the big muddy -- help

Post by **sparky** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 10:02 am

Went out to my camp on the Mississippi yesterday and found the river looked more like the big Miss. in the States -- extremely high, full of suspended junk and about the colour and clarity of a Tim's double-double. After retrieving an escaped kayak from the weeds (it was high and dry the day before), we tried a few casts, but it seemed hopeless. And just when the bass bite was picking up, too. Anybody have any ideas for fishing in conditions like this? I'd imagine you'd want to fish near shore and with big, noisy baits, but I've never had much luck in crap like this. Anyone... ?

Post by **Squib** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:06 am

Yeah, I was out on the Mississippi @ Blakeney Saturday AM. The only success I had was using floating flies on the surface and then it was hit or miss. Landed 2 smallies that weren't worth mentioning really except they prevented a "skunk".

I think in conditions like that regardless of the technique it's really hit or miss. The fish were active so I was able to target an area but fishing blind I think the best advice is the cover as much as possible and hope for the best with hi vis bait. something with vibration like a buzz bait or prop bait would probably help too.

Post by **M.T. Livewell** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 8:57 am

The mighty Ottawa isn't any better.

Was out with my kids on Sat evening drifting worms, caught a nice cat.

Sunday morning out with MT Sr., couldn't see lures more than 6" below the water. Managed one smallie in about 4 feet of water in a place where I'm normally good for least half a dozen. And I threw the tacklebox at them, loud, quiet, bright, dark. (Turns out the white spinner bait caught this one.

).

Can't wait till the water settles back down a little. Feels more like May fishing that September.

M.T. Livewell

Post by **sparky** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:55 am

I think I'll give the river a rest for a few days, get some household chores done and let the water clear up and go down a bit. I was out for a couple of hours on Saturday, tried rattlebaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and prop baits, and got nothing. This was in a stretch I know very well, and where I NEVER get skunked (well, hardly ever).

Post by **U.L.** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 11:06 am

Sparky, maybe in shallower areas(5 ft) use a dark hula popper. They will sense it with the pop and will get e better sight on it with the dark silouhette. Excuse the spelling. We were on the Rideau last night and had good luck with it. Take care.

U.L.

Post by **U.L.** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 11:11 am

Sorry M.T.. I guess I said the same thing basicly what you said. I have to learn to read the whole thread before putting in my 2 cents.

U.L.

Post by **Canadian Wiggler** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 10:16 pm

where I NEVER get skunked (well, hardly ever).

Haha ha ha ha, sure.

Post by **slushpuppy** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 11:22 pm

Bowzog and I were yakfishing on the Mississippi on Sunday, between the 417 bridge and another bridge that's upstream from the new 417 bridge. Water was high and dirty. No bites all afternoon, until we headed back to the launch site. I noticed something splash in the water by the weeds upstream from the 417 bridge. Oooo goodie, something's feeding. I cast and wham, caught a 20" pike. It wasn't that much of a beauty, was covered with those black spots. I was using a yellow twistertail with a worm. No more hits, so Bowzog decided to try the same spot while I tried by the old bridge pilings, usually a sure spot for bass. Bowzog ended up catching two larger pike and 2 nice size perch. He was using a minnow.

Not a huge result, but we didn't get skunked.