Water temp on Nov. 20 was an outrageously warm 46.3 degrees. ambient air temp was 36, with snow showers driven by a sustained 15 mph wind.

I only fished about 4 hours. Boated several short walleyes and a 3-foot sturgeon. By the way it fought I thought sure it was the BIG ONE.

A lifetime spent fishin’ the River has led to the conclusion that dancing with big, fat walleyes under brutal conditions is my favorite thing in the outdoors.

Talkin’ November into ice up in December & early February into mid-March as soon as ice goes out. these times are a study in fishing instead of catching. There are days when you might catch 50 walleye/sauger. Other days you might only tussle with a couple of fish.

The unknown is why i don’t actively seek guide work during these times. I would work–but few folks are willing to fork over hard earned cash with a possibility that only a goat or sturgeon will stretch their string. That’s okay. Nov. 15 was the last guide trip on the books in 2024.

Looking back on the past 3 years in comparison to the 3 years before that guide income was 30% in 20-24….even facoring in the year of perpetual flood and a global pandemic.

In the 20+ years i’ve been guiding on Pool 9 there is a month to 6 weeks when severe flooding causes folks to cancel or reschedule guide trips. That’s okay. Fishin’ can be tough. This year we had serious flooding from June 7 til almost the end of July.

I remember one solo trip when the 2 mile long road to the New Albin boat ramp was under water clear up to the edge of town. I was catching bass with 10 fow under the boat ON THE ROAD about 300 yds. East of town. Not a soul in sight.

My USCG captain’s license is set to expire next March. After serious soul searching, I’ve decided to renew it. the reason? I’ve realized teaching folks about fishing the River is at the top of my purpose of life list.

There may not be many more blogs between now and ice out late winter in February. But know, Lord willin’ I’ll be out there, fishin’ til the end of my days. Hope you can join me in 2025