How’s the Bite?

Find the Current-Find the Fish and Catfish Tournament Report

It has been a hot week all across the country.  Fishing is slow but the fishermen are slower.  Fishing early and late is a good strategy and Bob says to find the current and bait fish and you'll find a number of game fish staying in the best water and feeding.
We also had a great time covering a channel catfish tournament last Saturday.  Ken Reports on the Winners.  He also attended the banquet and reveled in the festivities.
Murray Outdoors is open 6 am to 5 pm so come by and tell us how you are doing and let us help you with what you need to catch fish.  

Catfish Tournament Saturday

The water is low but that does not deter the dedicated fisherman or woman.
This weekend has a catfish tournament based at Guttenberg Motel.
Bob's got the latest on staying up late, coming to work early and selling fresh seasonal produce along with the usual fishing fare.
Bluegills on the wing dams seems to be getting better.   Catch a giant Sheepshead (Drum) if you have heavy enough tackle to reel it in.
We also spoke with Sam Willett, a guide from Dubuque who lays out the challenges of low water in the big river right now.  He is also a new grandpa as of Thursday.
Be safe on the river.  Submerged obstacles are closer in low water.

Catfish and Colorful People

Bob is counting worms.  By the thousands.  They almost escaped as the pallets were unloaded.  It's a good story.
Catfish Al gives some tips on how to catch this summer species
A second generation catfish bait owner tells us how he keeps the fishermen happy and how he makes a livelihood from the bait business.
DNR's Chad Dolan explains the lifecycle of Channel Catfish.  The forked tail delights that can get pretty big.  
Stop by Murray Outdoors.  The crew will be glad to see you.  

Smart Fishermen are Catching Fish

At mid-summer, the fishing is a little trickier.  Bob Urbain has some ideas on how to catch walleye, small mouth bass, crappie and blue gill.
Catfish are biting well and Sheepshead.
We talk with Jeff Kopaska from DNR about the just concluded Walleye Challenge.  Bob has some stats as well.
 

Fish Are Biting. Independence Week Lies Ahead

The Big River may be Bi-Polar this year with High Water early and Low Water now, but the fish are congregating in the current and the bite is Fair to Good in Pools 10-11
Bob has a great summary of the bite, late in the show.
Larry tells of his South Dakota Lake adventure and how to use pencil weights and jigs to catch walleye.  
We also speak with DNR's Lucas Dever and his trainee, Austin Durnan.  Austin is in his final weeks before taking a role as a conservation officer in Southwest Iowa.
26 minutes of content that Artificial Intelligence couldn't create.
 

Low Water but Good Fishing and Tales of the Northland

As the water levels drop, fish move toward the channels and where the bait fish congregate.  On Pool 10 and Pool 11, many species are biting.
Bluegill, Walleye, Sturgeon, Catfish, Sheepshead, Smallmouth Bass.
The fishing barge at Landing 615 in Guttenberg has been very active
Bob and Ken tell stories of Ken's trip to Lake of the Woods this week.  Bob keeps it from getting out of hand.  
A good listen in 22 minutes.    Good Luck and Good Fishing

A Changing Season But You Can Catch Fish

The Mississippi River is down and the land is dry.
Still the fish are being caught all along its banks.
Bob went fishing 4 days last week.
He's full of information
Big Father's Day Sale at Murray's this Weekend
Lots of Details on upcoming Mayfly Hatch in July
 

Summertime Fishing. Catfish are Jumping

The Mighty Mississippi seems to be slipping into summertime mode as the water has dropped and little rain has fallen to bring its level back up.
Channel Catfish and Flathead's are the goal of many anglers.  Bluegill are good if you can find them, same with crappie.  
Junnie's Cattracker Bait Company is a home grown family business now in its second generation.  Great story of their product and their work.
Kirk Hansen talks about Mississippi River Habitat from his position with Iowa DNR.
Come by Murray's Outdoor Store on the South End of Guttenberg under the Big Walleye.  Good Products, Good People.  
 

Free Fishing Weekend June 3, 2023

The big river is finally coming back into its normal channel.  
Bluegill are spawning and the best bite right now.
Catfish getting ready to spawn...good bite on Flatheads of Large Size
Hot weather and gnats are the only downside.
Rain may help...Rain will help...Rain must help!!

The Fishing Is Easy....

Iowa has had a remarkable spring for fishing.  
The Mississippi River is returning to normal post flood.
We have the latest on all species that are biting and a couple of features on a small lure company that is producing some winners.
We also talk with "Casting Away Disabilities for Veterans" and their week of fishing at Honey Creek Resort on Rathbun Lake.  Do good...Feel Good.
Have a safe Memorial Weekend!  Remember that Murray Outdoors is open 67am to 5 pm EVERY day this weekend.