North Dakota Fishing - North Dakota Hunting

name: lee
city: akron
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Monday July 05, 2004
Time: 10:55:57 AM

Red_River

We just got back from grand forks and caught numerous smaller 3 to 4 lb fish.biggest was 8 lbs.cut suckers was a good bait for us.can't wait for the tourney,hopefully the bigger cats will be biting by then.

name: Scott-The Admin
city: Grand Forks
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Saturday July 03, 2004
Time: 07:35:05 PM

Red_River

Took out the eldest daughter yesterday (she's 4)

We called it an afternoon fishing with 'daddy'.

I only used one line all afternoon, hers. We fished for goldeye...and it worked.

Every cast was a fish. We had so much fun! The were even biting on gummi worms (her idea, not mine).

The only downside was that she complained that her arms were tired from reeling in the fish.

Yes, she did the casting AND the hook setting.

One other thing...July 4th marks the 3rd year we've been online.

Thanks everyone!

name: Stu McKay
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
: redcats@mts.net
Date: Saturday July 03, 2004
Time: 01:59:25 PM

Red_River

Sturgeon Alert!

Yesterday a father and son team hooked up with a "MONSTER" lake sturgeon here in Lockport!

It all began when the son thought he was snagged on the bottom but his dad was quick to point out that snags don't swim and that he had better set the hook! The son did and that's when the drama began to play itself out. The son (in his late twenties) was using an ugly-stik and had 50# braid spooled on his reel. He kept steady pressure on the fish and after a ten minute struggle he brought it to the surface only feet from their boat. This is when reality set in on both the type of fish, the size of the fish and also the fact that the huge sturgeon had been snagged approximately 2 feet up from its tail section! According too the fathers description, the sturgeons tail was 12 to 14 inches from tip to tip! Now that's one hell'ava big sturgeon! After the fish had been surfaced it dove for the bottom or so they thought. After another ten minutes or so of keeping constant pressure on the great fish it seems the son could not budge it. The father then assumed that the fish was tangled up in a cable or some form of snag. He suggested to his son to drop the rod tip in order to give the fish some slack and maybe this free itself from this snag. Almost immediately the hook dislodged freeing the fish and in doing so hook and sinker came flying out of the water! Apparently the huge fish had been holding only feet below the surface!

Although the fish wasn't landed (besides it had been snagged) at least they got a good look at what was apparently a very large fish. I'm very greatful that they were willing to share their experience with me which in turn allows me the same opportunity to share it with you. Over the past decade epecially during high water situations, more and more "BIG" lake sturgeon are making their presence felt here on the lower Red. The largest to date caught by a gal from MO. during the high water of '96, 78 inches in length with an estimated weight of 130 plus pounds! Who knows maybe someone good fortune will shine down on some lucky angler in the weeks to come and they'll land this beast! If it happens lets hope they get some quality pic's!

Fish Hard!

name: Stu McKay
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
: redcats@mts.net
Date: Saturday July 03, 2004
Time: 12:08:07 PM

Red_River

Sturgeon Alert!

Yesterday a father and son team hooked up with a "MONSTER" lake sturgeon here in Lockport!

It all began when the son thought he was snagged on the bottom but his dad was quick to point out that snags don't swim and that he had better set the hook! The son did and that's when the drama began to play itself out. The son (in his late twenties) was using an ugly-stik and had 50# braid spooled on his reel. He kept steady pressure on the fish and after a ten minute struggle he brought it to the surface only feet from their boat. This is when reality set in on both the type of fish, the size of the fish and also the fact that the huge sturgeon had been snagged approximately 2 feet up from its tail section! According too the fathers description, the sturgeons tail was 12 to 14 inches from tip to tip! Now that's one hell'ava big sturgeon! After the fish had been surfaced it dove for the bottom or so they thought. After another ten minutes or so of keeping constant pressure on the great fish it seems the son could not budge it. The father then assumed that the fish was tangled up in a cable or some form of snag. He suggested to his son to drop the rod tip in order to give the fish some slack and maybe this free itself from this snag. Almost immediately the hook dislodged freeing the fish and in doing so hook and sinker came flying out of the water! Apparently the huge fish had been holding only feet below the surface!

Although the fish wasn't landed (besides it had been snagged) at least they got a good look at what was apparently a very large fish. I'm very greatful that they were willing to share their experience with me which in turn allows me the same opportunity to share it with you. Over the past decade epecially during high water situations, more and more "BIG" lake sturgeon are making their presence felt here on the lower Red. The largest to date caught by a gal from MO. during the high water of '96, 78 inches in length with an estimated weight of 130 plus pounds! Who knows maybe someone good fortune will shine down on some lucky angler in the weeks to come and they'll land this beast! If it happens lets hope they get some quality pic's!

Fish Hard!

name: Drew
city: kingsley
Area: Comment
Date: Friday July 02, 2004
Time: 03:20:53 PM

Red_River

Hello everyone, I invite you all to visit a little fishing site I have going. We have photos and stories of our most recent trip to Lockport... It's some pretty good readin, I think you'll enjoy.

<snippity snip>

<reason-no unauthorized URL's please!>

name: Canuck
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
Date: Thursday July 01, 2004
Time: 03:51:11 PM

Red_River

David: Try and use your goldeyes fresh but if you can't use as fresh as U can. I always keep a few frozen just incase I can't catch any or just plain run out of time. Use the goldeye whole, DO NOT clean them. Cut them in steaks approx 3/4" to an inch wide. Run the hook through the backbone and out the skin. The head is one of my favourite then the body cavity. The tail will work but is my last choice. It is not uncommon to go through 20 goldeyes in a full day of fishing. Keep your bait fresh, 15 min per piece of bait.

name: david
city: hallock
Area: Other area
Date: Thursday July 01, 2004
Time: 03:18:53 PM

Red_River

what is the best way to prepare a goldeye for cats?ive always used chicken livers but didnt have much luck when i tried them on the red and would like trying goldeyes.thanks.

name: Stu McKay
city: Lockport
Area: Grand Forks
: redcats@mts.net
Date: Thursday July 01, 2004
Time: 10:02:50 AM

Red_River

Just a quick update from the MECCA!

Absolute MAYHEM could best describe the pace! Two guys (their first visit to Lockport) from Topeka, KS. are having the time of their lives! They fished last night from around 10:00 PM till sun up, total catch.....43 kitties! Not a bad effort for a couple of rookies! Goldeye is the bait of choice at this time!

Fish Hard!

Stu McKay www.catsonthered.net

name: Kent Hollands
city: Grand Forks
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Wednesday June 30, 2004
Time: 04:04:01 PM

Red_River

The weather for the weekend looks great low 80's Sat and low 70's Sun. The river level is great right now not high and not to low. As for frogs I haven't looked since the skeets are so bad, and the bait shops I don't think have any yet. Best bet is for bait in the order I try is, Fresh cutbait, Shrimp, liver, worms. Hope that helps you out. Oh and the cotton is floating on the river and the carp are thick if you like fishing for them.

name: lee
city: akron
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Wednesday June 30, 2004
Time: 02:47:54 PM

Red_River

yes kent have heard that about the lake river.we are gonna be using suckers and hopefully some goldeyes.are the frogs out up there yet?what is the water level now and forcast for the weekend

name: Kent Hollands
city: Grand Forks
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Wednesday June 30, 2004
Time: 02:40:24 PM

Red_River

I have only use cut sucker. Never had any good luck catching big cats on worms. But if your looking for eaters worms may work pretty good. Was just going to remind you since your fishing south. I you go up the red lake river closer to the dam make sure you have a MN fishing license, that not border waters and they will ticket you there. I haven't used anything else yet so I can't base suckers against anything. Hope you have a good trip.

name: lee
city: akron
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Wednesday June 30, 2004
Time: 12:58:19 PM

Red_River

kent,we will be fishing the south ramp most of the time but may head to the north one also to try.what have the one's that are biting been biting on.

name: Kent Hollands
city: Grand Forks
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Wednesday June 30, 2004
Time: 09:21:01 AM

Red_River

Lee, If your coming up to kindof prefish for Cats Incredible your going to be disapointed. Fishing is slow but should be picking up within a week or two. With water levels starting to stabilize after a month on high water fishing will improve. Where are you going to be fishing the red. If you are going in Grand Forks on the North ramp lok for a Dark Blue Crestliner. Good Luck

name: lee
city: akron
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Tuesday June 29, 2004
Time: 05:18:45 PM

Red_River

was wondering what everyone thinks the fishing will be like this weekend and the water level on the red.we r headin up there to try before the tourney at the end of the month.thanx guys and gals

name: Brad
city: grand forks
Area: Canada
Date: Tuesday June 29, 2004
Time: 04:28:47 PM

Red_River

Ray,

Right now at Grand Forks the river is a bit high but very fishable. I think you will do fine. You may have to deal with some mud. When the river is high or rising the fishing tends to turn on. If you feel safe at the level have a good time. The cats should be coming out of spawn and be ready to eat. Have a good time.

name: ray
city: emerson
Area: Canada
: shoeman@nconnect.net
Date: Tuesday June 29, 2004
Time: 02:44:47 PM

Red_River

talked to my grampa that lives in emerson and he said river is higher than hell. just wondering if fishing is okay when river is high. Last year we visited him on labor day and river was low and we caught alot of goldeyes and some cats and a few walleyes.Is the fishing generally better when water is low.I usually fish in emerson off the river bank. since im from wisconsin only get there once a year to see him so i want to make sure i come up when fishing is good.Any replies would surely be appreciated.

name: Kent Hollands
city: Grand Forks
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Monday June 28, 2004
Time: 09:25:22 PM

Red_River

Fishing I would say is slow during the day. Haven't been out in the evening so I can't give you any report on the night bite which I'm sure is better then the bite during the day, and that wouldn't take much. The big cats should be coming out of spawn in a week or two so be ready I'm sure things will pick up.

name: Stu McKay
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
: redcats@mts.net
Date: Saturday June 26, 2004
Time: 08:56:17 AM

Red_River

Food for thought........ The "Wednesday Night Catfish League" really appeals to me, the entire concept is brillant! What a better way for people to gather and have a little fun at the same time. Lately I've been comptemplating whether or it would be of any interest to hold a little friendly competition between U.S. and Canuck cat'ers! It would possibly only involve a single days fishing in U.S. waters and the same would apply in Canadian waters. In other words it would only be held twice a year, possibly back to back Saturdays or something to that effect. I just think it would be a great way to bring more folks who share the "passion for angling" an opportunity to get together and have a little quality fun!

I would appreciate any and all input into the above mention, lets hear your thoughts!

Fish Hard!

Stu McKay

name: Scott-The Admin
city: Grand Forks
Area: Comment
: scott@invoman.com
Date: Thursday June 24, 2004
Time: 08:56:26 PM

Red_River

Drayton’s 4th annual Rod & Reel Rally Catfishing Tournament will be held Saturday, July 24, 2004 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Hastings Landing Recreation area, downtown Drayton, ND. Cash prizes will be paid for the largest catfish, and a special $30,000 cash prize will be awarded if a new ND record catfish is caught. Minimum 2 paid entry fees per boat; entry fee is $45. Entry forms available at Red River Motel and Resort, 701-454-6184; for information, call the Resort or Wayne at 701-454-3821 or chamber@draytonND.com

Sponsored by Drayton Community Chamber of Commerce and KXPO 1340AM.

New Grand Forks north end ramp coming fall of 2004 (click picture to enlarge):

name: Canuck
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
Date: Wednesday June 23, 2004
Time: 10:23:52 PM

Red_River

40 kitties today. We got 20 in the morning and in the afternoon we had a dry spell with only 2 until 3:30 and then I found them. I am totally amazed at this guy I have. He is 82 and landed every one of those fish. About 3:30 I found this spot and he hooked up on 14 of the 18 kitties. I didn't have time to put my rod in the water. There were over 20 kitties over 20 lbs and 6 of them were over 37". It is truly amazing what this high water has produced. I will be glad to have friday off.

I have 2 anchors made by Brad's friends in Grand Forks and both of them hooked up solid this afternoon. I simply tied short to the front of the boat and gunned it. The prongs bent and came loose. If anybody is looking for an anchor to use on the Red at Lockport speak to Brad. I strongly recommended them.

name: Stu McKay
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
: redcats@mts.net
Date: Wednesday June 23, 2004
Time: 07:11:49 PM

Red_River

Update for Tuesday, June 23rd.

The weather was the absolute Sh####t's today but the same cannot be said for the action those "BIG" kitties provided! It was total MAYHEM out there! Three of my top guides alone did over 100 before lunch, this with a total of six active rods in the water! (I'm sure Canuck will back me up when he gets his strength back) Considering all the years I've logged on this WORLD CLASS fishery, it seems she'll never cease to amaze me and those who come to experience her. I may not guide much these days but I will say this, I'll never tire of listening to the stories from those coming off the water after a hard day of fish'n!

Fish Hard!

name: Stu McKay
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
: redcats@mts.net
Date: Wednesday June 23, 2004
Time: 11:34:27 AM

Red_River

This is a must see!!!!! Checkout Fishingminnesota.com and the posting on the catfsih thread titled, "I guess I have been using the wrong bait"! This is truly amazing!

Fish Hard!

name: Canuck
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
Date: Tuesday June 22, 2004
Time: 07:49:01 PM

Red_River

Had an elderly gentleman today (82) and he landed 20 in the morning and 13 in the afternoon. We lost at least another 20 all on goldeye. We had to move several times when the bite went dead but after a move we would pick up another 5 or 6 though. It is a mixed blessing, it would be nice to have a quiet day on the red but then one wants the client to have fun too.

name: Stu McKay
city: lockport
Area: Canada
: redcats@mys.net
Date: Tuesday June 22, 2004
Time: 10:45:42 AM

Red_River

Just a quick up date for the lower Red. The Department of Public Works is currently in the process this morning of putting the dam back in. This will now give me the opportunity to repair my docks and once again re-enstall them. Contrary to what's been said, the action for cats is still great! One of my guys caught a ligitimate mid thirty two days ago, she was one hell'ava big fish! Now that the river is becoming more stable, production on goldeye is really picking up. This has got to be considered a top producer at this time.

Fish Hard!

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