Paddles

[Yellab]

Last year one day we put in at Ponca SP and ran up to Mulberry bend. Pretty cool stretch of river. Let me know if you want any additional info.

[goose h8r]

I usually put in at St. Helena and range from about the Yankton bridge to about 2 miles down stream from the St. Helena ramp. I dont exactly like going downriver from the ramp in case something bad happens.

I have put in at Mullberry bend and went acouple miles upstream from there. I like the area, some nice reefs, but it seemed like it was a pretty highly used ramp since it was so close to Vermillion and not to mention the bird people.

I have never put in at Wynot so there is some water between there and St. Helena I havnt seen. Will probably put in there and head upriver to the bridge...even though I hate going to the dam I might even drive that far. That should take most of the day to drift.

Talked with a guy the other day and he said as of last Tuesday it was pretty much insane with Buffs and Bigheads but hasnt been on the water since. So alot of what I end up doing will depend on the report I get from him before I leave. Have also been kicking around the idea of driving 3/4 the way acrossed Iowa to chase Bigheads below Ottumwa.

Ever get the idea that I just use the Paddlefish tag as a excuse to chase Bigheads?

[fursniper]

I may be up that way this weekend and for sure next weekend. Who is all heading out for the opener?

[Nelly]

I was walking the flooded camp ashland last week shootin commons and gar when i saw a paddle swim by that I would estimate at close to 50 inches. does anyone have a weight estimate on a paddle of this size?

[Yellab]

Originally Posted by goose h8r

I have never put in at Wynot so there is some water between there and St. Helena I havnt seen.

We usually put in at Brooky Bottoms (Wynot) and run up past St. Helena. It is a pretty easy run. Stay on the south bank along the houses until it turns north, then wander over to the east bank to avoid the big sand flat. Then there is a big flat where you have to cross back to the south (west) side and then after that it is pretty easy sailing up to those purty pink rocks two miles downstream from St. Helena.

If you can see the red line I put in the image below, it shows how the channel runs from the pink rocks a couple miles from St. Helena to the Brooky Bottoms ramp.

[Ty Stromquist]

Does anyone shoot at them right up next to the dam. Well I mean as legal as you can go upstream at least. I know right at dark they are everywhere and many are in that fast water on the Nebraska side and still downstream of the imaginary line.

[goose h8r]

Originally Posted by Ty Stromquist

Does anyone shoot at them right up next to the dam. Well I mean as legal as you can go upstream at least. I know right at dark they are everywhere and many are in that fast water on the Nebraska side and still downstream of the imaginary line.

Alot of guys go to the dam.

Downriver is alittle different, alot quieter, and takes alittle more reading the river to be able to find the fish.

[obert1]

I'm back at home and will be able to go out Sat morning. Need to find a boat to ride on yet.

[obert1]

Thanks Whisker. Will get something set up here. My fishing partner became a father last Thursday and is unable to go.

[Sorny]

good luck guys. I won't be up for a couple of weeks. We are headed to Ks this weekend to stick some fishies. Hows the water looking? Hopefully it's up some to make it a little easier to get around!!
Save a few for us
Sorny

[goose h8r]

Nobody went out this weekend?

[Wild Bill]

Just Got Back!!! No Fish YET. Shot at a bunch Learned alot Going back Next Weekend. Seen 4 shot.

[goose h8r]

I dont think I am gonna go up when I planned. Accuweather is forecasting almost 30mph gusts on both Tues and Wed, just a long drive when I will just end up fighting and cussing the wind.

[whisker]

Enjoyed having you and Craig up for the day Bill. We'll get back after them when the weather cooperates again. I was on the river Friday night. The wind and the big cold front did something to the fish. Not a bighead or buffalo to be seen!
Saturday on the tail waters was not real productive. I left after lunch and the CO told me of three fish taken. Everyone I talked to on the water was of the same opinion,...the fish were down for some reason. I saw maybe half of the normal numbers rolling. Sunday was better. Lots of fish showing, and several close misses. (After four months of dumb carp, it's easy to forget just how fast those paddlefish can roll!)
About 25 boats out both mornings at first light then thinning to 4-5 mid afternoon and picking up to a dozen for evening.
I had a dry fire and lost my string off the top roller. Thanks to my two human bow presses, we got it fixed. Thanks guys!


Just as with snagging season there are always the couple boats that "own the river",....but it breaks the boredom watching these idiots play war games.

I watched a few hero boats blatantly patrolling the closed areas too. Also watched the CO with his telephoto lenses taking their pictures. Might be a nice surprise coming in the mail.

[goose h8r]

First report from today....

Bigheads are up downriver today, wind is making finding the holes tough though. The more I think about it the more I am thinking about pulling up my panties and go anyway.

What to do what to do...

I will make a phone call to one who knows whats going on better than anyone on that stretch of river after dark. That will be the biggest deciding factor on whether I make the trip.