This week on AnglingBuzz TV, we’re bringing in James Lindner to talk river fishing! There are many rivers all across the Upper Midwest that provide some incredible, under-looked angling opportunities – with a lot less boat traffic on the weekend.

River fishing is a popular activity for many anglers, and in this video, we’ll be sharing some tips and techniques for successful river fishing. We’ll cover different strategies, gear, and products that can enhance your river fishing experience. So let’s dive in and explore the world of river fishing!

Catching Walleyes on Leech Lake

We start off with Jason Freed, who shares his three favorite ways to catch walleyes on Leech Lake. After the mayfly hatch, the fish are full and sassy, making it the perfect time for reaction bites. Jason recommends three different techniques:

1. Chicken Wrap: Being aggressive and looking for the reaction bite by casting and vertical jigging along sand edges and breaks.
2. Still Trolling Spinners: Using spinners with slow death or crawler harnesses, pulling a leech or minnow at faster speeds (1.2 to 1.4 miles per hour) along rocks, sand edges, and transition zones.
3. Crankbaits: Trolling crankbaits along long paths, such as brake lines, sand edges, and reefs on the main lake.

These techniques allow you to cover more ground and locate fish, increasing your chances of a successful catch. So next time you’re on Leech Lake, give these techniques a try and see what works best for you!

Catching Fish in Alexandria, Minnesota

Next, we head over to the Alexandria region of Minnesota, where Joe Segura shares his experience of pulling leeches and spinners. Despite the sunny and calm conditions, Joe has been able to catch some nice fish by adjusting his strategy. Instead of fishing shallow, he has had to slide out deeper to find the fish. By doing so, he has been able to catch a good number of fish using a gold spinner and a leech. So, if you find yourself in similar conditions, don’t be afraid to adjust your depth and try different baits to increase your chances of success.

Catching Various Species in Central Minnesota

Moving on to central Minnesota, Josh Hagar Meister shares his tips for catching walleyes, bass, crappies, northern pike, and bluegill along the new weed lines. With water temperatures in the low 70s, Josh recommends using a bottom balancer, such as a three-quarter ounce bouncer, rigged on eight to ten pound test monofilament line. He prefers using a seven or eight-foot medium action rod and a JB lures crawler harness with a number two indiana blade. By cruising along at speeds of half a mile to a mile per hour, you can effectively target these species and have a successful day on the water.

Fishing in Michigan

Lastly, we hear from Captain Ben Wolf in Michigan, who discusses the impact of the mayfly hatch on the fisheries in the state. The mayfly hatch has affected various fish species, including trout brown trout, rainbows, brooks, walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass. These fish feed heavily on mayflies during the hatch, but as the summer progresses and the bug hatches become fewer, the fishing should pick up. Captain Ben also mentions that Lake Michigan is producing steady catches of salmon, and the vertical jigging action for lake trout is picking up in Grand Traverse Bay and along the coastline.

River fishing offers a wide range of opportunities for anglers to catch various fish species. Whether you’re targeting walleyes on Leech Lake, adjusting your strategy in Alexandria, exploring the new weed lines in central Minnesota, or fishing in Michigan, there are plenty of techniques and products that can enhance your river fishing experience. So grab your gear, hit the water, and enjoy a successful day of river fishing!