Fishing has been ‘tough for almost 3 weeks. Foot surgery and a blown powerhead on my outboard hobbled me til Valentine’s Day. Back with a vengeance since then but the fish just didn’t wanna dance much

here’s the deal…for the past several days I’ve been on quality panfish in 9-12 fow,  walleyes in 22-24’. Only averaging about 1-2 fish per hour. Reason is low dissolved 02 levels and profound arctic high pressure until 48 hrs. ago. Since this time we’ve seen a lot of snowmelt which is finding its way into the River. There is now water on the ice. ATV access still fairly ‘safe” in the backwaters for the next 7-10 days. 12+” of clear ice this morning, but we’re losing 2+” per day. There is less ice at creek entry points, around springs and current areas in running sloughs.

I predict the bit will pick up dramatically within 72 hours as water starts to run into the holes which fish have refused to come thru for the past week or so.

The River mainstem is still ice covered. This should change by the weekend, both on pool 9 and the River upstream. I plan on being back in the boat here by March 1 WITH A SOLID PLAN B FOR RECOVERING THE BOAT as upstream ice will likely block egress for awhile.

I plan on fun fishin’ until March 15. Available to guide after that, but first open day is March 24.

The decision to continue working was not an easy one. Purpose is a major drive in a man’s life. My mission is teaching others about the majesty of the Mississippi as long as physically and mentally capable, or until age 78–which ever comes first.

However, the days of grinding as a fishing guide are over! I plan on working a max for 2 days per week going forward, with at least 70% of the trips being established clientele. I’ve had to adjust multi-angler guide trip prices slightly this year primarily due to outrageous cost of gear replacement.  All taxes & fees are included in stated trip prices.

Every healthy day on the planet is a gift from God. When this alloted time is counted in dog years fetching the stick isn’t part of the program.

Going forward I’m just gonna sit in the boat and bark. A select few who are good with this situation are welcome to join me.

Stay safe out there!