Fish-Hawk.Net

Well I was introduced to the Blakeney stretch of the Mississippi this weekend. It's a nice section with free parking at the conservation area, easy access and lots of wadable water, though care must be taken in spots. While our day was cut sort due to threatening weather, while we were on the water the SM action was exceptional with a number of 12" smallies. Nothing huge but they were all loved to tail dance on the water.

While we focused on the upstream portions, a post fishing hike to the bottom of the rapids revealed some very nice water/structure that looked very promising. It wouldn't suprise me to find some nice muskie hanging around the tailout as well.

Todd

Todd, I used to fish ultra light down there for years.Only spot other than the obvious zones to watch for is right past the bridge going towards Almonte, the ist rapid to cross is the one that almost made my brother and I a permanent fixture.


Water can be tricky to wade in areas, but the fishing can be amazing!!!! Lots of great smallie, and in the tail out Walleye are king(From what we have caught)

Awsome place to fish bro!

F.F

Hey Todd,

First time ever that I've (maybe) got more experience in a spot than you!

I've fished that area quite a bit, and had some nice luck. Best day was when arrived in the morning when it was still completely dark out. Oh yea, now I remember how you feel about early morning fishing!

Anyway, my bigger fish have come out of that deep channel above the bridge. Below the bridge has been all little shavers for me.

I haven't had any luck at the tail out, but haven't tried too hard either. It's tough wading down there, a big boulder field that should hold some nice fish. I just didn't hit them at the right time, and got tired of balancing on basketballs.

And for more news...

My summer is officially over. Had to take my wife to the hospital last night. C-section tomorrow morning. 2 months early. Mom and baby are stable now, and everything looks like it's going to be ok. But...

You'll be needing to spend some extra time on the water for me, cause it looks like I'll be a little busy elsewhere the next few months!

Now I'm off to the General.

Geoff

Geoff,

Sounds like you need to bring your parents or inlaws up for a month just so that you can get some time on the water! Besides, I'm sure they'd like to spend some time with the new baby.

As for the water, the next time I'm down there I'm definitely going to try the little side channel that the trail crosses. There was a nice big pool along it that looked like it would hold a few nice ones.

Cheers,
Todd

I live only 5 min from Blakeney but I thought that area was a fish sanctuary. I've misplaced my regs. Anyone know for sure?

bobfly

Only during spawn. Opens up when bass season opens.

By the way, little girl today!

8 weeks sooner than she was supposed to get here, but she's doing great. And luckily for us, she's in the slot limit so we get to keep her!

According to the "regulations", you have to keep all that you catch. Now, you'll have to start shopping for some kid sized fishing equipment. Never too soon to start them.

bobfly

I'll be trying Blakeney soon. My "baby" is 27 this year so I'm relatively free to go when I want.

I was totally snakebit on the fly today. I tried everything in my fly box. Almost seemed like my flies had a scent to them. Everything I tried was useless. Fish would come in for a closer look and vamoose quickly. Switched to the finesse rig and managed a dozen. Great spot to fly fish though. Any thoughts on my flies?? I tried black, white, chartreuse wooly buggers, dragonfly patterns, crawdad pattern, left deceivers, jigs you name it.
BA

BA - Sounds to me like you were fishin'!

You dredged everything through there that should work. Sometimes they just aren't buying what you're selling.

Anybody ever drift fat nymph patterns for bass in water like this? I've heard of it, but never tried it myself. I think these fish get quite a bit of pressure, but I'd be surprised if they've ever seen a big old prince pattern.

And...I hesitate to admit this in a public forum...but when I'm getting worked over and I just want to hook something to break the bad luck...I've got a godawful cheap orange foam "cricket" that 10 inch smallies seem to love. Don't have a clue where it came from (or how I would replace it if I ever lost it ).

BA,

Try a #6 olive beadhead woolly bugger. If they're not hitting sub-surface, tie on a small (#8-12) panfish popper. Black and purple have been good colours on bright days. You'll be suprised at how agressive the SM can be even when they won't hit anything under the surface. They just can't resist a quick buggy meal. LOL

Cheers,
Todd

Therein lies my problem I think. Most of the flies I tied on were 1/0. Although I did try a few 6 and 8's. Ok, I guess I'll go back and try again. I mean I just hate fishin you know. LOL
BA

Me and the gf were pounding the smallies at Blakeney today(#6 olive beadhead woolly bugger). The water is down just enough for safe wading across the first set of rapids below the bridge. From there you can get to all kinds of nice pools, etc.

Todd

Finally got to the Blakeney bridge last week a couple of times just before dark and got plenty of action on a humpy (Tom Thumb). Parked right at the water (south side of the bridge) and waded in to the first few pools. Contrary to my last post, it is 7 minutes from my house. Great spot. Thanks guys!

bobfly

Went out again today. Seems like everyone around was there enjoying the good weather and the fishing. Well the water levels were down at least 6-10" from Friday, allowing us to wade from bridge all the way down to the bottom of the rapids. There's also a nice little step lake if you take the western most channel. Another couple hiked down from the west side of the bridge. In any case, the pocket water produced a lot of fun smallmouth action. Fish were averaging about 10", though we had a number of nice 12" fish, not to mention a big 14" at the tail out that got away.

Todd

bobfly,

Next time you're there you should give the tailouts at the bottom of the rapids a try. I lost a nice 14" SM down there on Sunday. If you park on the west side (where the park sign is located), there is a nature trail (just to the right of the gravel access road) that will take you down to the bottom of the rapids.

There is also another intermediate pool on the east side that I believe you can walk down from the road.