there in spirit today.

Finally winterized the boat and both motors.

I cleaned up all my ice gear and have it 90% ready for first ice NEXT weekend!

Started working on both my class projects that are due at the end of the week. (I'm a Pro Crastinator)

I still have all those minnows left, and I know there are walleyes under the dams in Aurora and North Aurora. Damn projects.

[twade]

I'll take em.

I know you are super busy but... if you want to hit the dams I can sneak out for a late bite or any time Tuesday.

I tried the N. Aurora for about 1/2 hour on my way home. But I was done before I got there.. wasn't worth the stop.

[Ken G]

apparently premolested water won't affect your catch count.

I have that knack I guess.

Put a post up on WCF and I have a longer version in my head that will eventually go here. It touches on what you mentioned. And a bunch of other shit that's running around in my head. It get's crowded in there, I'll tell ya.

Too bad about NA. Too much water this fall to make it worth it.

[twade]

I don't think WCF likes me, everytime I try to open an account I never get the "OK" back. Ever.

I'll leave that place alone for now ... I can't multi-task post any ways.

As far as NA. Not even a spooked fish, minnows, nothing. I did hear of a guy getting an 8 count walleye at the dam. Who knows. Fishermen like to talk ...

PS You should take on that steelhead trip.. heck I would.

[Special Ed]

The river eyes will move up river all winter long. Some early, some late, some here, some there. It's what they are programmed to do. On the way to the dam, they will gobble up easy meals. The dams are holding areas, the fish hit the dam and stop, they find a low current area and stage for spawn. They will move out of the holding areas to feed (mostly at night, but daylight feeding is not uncommon especially in less than clear water). So what you need to find are the feeding areas (areas eyes can push bait shallow to ambush), the underwater highway, and the staging areas. Locate those 3 pieces of structure and you will find your eyes.

Also, I think the relatively low catches of walleye this year has been due in part to the high water like Ken said, and the unbelievably clear water we have been experiencing.

[Ken G]

If I get ambitious or buggy, I'm going to hit the east shore across from the flats over the winter. It has all that you mention. Plus, that stretch is where I've caught my most walleye. At least the bigger ones. Those gravel bars that stick out into the river is where I've got them, as well as the discharge seam out from the flats. Especially as you get closer to the power lines.

Pools with what I call natural dams. They go up into some much shallower water. They are everywhere on the river. One of these days I'll finish my maps of the river and mark all that I know about.