Red River sumo Greenbacks with a Kewl video clip.

[Backwater Eddy]

The Walleye bite up on the Red River of the North is pronominal to say the lest this season. Many..many..fish up to, and some exceeding 15 pounds are falling for anglers tricks. I think a 20 will show up this season by the end of March...could happen..maybe even bigger..dream big right.



Backwater Eddy's New Years Day Sumo Hunt
[/URL][url]http://picasaweb.google.com/BackwaterEddy/ExportedVideos?feat=embedwebsite#52869008252956808 50 (http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=54839470298)

(The lucky angler in the video with the 15.3 beast is Ryan Gilbertson, Ryan also iced another 13 plus fish the next morning on a Red Tail flasher jig. I suspect it is his new Go-2 jig...don't you?)
:raisin:

[Mengo]

I can't view the clip without a password.

[walleye-on]

The Walleye bite up on the Red River of the North is pronominal to say the lest this season. Many..many..fish up to, and some exceeding 15 pounds are falling for anglers tricks. I think a 20 will show up this season by the end of March...could happen..maybe even bigger..dream big right.

Here is a Kewl clip I did up of our trip on New Years that will wet your appetite for Red River Greenbacks through the ice.


Backwater Eddy's New Years Day Sumo Hunt
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=54839470298
:raisin:
><,sUMo,>

Hi Backwater, can you expand on "angler tricks"? I'm wanting to go fish those greenbacks and was wondering what tips you could give me for tackling up for these fish. I presume it is current that you are fishing. What is the main lure and presentation you are using to catch 15 pound fish?!?

[Backwater Eddy]

The top 3 producers of sumo sized Greenbacks for me and many others the past few years have been the Red Cherry Bomb Glow Buckshot Rattle Jigs in 3/4 oz, Salmo #6 and #5 Chubby Darters in Luminescent Orange Dace, Gold Metallic Orange, Hot Perch, and the Gander Mtn exclusive pattern the Luminescent Blue Dace.

Line and rods. I like 4/15 Power Pro Ice as it cuts current well and has superior light bite detection. Rod choice for me is a rod at least 30" and up to 38" with a fast tip and some backbone. Barbless hook fishing in Manitoba requires longer rods to keep the tension on these big fish and keep them hooked up.

This season things have changed a bit, at least for now, it's all about the Reel Bait Red Tail Flasher Jigs in various glow patterns and the 24K Gold Plated model all in 1/2 to 3/4 oz. Some crews have caught there biggest Greenbacks on the Salmo Hot Perch in #6, it depends on where they are feeding, high or low. I keep a Chubby rigged and ready, a Flashers jig, and a third contrasting color jig...just in case.

What I have discovered is the biggest fish tend to ride high, often 10' off the bottom and as high as mid depth in as deep as 28', so that is up 14' and on the active hunt. All my biggest 30" plus walleyes have came at least 10' off bottom...every one. All of the big girls caught on this outing were at least 10' off...some higher.

No matter what lure your using a quality electronics unit is critical, I can not emphasize this strongly enough.

I run Vexilar FL-20's as do most of my fellow guide friends and buddy's up North. You need to keep your eye on the ball, they can come through at any level at any time of day, and you need to get in there field of vision quickly to get there attention. If you get behind them they stroll on bye, and you missed your chance. Without a quality sonar unit you greatly limited your options and opportunity to connect with a trophy. You need to know where they are and work them into a bite...trust me on this.

Unlike many fisheries the bite on the Red River of the North in Canada is get out before sunrise, set up, fish all day tell dusk, head for some hot chow, get some sleep...hit it again.

The night bite is not a pattern well proven..so far, the day bite is consistent. The deeper runs of the river appear to be doing the best at present, but that will change as winter progress's. Find a good run, set up, sit on it and have faith they will come. Run and gun is not as productive as grinding it out right now. Latter in March..then run and gun is key, more so on the big Lake Winnipeg.

The fishery is amazing, especially this season...man are they fat! I would live on the ice if I had the winter off to do so, and would expect some truly scary walleye to show up over the winter.

[Backwater Eddy]

I can't view the clip without a password.

You may need to sign in to do so?

[walleye-on]

The top 3 producers of sumo sized Greenbacks for me and many others the past few years have been the Red Cherry Bomb Glow Buckshot Rattle Jigs in 3/4 oz, Salmo #6 and #5 Chubby Darters in Luminescent Orange Dace, Gold Metallic Orange, Hot Perch, and the Gander Mtn exclusive pattern the Luminescent Blue Dace.

Line and rods. I like 4/15 Power Pro Ice as it cuts current well and has superior light bite detection. Rod choice for me is a rod at least 30" and up to 38" with a fast tip and some backbone. Barbless hook fishing in Manitoba requires longer rods to keep the tension on these big fish and keep them hooked up.

This season things have changed a bit, at least for now, it's all about the Reel Bait Red Tail Flasher Jigs in various glow patterns and the 24K Gold Plated model all in 1/2 to 3/4 oz. Some crews have caught there biggest Greenbacks on the Salmo Hot Perch in #6, it depends on where they are feeding, high or low. I keep a Chubby rigged and ready, a Flashers jig, and a third contrasting color jig...just in case.

What I have discovered is the biggest fish tend to ride high, often 10' off the bottom and as high as mid depth in as deep as 28', so that is up 14' and on the active hunt. All my biggest 30" plus walleyes have came at least 10' off bottom...every one. All of the big girls caught on this outing were at least 10' off...some higher.

No matter what lure your using a quality electronics unit is critical, I can not emphasize this strongly enough.

I run Vexilar FL-20's as do most of my fellow guide friends and buddy's up North. You need to keep your eye on the ball, they can come through at any level at any time of day, and you need to get in there field of vision quickly to get there attention. If you get behind them they stroll on bye, and you missed your chance. Without a quality sonar unit you greatly limited your options and opportunity to connect with a trophy. You need to know where they are and work them into a bite...trust me on this.

Unlike many fisheries the bite on the Red River of the North in Canada is get out before sunrise, set up, fish all day tell dusk, head for some hot chow, get some sleep...hit it again.

The night bite is not a pattern well proven..so far, the day bite is consistent. The deeper runs of the river appear to be doing the best at present, but that will change as winter progress's. Find a good run, set up, sit on it and have faith they will come. Run and gun is not as productive as grinding it out right now. Latter in March..then run and gun is key, more so on the big Lake Winnipeg.

The fishery is amazing, especially this season...man are they fat! I would live on the ice if I had the winter off to do so, and would expect some truly scary walleye to show up over the winter.

Eddy,

Thanks for the reply and the great information. I took 2 minutes and set up a facebook page for myself and was then able to view your video...very well done! I was wondering how big the walleye in the final frame was and what the lure is that is sticking out of its mouth? I can't quite make it out and when I blow up the picture all I see is a blurr. Is it a spoon? Jig? Chubby darter?

[Backwater Eddy]

The lucky angler in the video with the 15.3 beast is Ryan Gilbertson, Ryan also iced another 13 pound plus fish the next morning, on the same 3/4 oz Reel Bait Penguin Red Tail flasher jig.

I would suspect it is Ryan's new Go-2 jig on the Red.

[walleye-on]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to visit reelbait.com to get some of those Flasher jigs to add to my Chubby Darters! I was doing some snooping online and came across a report of a 16 pound, taxidermist certified, walleye coming out of the Red this past week. Do you know anything about this fish or whether your fellow anglers from the Red know of the fish?

[Backwater Eddy]

I have picked up on a possible 19 lb plus...so a 16 is not out of the ballpark on the Red...not at all.

We have seen 16's up there before. I predict we will see more high teenr's this year.

[walleye-on]

WOW!

A confirmation of either the 16 pound or 19 pound walleye would be earth shaking news!! A legitimate 16 pounder would rank in the Top 10 walleye ever caught through the ice and, as you know, a legitimate 19 pounder would break the current ice-caught world record by nearly 3/4 of a pound!!

Any chance of varifying either one of these stories?? To your knowledge would anyone know for sure?

[Thomas O]

Hi Ed, could you tell me how far the Red River area that you fish is from Bloomington, Mn? I live in Mi. but my brother lives in Bloomington and we both like to ice fish, so maybe a trip to the Red could be arranged. It would probably be as late as early March if the season is still open. On inland lakes in Mi. they close the walleye season March 31st to let them spawn and reopen in May. ( Not positive of the dates). Do they do the same up there? Thanks for any info. Tom

[walleye-on]

Hi Tom, I took the liberty of answering this question for Ed as I have found out who the outfitter is that put Ryan Gilbertson on his goliath 15.3 pounder that Ed reported on. This is also the same guide who's guest caught the varified 16 pounder that I was trying to find out about. Stu McKay is thee man on the Red and if you go to his website: www.catsonthered.net (http://www.catsonthered.net) you will find the information you are looking for under the "Destination Map" button as well as contact information so that you may reach Stu by email or phone to talk to him personally.

Hope this helps. I'm still trying to find out about the 19 pounder or New World Record allegedly caught recently in the Red River area. Anyone out there with any info?

[walleye-on]

I forgot to mention, Stu McKay is the one who says the REELBAIT Walleye Flasher jig will be soon recognized as "the lure that tamed Lake Winnipeg". He's mostly using the glow colored lures, namely the Penguin (glo blu/red/yellow) with a red hook and blade, and the Original Glow (luminous green) with bronze hook and nickel blade. 3/4 oz is the right size for the current and sheer size of the fish he's after. So, Tom, make sure you get some of these before you go or get some from Stu when you get there.

[Backwater Eddy]

The Penguin and the Reel Gold Plated 1/2 -3/4 oz is proving to be hot tickets on the Red right now.

Ryan was next to me and my fishing partner on the New Years Day outing when he pulled the 15.3 on the Reel Bait Flasher Jig in the Penguin 3/4 oz model. In our group that day we iced 8 over 28" in a relatively short day on the Red. Ryan iced another 13 plus the next morning on his new found hot-spot, on the same jig.

I also would recommend Stu McKay at "Cats on the Red" as the Go-2 man for up to date info on the bite and Stu can set you up on lodging and/or guided trips as needed.

Stu and I are long time friends and fishing buddy's and his love of the fishery has over the years cemented my respect for the man.

[Backwater Eddy]

Like I said, rumors of a 19. I suspect if it is indeed a solid report, it will break soon enough in a trade magazine or something along those lines.

I have all the confidence in the world they exist there, or even bigger. Either on the Red River or on Lake Winnipeg, it will happen.

Time will tell, she will show up sooner than latter is my gut feeling. I would kinda like to be there when she does. ;)

[Backwater Eddy]

Hi Ed, could you tell me how far the Red River area that you fish is from Bloomington, Mn? I live in Mi. but my brother lives in Bloomington and we both like to ice fish, so maybe a trip to the Red could be arranged. It would probably be as late as early March if the season is still open. On inland lakes in Mi. they close the walleye season March 31st to let them spawn and reopen in May. ( Not positive of the dates). Do they do the same up there? Thanks for any info. Tom

If your targeting the Sumo Greenbacks, than the section of the Red you will need to fish will be from Lockport MB Canada out to the big Lake Winnipeg. The area I mentioned is 20 to 30 minutes from down town Winnipeg MB Canada, easy access, great accommodations near.

March on the Lake has proven to be...well..hard to believe. Size and numbers are impressive to say the least. March was nuts last year.

Right now, the big fish are being caught on the Red River from Selkirk MB to the Lake. Reports that have came in from the Lake are not encouraging yet, but that will change as the days grow longer again.

The size of the fish in the Red River now...why run to the lake...really no need to? No reason to stray from the river at present, the biggest beasts are apparently in the Red right now, in impressive numbers.

If folks continue to practice CPR on these monarch fish, and practice selective harvest, we should see the most amazing walleye fishery I can imagine for years to come.

[walleye-on]

Eddy,

I couldn't agree with you more that "Catch and Release" is a vital component in producing an 18.3-plus pound (i.e., World Record) fish. That is another reason why your program with the single-barbless REELBAIT jigs is very promising. Gangs of trebles can be very timely to remove and it doesn't take long (even if a fish is not mortally wounded) to have their eyes and/or gills freeze. Once that happens the odds of the fish surviving are very low even if it swims away.

I think more fish die under the ice than we think. Due mainly to poor (slow) handling and release from deep water without following proper procedures.

[walleye-on]

Ed or anyone else out there,

Do you know of any other source or website that might know something about the 19 pounder? I know Travel Manitoba is a very good site for fishing information in Manitoba; but, it may be a bit too generalized to find out information like I'm after. Please help if you can.

[walleye-on]

Anyone?

[jacc2]

I live up here in winnipeg,mb and 32" fish are quite common. The fact that a 19# fish came out is not out of the relm of possibility. We have a large commercial fishery on the lake and the size of fish that get caught in the nets is unreal.

[walleye-on]

WOW!

32 inch fish are pretty rare. Looking at the photos of the fish in Ed's video link, these fish are built very solid. What would a 32 incher, built like these in the photos on the video weigh do you think?

[walleye-on]

I did a bit of checking and the current icefishing world-record walleye of 18.3 pound, caught in 2005 by Father Mariusz Zajac "fatherwalleye.com" from Tobin Lake measured 36.5" x 22.5". Considering the fish was caught on January 5th, the girth of the fish was not proportional to the length (this can be seen in the photos of the fish). If a 19 pounder has been caught from the Red I suspect the fish is pushing past 37 inches with, more or less, a similar sized girth.

Hope to see pictures and have story confirmed soon!

[Backwater Eddy]

WOW!

32 inch fish are pretty rare. Looking at the photos of the fish in Ed's video link, these fish are built very solid. What would a 32 incher, built like these in the photos on the video weigh do you think?

I caught fish 33" with less weight than Ryan's fatty football 15.3 in the clip in past ice seasons on the Canadian end of the Red River system . This season they have a serious case of Sumo going on, so they run extra heavy for the length. It is obvious, they are feeding well and likely will continue to do so.

This is why I anticipate some amazing weights documented this year by the end of March. In March, they will be about as heavy as they will ever get during the calendar year...or darn close to it. We will see I guess, just what pops out..... or squeezes up a hole.

[Thomas O]

Hi Ed, sent you a PM.

[Backwater Eddy]

PM received and back at ya.

[walleye-on]

I caught fish 33" with less weight than Ryan's fatty football 15.3 in the clip in past ice seasons on the Canadian end of the Red River system . This season they have a serious case of Sumo going on, so they run extra heavy for the length. It is obvious, they are feeding well and likely will continue to do so.

This is why I anticipate some amazing weights documented this year by the end of March. In March, they will be about as heavy as they will ever get during the calendar year...or darn close to it. We will see I guess, just what pops out..... or squeezes up a hole.

If Ryan's wasn't over 33" long I will be suprised. Do you recall what the measurements of that fish were? A buddy of mine caught one that went 16.2 lbs. and measured 33.5" long out of the river section of Tobin at Nipawin, Sask. The girth looked much thicker than Ryan's (which is the 16 pounder confirmed by the taxidermist according to Stuy McKay). So, I'm curious to know what an "average" 32" inch fish from the Red would weigh (although I realize once fish get this big their weight can vary due to egg wieght as well as a full or empty gut).

What has been your experience guys?

[Backwater Eddy]

I do not recall the measurements off hand. I shot some quick shots along with Stu and the others, seen the weight, congradulated Ryan... and ran back to my nice warm Frabill Commando to try to catch my own. It was -12 and windy...so standing around wasn't catch'n me anything but a cold.

Stu or Ryan may chime in on them, I won't guess.

Fat though, very girthy for sure.

[walleye-on]

Ed,

Have you been back since? Any reports?

[Backwater Eddy]

Reports are It's kinda cold...-27 with a 17 mpr wind and a -41 wind chill. The weather has slowed reports, some are out, still big fish being caught by the bold and brave.

I'm timid and chicken so I'm staying indoors for a whole, tell conditions improve. Or until I can finagle more time off.

[walleye-on]

Ed,

You mentioned that under very cold weater you huddle up in the Commando. So, I understand that a portable shelter is key. What other equipment do you need? For example, for safety sake on the river do you sled or quad versus driving a vehicle? What other gear?

[Backwater Eddy]

They are driving on the Red on the Canadian end with little concern at this time. The snow will soon make it difficult to drive very far.

Very soon, the best mode of travel will be snowmobiles and will likely stay that way into March.

The word is now, sleds are the best way to go out on the lake already, and a auger extension will soon be a must have. 4 wheelers were having difficulty on the Lake, sleds no problem.

If you fish the lake make plans to have enough fuel and chow on hand to bear out a storm if one hits, if the winds hit and it got very rowdy...gps or not...your going to sit it out. Trying to race off during a blizzard would not be wise. So a good weather radio and a cell phone would be a smart plan.

I carry a Garmin Rhino 530 HCX. It has NOAH weather and GPS with GMRS so I can communicate, scan for others in my area, and monitor the weather. Many of my friends up there also use them so we can all track each other and out paths on the GPS. You can track up to 50 Rhino users at one time.

Very handy system for such excursions, lots of safety and functionality in a single dependable unit. I highly recommend the Garmin Rhino 530's.

Be prepared, especially on the lake. On the Red River your far more protected and closer to safety come a storm, not so on the lake, it is a very big place and a long ways to anywhere if something should go haywire.

[walleye-on]

Ed,

Thanks for the solid advice. It's -32 here with a wind-chill that's pushing it to -46. With that in mind, our description of the big lake makes my liver quiver!

There seems to be a lot to prepare in planning a safe, successful trip to the Red and the big lake. For that reason, would you recommend a first-timer, like myself, perhaps plan to fish with someone like Stu McKay?

[Backwater Eddy]

Yes sir. Stu McKay at "Cats on the Red" will get you in, on fish, and out again.

It ain't the North Pole, but man once you get out on the Lake..sure feels like it. It is an experience well worth the trip!

Good preparedness practices is smart, plenty of fuel, good cold weather clothing, enough basic chow for 2 days to hold one over if stranded, lots of Salted Shiners to feed the Greenbacks, batteries for the camera...you will need that for sure.

Stu can hook ya up.

I'll see ya there!

[Novo10]

Fished the Red all my life.For the past 5 years or so I can say I have never seen so many big "Greenbacks" caught in the fall and ice fishing,great to see.I myself along with my 8 yr old son and my dad have had our share of big girls aswell. Our biggest so far was my sons 32" last winter,with many 28"s 29"s and two 30.5" in the last 2 seasons on the Red. And for the most part 95% of the big fish I've seen caught over this time have gone back to fight another day, including my sons 32" after some measurements were taken for the replica mount I got done for him for his 8th b-day. This year is a bit different we had alot of water come through late in the season,fall fishing was a bust in my opinion,water was way to dirty and current to strong. Even this winter the current is a bit more than in recent years,and the big "Greenbacks" for the most part have been suspended off bottom,in some cases 10' or more. If your comming up here a good flasher is a must. The deepest parts of the river are giving up most of the big fish so far,a good depth map would help. The big lake is hit or miss right now,big reason I think is still alot if sediment comming out of the Red into the lake because of high water levels in the river,water not as clear like in years past.Hope this info helps our American anglers wishing to hit this part of the Walleye world,in my opinion one of the best destinations for big Walleye in North America.Tight Lines Novo 10

[walleye-on]

Novo 10,

Thanks for the tips on fishing the Red. Your observations echo what Eddy said about the fish suspending so high in the water column. Neat stuff!

I wanted to pass on a congratulations to you and your son on his catch and release of a world class fish that now has the potential to be the next world record...and you still have the fish on your wall in replica form that will not crack, fade or otherwise deteriorate over time! Way to go! It makes me that more excited to visit Manitoba and try my own luck with all you fine sportsmen treating the resource with such high regard. Keep up the good work!

[walleye-on]

The Walleye bite up on the Red River of the North is pronominal to say the lest this season. Many..many..fish up to, and some exceeding 15 pounds are falling for anglers tricks. I think a 20 will show up this season by the end of March...could happen..maybe even bigger..dream big right.

Here is a Kewl clip I did up of our trip on New Years that will wet your appetite for Red River Greenbacks through the ice.


Backwater Eddy's New Years Day Sumo Hunt
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=54839470298
(The lucky angler in the video with the 15.3 beast is Ryan Gilbertson, Ryan also iced another 13 plus fish the next morning on a Red Tail flasher jig. I suspect it is his new Go-2 jig...don't you?)
:raisin:
><,sUMo,>


Eddy,

I noticed in you photo presentation that you have two holes drilled about a foot apart in your shacks. Why is that? Are you jigging two lures? Won't they tangle if only fished a foot apart?

[Backwater Eddy]

We use 2 hole sets to allow for current so we set the Vexilar ducer in the down current hole and jig the up current hole. The walleye will generally come in from the down current or angle up forward into the current

This allows better target acquisition in a river situation and eliminates tangling in the cable when landing big fish.

We generally only use 1 line while jigging on rivers. It is best to fish 1 line well then two lines half @ss....especially for big suspended river walleyes like on the Red.

[walleye-on]

That makes a lot of sense. That is probably why you fish the 3/4 oz Reelbait Flasher jig with so much success...you are able to keep it vertical enough in the current to read on you sonar?

[Backwater Eddy]

Yup, they are very current friendly jigs, a single hole would work fine with the Reel Bait Flasher Jig but the safety factor of a clear hole has proven wise and convenient. In most situations a 12 deg or 19 deg trancducer will perform easily with two holes, a 9 deg may cause some concern if current is not compensated for.

Larger profile jigging presentations such as the Salmo Chubby Darter will slip back a bit farther in current, so the handy option to use 2 sets is wise on rivers. A ball head jig will sweep back considerably in current, as will a Whistler Jig, so planning head pays. I may do 3-4 holes in line or even 4 holes in a tight diamond pattern in some river situations. Current direction can change slightly thought the day on some rivers. On rivers, anticipate change.

In deeper water on lakes I often chose to do doubles for this same reason, less of a fire drill once you hook up and you need all your faculties about you to stay on task. Less opportunity for slack line and therefore less cause to loose a fish on barb-less jigs or lures.

[walleye-on]

Current-friendly I should say,

Actually, Doug Stange, Editor-in-Chief, In-Fisherman Magazine wrote about the ReelBait Walleye Flasher first in the Feb. 2008 issue of the magazine.

In the article he had the following to say about fishing the Flasher in the current of the Columbia River:

"Certainly, the Reelbait Walleye Flasher, another major option in this category, isn't wildly popular in most areas of North America right now, although it's catching on. It's a superb jig that every walleye angler should own."

Later in the article Doug described it's behaviour in current compared to a Whistler jig:

"The Walleye Flasher is an exceptional jig. The keel shape holds in current like a plow cutting into prairie sod. The stand-up design also is a natural anytime walleye are taking things off the bottom. The giant hook-gap makes it easy to hook fish. And the addition of the willowleaf blade adds flash and vibration on a different level than that provided by the Whistler".

Very convincing endorsement indeed. Why? Because it caught him a lot of walleye on a tough bite on the Columbia River while filming.

[Backwater Eddy]

Actually, Doug Stange, Editor-in-Chief, In-Fisherman Magazine wrote about the ReelBait Walleye Flasher first in the Feb. 2008 issue of the magazine.

"The Walleye Flasher is an exceptional jig. The keel shape holds in current like a plow cutting into prairie sod. The stand-up design also is a natural anytime walleye are taking things off the bottom. The giant hook-gap makes it easy to hook fish. And the addition of the willow leaf blade adds flash and vibration on a different level than that provided by the Whistler".

I would say Doug hit it square on the head in his review. Not sure if Doug has got any time with them under the ice yet, but if he hasn't, he sure will soon. I'll have to ask him and see. I have a hunch, and I do not intend to put words in his mouth, but I am fairly certain he would likely say the same open water attributes will translate over to ice just as well. At least in my experience, this is what I am finding.

FYI: I sent a couple of young guys who work for me at Gander Mountain up to the Red and the big Lake Friday night, they got on the ice Saturday for a 3/4 day. This is his text to me last night when I queried him on their luck so far.

"Ed..2 fish at 10 pounds 1 eight and 4 sevens....Easy 100 fish a day on the Lake...biggest so far 14.3....SWEET!!!"

Well..so far...I would have to say they are doing OK. :)

I may never get them to come back to work is the problem. :(

[walleye-on]

Good luck with that Eddy,

If I put a 14-plus on the ice work will be the lowest thing on my priority list!

Keep the wonderful reports coming! Right now, I'm living vicariously through you, Stu McKay and your group of die-hards!

By the way, I got ahold of some REELBAIT tackle and fished Last Mountain Lake here in Saskatchewan. My fishing partner and I caught 36 fish this afternoon (our best day ever on the big lake) including an excellent fish of 6 pounds. My buddy just about came unglued when he last a much larger fish, that he was only able to move about 5 feet off the bottom, after he landed the 6 pounder!

Oh well, can't win 'em all. At least we are onto a great presentation now and will have to work hard to cross paths with another big one. Hopefully next weekend!

[LeeMB]

everyone is catching fish on the lake now. Lots of good size fish. Most are 4-5lb's some larger. Jigging spoons and live monnows on a dead stick are great.

[Backwater Eddy]

The final count for my GM boyz was over 225 walleye total, all released. Several big-big fish.

Most came on #5 and #6 Salmo Chubbys, and Reel Bait Flasher jigs, a few on Buckshots and Lindy Rattl'n Flyers in glow Red, Glow Yellow.

[walleye-on]

Eddy,

Did the boys take any pictures they could share here?

[walleye-on]

The final count for my GM boyz was over 225 walleye total, all released. Several big-big fish.

Most came on #5 and #6 Salmo Chubbys, and Reel Bait Flasher jigs, a few on Buckshots and Lindy Rattl'n Flyers in glow Red, Glow Yellow.

When do you switch over to the lake to fish? Is it a situation that the river bite is the early bite and then the fish slip back into the lake?

[LeeMB]

There is always fish in the lake. They are not always at the end of the south basin though. A few go up the Red is all. Also the Red is more accesable for most people.

[walleye-on]

Do the lake fish average bigger than the river fish or are the river fish the same population that just make a fall run up the river and return to the lake?

[Backwater Eddy]

They fallow the food, in and out, and back in. Some relate to the river longer while huge numbers roam the lake. I think the numbers of huge fish out on the lake is mind boggling...but so is the size of the lake...Eh.

The latter we go into winter the more I like the lake.

Tactics change, but your fishing the same population just hunting new forage preferences.

[LeeMB]

The lake holds millions of fish. The commercial guys take out literally millions of pounds a year. The above post is right. Most guys will fish the lake exclusivly from now on. The bite in the river is tailing off and the lake bite will keep getting better.

You can always catch fish in the lake. The weather and getting around make it a little more difficult getting around. As the temps moderate it is easier to fish the lake, ie: run and gun to find fish. At -30* it is not practical to move around a lot.

We are catching good number of fish now. It is a morning bite though. Mid day is dying off. There is a evening bite, but not as good as the morning one. As we get later in the year the fish will bite all day.

On a good day in March I can catch 100 walleye. Right now 25 is a good day, for me anyway.

[walleye-on]

Wow,

What a fishery! 25 fish a day is great anywhere in walleyedom. Thanks for the information on the big lake.

I just spent the weekend fishing in weather that was pushing into the -45 degree range with the windchill. Luckily we were fishing with a buddy of mine who treated me to an adventure in his SnoBear. What a rig! I think that would be a most valuable tool on the Red and Winnipeg! Definately, no guide should be without one. My dad who can not stand the cold after a lifetime working outdoors in the winter went from his warm house, to the warm truck, to the warm Snobear for the 8 hour day, back to the warm truck and then home again. He was blown away!

[Backwater Eddy]

Warm is good, Cold...not so good...I'm on your Dad's side on that for sure.

[Thomas O]

Watched In-Fisherman on ice this past weekend and they did a show from Lake Winnipeg from last March. Stu McKay guided Chip Leer and they did pretty good. Couldn't tell how big as far as weight goes on their biggest walleyes, but they were nice fish. Tom

[LeeMB]

I have been looking real hard at getting a sno-bear. How reliable are they?

[walleye-on]

Lee see my reponse to your other posting.

The fella I fished with spent the last 2 1/2 weeks fishing everyday with the SnoBear from Alberta to Manitoba and never had a snag while fishing from plus 14 to minus 46.

I plan to own one the only question is when.

[walleye-on]

I have been looking real hard at getting a sno-bear. How reliable are they?


Lee, if you're living in Manitoba, the guy I've been talking about is Mike the factory rep from SnoBear who is barnstorming Western Canada testing the limits of the machine and showing it off. He just hit your province today. I don't know all his stops but maybe you can cross paths with him and go try it out yourself. Mike's cell number is: 1 (847) 682-8221. Tell him Jeff that he fished with in Saskatchewan sent you.

[Backwater Eddy]

Chip did 2 shoots with Stu. One on the Red, the other in March on the lake. I'm the lurker guest guide, behind the scenes on the Red River shoot, ya see..I run the wrong color shacks and electronics for that particular group...so I was segregated. LOL! ;)

Even so..I managed to CPR a couple of 14# fish on that trip. I lurk well. :)

Several big fish up to 32" caught on the lake on shoot #2.

I expect this season to be better, by far. The fish are far heaver this season. If you can imagine that?

[walleye-on]

Watched In-Fisherman on ice this past weekend and they did a show from Lake Winnipeg from last March. Stu McKay guided Chip Leer and they did pretty good. Couldn't tell how big as far as weight goes on their biggest walleyes, but they were nice fish. Tom

Eddy,

I know Chip and the guys did the show in March. Do you think December or early January can be better? I know some fisheries here in Saskatchewan are either first-ice or last-ice fisheries but not both, at least as far as walleye are concerned.

[Backwater Eddy]

First show was shot on Dec 29th & 30th of 07, second on the lake in March of 08.

Both locations are good. This year the river was loaded with huge walleye when the guys got on. It has been very good all the way up to now. Time will tell if they stay in or even grow in numbers? They may, lots of food, they will hang around. As fat as they are, they are not hurting for chow that's for sure.

The Southern Basin gains more fish as the days grow longer. They are doing well out there now and it will get better as time rolls on.

So I guess to answer your question, early ice on the Red is good and it can hang in there tell..who knows when? When it's that good, why bother running out to the lake.

As the temps get more agreeable the lake gets more alluring. The odds of hitting numbers out there is very good, as well as size. I would say most years the Lake from February on is a good bet.

[walleye-on]

First show was shot on Dec 29th & 30th of 07, second on the lake in March of 08.

Both locations are good. This year the river was loaded with huge walleye when the guys got on. It has been very good all the way up to now. Time will tell if they stay in or even grow in numbers? They may, lots of food, they will hang around. As fat as they are, they are not hurting for chow that's for sure.

The Southern Basin gains more fish as the days grow longer. They are doing well out there now and it will get better as time rolls on.

So I guess to answer your question, early ice on the Red is good and it can hang in there tell..who knows when? When it's that good, why bother running out to the lake.

As the temps get more agreeable the lake gets more alluring. The odds of hitting numbers out there is very good, as well as size. I would say most years the Lake from February on is a good bet.


Thanks Eddy,

For a lot of people a trip like that needs to be planned well because it includes major travel and considerable expense. A March trip sounds like the best bet at a good trip and I imagine March is more likely to be agreeable weather than December in most cases?

[LeeMB]

It would be a good idea to go out with someone who is in the know on the lake for a first timer. After you get the lay of the land so to speak, a self guided trip is doable.

A March trip would be the best in terms of chances for good weather. I will say that the fish are biting well now, and will continue to bite till the season ends

[walleye-on]

While the lures mentioned earlier that caught the 15.3 pound monster obviously worked best in the current of the Red, are these the same lures used in the lake environment of Lake Winnipeg or are you switching to other lure types?

[Backwater Eddy]

The Reel Bait Red Tail Flashers are doing well on the Lake too...just not as heavy of the lure choice. Golds and yellows are good, a lot of the same colors that work on the Red work on the Lake.

The Salmo Chubby Darter has proven to be a big time producer on the lake. I keep lots of Chubby's on hand at all times, and replacement hooks as they WHACK them preaty hard and shake like a bulldog.

I designed a special color pattern of the Salmo Chubby for a Gander Mountain Exclusive, it is called the Luminescent Blue Dace in a #5, it has produced 4 over#14 for me, and many sumo eyes for others.

The other proven color patterns in the Chubby has been the Hot Perch, Gold Metallic Orange, Candlestick/Firetiger, and the Chartreuse/Yellow Dace...all in #6.

Some guys prefer the #5 Salmo Chubby Darters, I'm not afraid to feed them big...they are big..they eat big. I think the larger target draws them in better and from a greater distance, and they are on the hunt and not often alone, so feeding/schooling completion is on your side there.

Another great Hog Caller is the Salmo Zipper, again in the colors I mentioned. It is a larger profile bait, rattles up a commotion that really draws some vicious strikes. I dig it when they are on the Zippers....no dink'n around then..they can rip the rod right out of your hand if your dreaming. They also produce giant pike..they don't dink around much either as you can well imagine.

Lindy Rattl'n Flyer Jigs do well, as do Northland Buckshots in glow Reds and glow Yellows with Gold faces, 3/8 to 1/2 oz is wise.

My tip that will pay off: On 99% of all my jigs with treble hooks I swap the hooks out for Mustad Triple Grip hooks in like sizes or up scale 1 size. They perform better when Barbless hook fishing these heavy hard shaking sumo walleyes. Huge difference in the success rate in getting sumo up the hole and in hand!

I wouldn't mess around with plain hooks and bobbers on the lake. You need to hog call, not hope they bump into a minnow hanging in stained water on a hook in a lake 500 miles long. Fishing 1 jig well is more important then fishing 2 lines half ***. Jig and go...catch them and find them again. Mobility often is your best tool on the lake.

[LeeMB]

As the above post says bigger is sometimes better. We have been using rattle traps with some good success. They draw the fish in. They don't even show up on the flasher before they whack it. Have had good luck with the big 3" ones.

[walleye-on]

The Reel Bait Red Tail Flashers are doing well on the Lake too...just not as heavy of the lure choice. Golds and yellows are good, a lot of the same colors that work on the Red work on the Lake.

The Salmo Chubby Darter has proven to be a big time producer on the lake. I keep lots of Chubby's on hand at all times, and replacement hooks as they WHACK them preaty hard and shake like a bulldog.

I designed a special color pattern of the Salmo Chubby for a Gander Mountain Exclusive, it is called the Luminescent Blue Dace in a #5, it has produced 4 over#14 for me, and many sumo eyes for others.

The other proven color patterns in the Chubby has been the Hot Perch, Gold Metallic Orange, Candlestick/Firetiger, and the Chartreuse/Yellow Dace...all in #6.

Some guys prefer the #5 Salmo Chubby Darters, I'm not afraid to feed them big...they are big..they eat big. I think the larger target draws them in better and from a greater distance, and they are on the hunt and not often alone, so feeding/schooling completion is on your side there.

Another great Hog Caller is the Salmo Zipper, again in the colors I mentioned. It is a larger profile bait, rattles up a commotion that really draws some vicious strikes. I dig it when they are on the Zippers....no dink'n around then..they can rip the rod right out of your hand if your dreaming. They also produce giant pike..they don't dink around much either as you can well imagine.

Lindy Rattl'n Flyer Jigs do well, as do Northland Buckshots in glow Reds and glow Yellows with Gold faces, 3/8 to 1/2 oz is wise.

My tip that will pay off: On 99% of all my jigs with treble hooks I swap the hooks out for Mustad Triple Grip hooks in like sizes or up scale 1 size. They perform better when Barbless hook fishing these heavy hard shaking sumo walleyes. Huge difference in the success rate in getting sumo up the hole and in hand!

I wouldn't mess around with plain hooks and bobbers on the lake. You need to hog call, not hope they bump into a minnow hanging in stained water on a hook in a lake 500 miles long. Fishing 1 jig well is more important then fishing 2 lines half ***. Jig and go...catch them and find them again. Mobility often is your best tool on the lake.


Super tips! Thanks Eddy. I appreciate the tips on fishing barbless and ways to up your odds by using the Triple Grips.

[walleye-on]

As the above post says bigger is sometimes better. We have been using rattle traps with some good success. They draw the fish in. They don't even show up on the flasher before they whack it. Have had good luck with the big 3" ones.

Interesting you mention the rattle trap. It has been a good multispecies bait for me depending on size, it has caught everything from panfish to monster pike. Usually fished with some bait on the rear treble. Do you bait yours or is it fished as strictly a reaction bait?

[lajo1976]

The Walleye bite up on the Red River of the North is pronominal to say the lest this season. Many..many..fish up to, and some exceeding 15 pounds are falling for anglers tricks. I think a 20 will show up this season by the end of March...could happen..maybe even bigger..dream big right.

Here is a Kewl clip I did up of our trip on New Years that will wet your appetite for Red River Greenbacks through the ice.


Backwater Eddy's New Years Day Sumo Hunt
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=54839470298
(The lucky angler in the video with the 15.3 beast is Ryan Gilbertson, Ryan also iced another 13 plus fish the next morning on a Red Tail flasher jig. I suspect it is his new Go-2 jig...don't you?)
:raisin:
><,sUMo,>


I can`t the link to work. It say´s:

"This video has either has been removed from Facebook or is not visible due to privacy settings."

/Joakim

[Backwater Eddy]

Yes, it is gone, got hacked into and messed with...so I pulled it. Sorry. I will try to re-load it someplace else and post the link when I get time.

[LeeMB]

I bait the front hook for balance. I don't know if the bait helps or not. The usual fish that come off the bottom and you tease to bite won't hit the rattle trap. I always have another rod ready with either a jigging rap or a buckshot for those fish.

We started doing this when a buddy could not find any chubbys around and he used what he had. I bet chubby's start coming with a rattle soon!

[Backwater Eddy]

If you want a rattle to your Chubby, ..Ok then..here is my simple methode to do so. :smirk:

Add the Buckshot Rattle found on jigs, or avalable in 5 count packages...simply remove the rear treble and add the silicone retainer to the shank of the treble..then reinstale the spit ring back on the hook and then back on the Chubby. It retains a better center of balance without buggering up the hook from do it's job. I have been doing this for 8 years already, at times, it has proven effective. ;)

Salmo did test a version of the Rattling Chubby some time back...and it was determined the internal rattle messed up the action of the Chubby Darter too badly, so it was tanked to insure the lure would retain it's designed enticing wobble on the lift as well as on the fall. Hence my tail Rattle trick was born to fill in the need as it arose.

There is a "Knock Off" Chubby like imitation out in a size 4mm that has a rattle in it...it is not a true flyer at all, it preaty much hangs there like a turd... and if you beat on it, it will rattle...a poor effort in my eye. I would skip that if you bump into them and shoot for the Zipper, Rattle Trap, Cordel Rattl'n Shad, or something designed to work in the vertical as well as in the horizontal.

Give it a try...it works.

[walleye-on]

If you want a rattle to your Chubby, ..Ok then..here is my simple methode to do so. :smirk:

Add the Buckshot Rattle found on jigs, or avalable in 5 count packages...simply remove the rear treble and add the silicone retainer to the shank of the treble..then reinstale the spit ring back on the hook and then back on the Chubby. It retains a better center of balance without buggering up the hook from do it's job. I have been doing this for 8 years already, at times, it has proven effective. ;)

Salmo did test a version of the Rattling Chubby some time back...and it was determined the internal rattle messed up the action of the Chubby Darter too badly, so it was tanked to insure the lure would retain it's designed enticing wobble on the lift as well as on the fall. Hence my tail Rattle trick was born to fill in the need as it arose.

There is a "Knock Off" Chubby like imitation out in a size 4mm that has a rattle in it...it is not a true flyer at all, it preaty much hangs there like a turd... and if you beat on it, it will rattle...a poor effort in my eye. I would skip that if you bump into them and shoot for the Zipper, Rattle Trap, Cordel Rattl'n Shad, or something designed to work in the vertical as well as in the horizontal.

Give it a try...it works.

Eddy,

I too, like the idea of the add-on rattles; but, as you caution here, it is important that anything you add to the lure not detract from its original action or appeal. In other words, making a Chubby noisy is not of any benefit if it kills the subtle swimming action of the lure that is critical to triggering fish.

For the most part, when dealing with lures that are excellent producers, it is wise to follow the wisdom of the old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

[Backwater Eddy]

I agree...I work my Chubby "Ala Commando"....."El' Natural".... as much as I can.

:raisin:

[walleye-on]

I agree...I work my Chubby "Ala Commando"....."El' Natural".... as much as I can.

:raisin:

Eddy,

I'm a bit confused by your provocative description above. Are we talking fishing tackle here.....or wedding tackle? :p

[Backwater Eddy]

If'n your jig'n your Chubby properly, it's suppos'n to be provocative.

:huh:

[LeeMB]

I picked up a few new "rattle trap" type lures today. I think I'm fishing tomorrow and Friday. I will post on how they do. I like trying different lures on them. Last week 2 of us caught fish on 11 different lures one day.

[walleye-on]

If'n your jig'n your Chubby properly, it's suppos'n to be provocative.

:huh:

Eddy, I can't find any fault in that logic!!! After all, we are trying to turn the heads of the biggest gals out there.

So, in your experience, would you say "to land the "Mother of all Walleye", start by sporting an impressive Chubby and if that doesn't work become a Flasher artist?"

Just seeing if I'm spotting an emerging pattern here....... You get the final word on this exclusive ice pattern.

[Backwater Eddy]

LOL... Ya-U-Bet-Ch-Ya... I do tend to fallow the school of thought that size matters, and a bit of "Pa nosh" or even some "Bling-Bling" appears to keep her undivided attention long enough to seal the deal.
:fishhit:

[walleye-on]

Yes, it is gone, got hacked into and messed with...so I pulled it. Sorry. I will try to re-load it someplace else and post the link when I get time.

Eddy, have you re-loaded this video again elsewhere? If so, where? If not, when do you think it may be up again?

[Backwater Eddy]

I got it re-loaded, hope it works now for ya.

Backwater Eddy's Red River New Years Day Sumo Hunt

http://picasaweb.google.com/BackwaterEddy/ExportedVideos?feat=embedwebsite#52869008252956808 50

[Backwater Eddy]

Well this ain't walleye, and it ain't on the ice.... but as soon as the Red starts to flow again this is what you will find me doing.

Check out the girth on these sumo kitty's. That is why the walleye are so chubby this season on the ice, last fall they fed up huge. Lots of chow in the system so everyone is very hearty and chubby.

http://picasaweb.google.com/BackwaterEddy/MyVideos#5304482348038082770

[walleye-on]

Well this ain't walleye, and it ain't on the ice.... but as soon as the Red starts to flow again this is what you will find me doing.

Check out the girth on these sumo kitty's. That is why the walleye are so chubby this season on the ice, last fall they fed up huge. Lots of chow in the system so everyone is very hearty and chubby.

http://picasaweb.google.com/BackwaterEddy/MyVideos#5304482348038082770

Eddy,

I've seen and read more and more material on catching cats through the ice. Have you ever crossed paths with them on your ice adventures?

[Backwater Eddy]

Yes I fish them through the ice from time to time. It is a blast and can be a real challenge. They can be moody. They can be hot to strike or as sluggish as can be. They are mighty fighters under the ice!

Most of the catfish ice fishing that gets much press is done in lakes and oxbows on large river systems. Free flowing rivers it's a much different game.

Catfish can be vulnerable under the ice so I do not generally promote ice fishing them or speak much on their wintering habits.

The largest channel catfish I managed to get through a 10" hole was a 36"....and that was darn difficult to accomplish.