Fishing the Upper Mississippi River

My good friend Eric and I met up with a couple of buddies and took a camping trip on the Upper Mississippi this past week. It added up to be one of the best/most memorable trips I have been a part of.

 As I look back on the trip, and flip through photos, I find the mighty Miss' calling me back. That system found a way into my heart, and already, I can't wait to return. Flows were low, and fishing was average at best, but the scenery, diversity of flora and fauna, coupled with the variety of fishing opportunities and techniques made for the outdoorsman's ultimate playground.

I never thought this river and it's endless backwaters would have such a tremendous effect on me. She has buried herself deep into my heart, I look forward to many trips to come.

 Don't let the flat waters deceive you. This river's power is endless. This tree was obviously not rooted where it lays now.

 Barges and trains run day and night

 The caddis hatch was impressive

 Surf rod for catfish? Sure!

Bass on glass and more recent activity

Here are some shots of recent outings between myself and friend Eric. 

 Looks like the Foam Dragon from http://www.flyfishfood.com/ is workin' well

 Eric caught this golden shiner on a crank bait, no kidding! I think that might be pretty darn close to the state record HERE.

 Bigmouth

 This little fella ate a foxy clouser

 First bass on the new glass rod (size doesn't matter)

They really do like that foam dragon. Topwater is so fun.

Opening weekend

My good friend Eric and I got out for the opener both Saturday and Sunday. While the water temps are still low, and winds sometimes a bit frustrating, we did manage to tie into a few nice fish. 

10 minutes in this spot netted us over 8 pounds of smallmouth bewtween these two fish. 

I managed a couple bluegills as well, on a pheasant tail nymph under a Chernobyl ant. No photos though, sorry folks.

Fishies beware....

I got a new boat this weekend (new to me at least) and I am pretty excited about it. I can't wait to explore new waters. I will be hitting the Milwaukee Harbor hard and I'm very excited to get out on some of the inland lakes I've been ice fishing this winter. 

I purchased it used, but seriously can't tell if it ever even got wet. It already comes with a couple of flush mount rod holders, as well as tons of storage. I will be adding a couple of forward mount rod holders and perhaps a fish locator in the future.

For now I am going to fish a couple times with just the basics. That way I can get a better idea of where and how I want things mounted/located.