We battled the floating algae, very low water conditions and a cold front for 5 hours on Friday while raising 2 muskies in the early morning hours. The bad news is they did not want to eat. After the sun got high in the sky and the lack of fish activity made it easy to call it a day after 5 hours.

The current river conditions is a far cry from normal. It is not uncommon to be fishing in river levels 2-4 feet higher than it is now. This algae problem has arrived 3-4 months ahead of schedule this year. With no rain in sight, things are only going to get worse. The bass and walleye guys are really struggling to keep baits clean. If your bait touches the bottom, it is likely covered with this stuff.

I’ve decided to cancel all (river) bass and walleye trips until conditions improve. I will keep the boat in the garage the next 3 days and pull out the golf clubs. At least, I will still have graphite in my hands.


Good luck and stay tuned!