June 27, 2008 Fishing and Flooding update for Wisconsin Rivers...

Dry conditions over the past week have helped lower flooded waterways in southern Wisconsin, but many waters remain high and some lakes continue to have slow-no-wake ordinances in place, according to the weekly outdoor report provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The Mississippi River crested last week just over flood stage at around 16.3 feet at Prairie du Chien. The river dropped to about 13.5 feet this week and is forecast to steadily decline to around 12 feet by this upcoming weekend. Fishing on the Mississippi River has been getting better as the water recedes, with channel catfish moving to find nests and being very catchable. Fishing for sauger and walleye also picked up a little late in the week.

The Lower Wisconsin River has dropped considerably in the past week and is approaching near normal seasonal flows. Some sandbars are returning but people considering any paddling this weekend need to be aware there is much more debris and more contaminants in the river than normal due to the flooding. The Kickapoo River has also dropped considerably, but is still well above seasonal normal flows.

While flooding has caused some difficult conditions downstate, rain amounts in the north have finally filled many lakes for the first time in a number of years, although some lakes are still considerably below normal water levels. Northern river systems like the Flambeau and Chippewa are currently at good seasonal levels for paddling.

Though the Wisconsin River has dropped back down to a normal flow level, Lower Wisconsin and Wisconsin River users are staying away due to DNR warnings of contaminated water. All of the streams in Southwestern Wisconsin have been affected by the flooding, causing wide and braided channels.

The floods have scoured silt-laden places and deposited sediment and rock in other. Streams that have been constricted by bridges and culverts have completely blown out or have created large pools downstream. Larger fish are anticipated to have survived, but the number of smaller fish (young-of-year and yearlings) has likely reduced. Shore anglers should be aware that in many areas banks have eroded and may give way underfoot. Strong currents in rivers and streams pose an additional threat.

Fishing has all but ended for now on the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong in Jefferson County. The water is currently about 9 feet above its normal summer level. Most public access sites are closed. Entry is by going through County Sheriff or National Guard checkpoints, and only those with businesses or homes are being allowed to pass. Just the same, anglers are fishing in road ditches, miles from the lake and river. Some folks are enjoying the novelty of catching a fish in the middle of a road. Carp anglers and spearers are wading through fields to attack spawning populations of the rough fish.

And while rains have diminished and floodwaters are receding, along with the damage they've left in their aftermath, mosquitoes are out in hoards, so don't forget the bug repellant when venturing out this week.

JUNE 20, 2008
Mississippi River Pool 13 Backwaters. Major Flood equals Awesome Fishing

Just a note from an Iowa fisherman. Fishing is phenomenal at the moment despite the major flooding. Sunday we launched the boat from a gravel road since all the ramps within 100 miles are closed and the River has been closed to traffic. We caught 150 fish! All fish were between 2-5 pounds and we all had bloody thumbs by the time we were done.

Andrew (My Youngest Son) with his new "personal best" of 4lb 8oz