MWC Spring Valley. Worth it?

Jason Erlandson · #1 02-01-2013, 02:12 PM

I've always wanted to fish this tourney. Is it worth fishing it? I love the idea of kicking off the year and getting started in March. By then I'm sick of ice fishing anyways. Sounds like this tourney is really a crap shoot for river conditions. Would it be a tough go for a newcomer?

Juls · #2 02-01-2013, 07:45 PM

It's one of my favorite rivers to fish. I fished the MWC with some great partners over the years and we always had the best time starting off the season there. The changing conditions are always a challenge, but that is part of the fun. (Well, the extreme flooding was after my time there, so I'm guessing that that was really a miserable experience for those that fished it).

I think you would like it there. Go for it!

Chad · #3 02-02-2013, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Erlandson

I've always wanted to fish this tourney. Is it worth fishing it? I love the idea of kicking off the year and getting started in March. By then I'm sick of ice fishing anyways. Sounds like this tourney is really a crap shoot for river conditions. Would it be a tough go for a newcomer?

Jason...sometimes fishing in tough conditions levels out the playing field. It opens the door for you to be able to figure "something different" out.

Papascott · #4 02-02-2013, 07:56 PM

We fished it last year for the first time. I'm looking forward to going back. Fun fishery when we were there but it can be a game of ounces.

#5 02-03-2013, 07:14 PM

Fished the tournament for the first time last year. Really had a great time. First time I finished in the 50th spot and was only a couple pounds out of first place. Definately a game of ounces. People were friendly and the campgrounds were nice. Yea, my partner and I camped for the time we were there. We will be there again this year and we are planning on camping again.

Mike

Mr. Sauger · #6 02-04-2013, 01:44 PM

Is it worth fishing it?
- Sure. If you like fishing tournaments, having a buddy as a partner, not burning lots of gas, friendly locale, and fishing above average tournament scenic surroundings this place rocks.
Sounds like this tourney is really a crap shoot for river conditions.
- Well, not usually. Yes, we are talking about a river in spring susceptible to high and/or dirty water. Those conditions happen often with most boats doing well in the changing (not necessarily bad) conditions. Flood stage/unfishable waters are not too common. I consider the spring river conditions a factor to be considered, not to be avoided. Don’t let the threat of flooding deter you. (Geez, I hope I didn’t just jinx it.) High winds may hamper boat control but won’t blow you off the water.
- Changing conditions: Jig bite in a community hole on day 1 is hot, but in day 2 they moved to another hot spot. OR Day 2 turned into a trolling bite. OR they scattered. OR the little boys are here but the big girls are there. Sounds like a 2 day tournament.
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Would it be a tough go for a newcomer?
- Sure, you’re going against a lot of great anglers and many have been fishing it many years and know it very well. That is not to say an experienced river angler can’t compete. Of course, some prefishing and homework will help. Limit out with one biggie and you may cash a check.