Red River Fishing -Catfishing Reports-Archive

The Archive of Fishing Reports

name: Backwater Eddy
city: Fargo
Area: Comment
Date: Wednesday September 08, 2004
Time: 09:01:08 AM

Red_River

Shad I am not too sure about? You would have to call the MB conservation guys and be very sure before trying to bring Shad into MB. I have a hunch, they will say no.

I would really expend the cash and time and locate the Tullibee's, or catch fresh Goldeye. Frozen sucker is a good failsafe in case you run low on everything else. You can bring them in as long as they are packaged like I recommended you do the Goldeye, individually and frozen.

name: stoneyjb15
city: lockport
Area: Canada
Date: Wednesday September 08, 2004
Time: 02:37:42 AM

Red_River

Hey, thanks a lot for the help. Does that mean I can't catch my own shad here in Nebraska and bring it over? Even if we put them on dry ice?

name: Backwater Eddy
city: Fargo
Area: Other area
Date: Tuesday September 07, 2004
Time: 08:05:29 PM

Red_River

The tullibee is a legal bait in MB, so no worry there. Try "Cats on the Red" once you get up North as they may have some tullibee on hand. The fish market in Winnipeg is a good bet to locate them. The Selkirk Bait Shop may have them on hand, not sure about that?

If you already posses a MB fishing permit you can bring in up to 10 Goldeye/Mooneye per licensed angler. Freeze them individually and whole. Wrap them individually in cellophane and slip them into a large Zip-Lock bag for ease of inspection if they so chose to do so at the border. This is the preferred method of transport by the conservation boyz.

No live baits (Frogs, minnows, chubs, suckers, whatever) can be exported into MB. The one exception is Night crawlers, and they MUST be in clean paper bedding with no dirt at all in the container.

Good luck on your trip!

name: Dok
city: GFK
Area: Comment
Date: Tuesday September 07, 2004
Time: 07:10:19 PM

Red_River

A tullibee is a member of the whitefish family. Also known as a cisco. Go to Google and type in "tullibee" (with its correct spelling) and you'll find more info.

name: stoneyjb15
city: lockport
Area: Canada
Date: Tuesday September 07, 2004
Time: 12:38:05 PM

Red_River

What is Tulibie? I did a search for it on yahoo and it didn't come up with anything. I'm just trying to find out some rules and regs so we don't get in trouble with them canadian rangers.

name: Backwater Eddy
city: Fargo
Area: Other area
Date: Tuesday September 07, 2004
Time: 08:45:31 AM

Red_River

Cast nets do not work well on Goldeye, especially as the water temps fall. Many try, and most get quickly frustrated and stuff them back into storage. I have seen pro-guides from the South who cast-net very often and are real good at it fast learn it is a waist of time here on the Red. If the mesh is fine on the cast-net, you may get river shiners if your lucky...but very few Goldeye if any.

Stick to a float and a small hook and split shot, and a chunk of crawler or a minnow and you will catch plenty for bait. A 1/8 oz jig in glow green and a hunk-a-crawler can be the ticket too at times.

If your headed North soon look for frogs, shrimp, or better yet Tulibie. Tulibie has been the hot bait as of late by the reports I am getting.

name: stoneyjb15
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
Date: Monday September 06, 2004
Time: 10:58:30 PM

Red_River

Hey, can anyone give me some regulations on cast nets up there in Canada? Can you use them to catch goldeye? Where is the best place to get them? Can you get them in the Red or do you have to get them in lakes? Going up there next week for the first time and from reading you guys im getting excited!

name: FISHPIG
city: PEMBINA
Area: Pembina
Date: Monday September 06, 2004
Time: 10:35:19 PM

Red_River

HEY WIZARD I AGREE WITH YOU ON THE WALLEYE FISHING ITS BEEN TERRIBLE IN THE LOW WATER CONDITIONS AND DOESNT LOOK LIKE IT WILL GET ANY BETTER. THIS YEAR THE CATS HAVE BEEN BITING VERY WELL ON NIGHTCRAWLERS AND CUTBAIT IF YOU CAN GET IT. SHORE FISHING IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO AND RUBBER BOOTS ARE A MUST THAT RED RIVER MUD IS BAD STUFF. DANGEROUS LOW WATER WITH LOGS AND ROCKS. GAME WARDEN HAS BEEN AROUND ALOT AND THAT IS GOOD. KEEPING PEOPLE HONEST.A FEW SMALL SAUGERS BITING BUT ARE HIT AND MISS. GOOD LUCK TO ALL.

name: WiseWizardoftheWoods
city: Drayton
Area: Drayton
Date: Monday September 06, 2004
Time: 03:35:00 PM

Red_River

CATFISH HAVEN DOES RENT BOATS IN THE DRAYTON AREA, BUT IS A COUPLE OF MILES OVER ON THE MN SIDE. EXCELLENT FACILITIES AND RIVER ACCESS ALONG WITH A GREAT HOST CATFISH JIMMY DAOL.CATFISHING IS GOING FULL SPEED SOUTH OF THE DRAYTON DAM IN THE DEEPER WATER, HAVE TO PUT YOUR BOAT IN AT THE CITY RAMP, IT IS VERY RISKY WITH A BOAT BELOW THE DAM I WATCHED 2 BOATS TEAR UP PROPS AND LOWER UNITS LAST WEEK ON LARGE SUBMERGED ROCKS JUST OUT FROM THE RAMP BY THE DAM. ALSO THE DAM HAS HAD ALOT OF PRESSURE RECENTLY AND WITH THE LOW WATER NOT MANY FISH LEFT. WALLEYE FISHING IS EXTREMELY SLOOOOWWW BECAUSE OF THE LOW WATER THEY ARE JUST NOT AROUND AND IF THE WATER STAYS LOW THEY WONT BE AT ALL. I HAVE TRIED EVER DAY FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS AND I HAVE LIVED HERE ALL MY LIFE.A FEW CIGAR SIZE SAUGER BITING

name: ray
city: westbend
Area: Pembina
Date: Monday September 06, 2004
Time: 11:00:49 AM

Red_River

just got back from emerson visiting my grampa fished in lockport off shore for a couple of hours on friday,dont think i had a bite.also fished in emerson didnt catch much. my son caught a 17lb catfish though.fished in pembina below dam caught a bunch of catfish there and goldeyes.usually fish in emerson but not much was biting. fished thurs fri and saturday.maybe bad time of year not sure. well anyways grampa was happy to see us hes 96 this month.well that was my yearly trip to canada.see yah later. Ray

name: Katfish
city: Grand Forks
Area: Drayton
Date: Sunday September 05, 2004
Time: 09:49:05 AM

Red_River

Mike, I know of no place that rents boats in the Drayton area or on the Red River in ND anyplace for that fact. There are several place to stay, though. There is:

CATFISH HAVEN RESORT DRAYTON ND 58225 (218) 455-3838 (I don't know it)

MOTEL 66 502 W HIGHWAY 66, DRAYTON ND 58225 (701) 454-6464 (Good Place)

RED RIVER RESORT INC 602 MELBOURN AVE, DRAYTON ND 58225 701) 454-6184 (Never stayed there)

Where are you guys from and how many will be in your party? I do have an older 16 ft. Mr. Pike with a 40 HP Yamaha that I may rent......She's used but she catches fish. I live in Grand Forks, about 45 minutes south on I-29.

You can never be sure of the weather that late in October, so keep that in mind.

name: mike chickering
city: long grove
Area: Drayton
Date: Saturday September 04, 2004
Time: 08:10:46 PM

Red_River

there are a group of us wanting to go to the drayton area cat fishing oct 21 and is there any resorts or cabins that rent boats on the river also is this a good time of the year for cats thanks so much, mike

name: Katfish
city: Grand Forks
Area: Canada
Date: Saturday September 04, 2004
Time: 08:34:09 AM

Red_River

Canuck, Thanks man. Unfortunately, it turned out I had to work this weekend, but I did reserve a cabin up at Stu's for a couple of days (Sept. 11 and 12)next weekend. I talked with Stu yesterday for a bit and like you say........THE BIG BITE IS ON!!! I can't wait.

name: Canuck
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
Date: Friday September 03, 2004
Time: 09:50:05 PM

Red_River

Katfish: I gave U the wrong phone number,(that was mine) Cats on the Red is 204-757-9876.

Brad: On the 1st I had 3 guys for 8 hrs and we landed 24 kitties. Today (Friday) I finally got to fish with 2 friends from the area. One guy had never fished cats before but had fished lots. The tally was 58 after 6 hours. On 2 occasions the new guy said he had to take a break. The kitties are diffently on their fall spots. There a few in the areas up by the dam etc but the fall bite is ON big time.

name: Stu McKay
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
: redcats@mts.net
Date: Friday September 03, 2004
Time: 09:32:53 AM

Red_River

Your best bet for camping is without doubt is the city of Selkirk park facility. There they offer hook-ups, electricity and showers. It's only a seven miles boat run from the camp ground to the dam here in lockport and there's plenty of great places to catch kitties along the way. For more info including best baits you can send me an e-mail.

FISH HARD/GOLF HARD

name: ROGER
city: LOCKPORT
Area: Canada
Date: Thursday September 02, 2004
Time: 11:18:05 PM

Red_River

I AM FROM NEBRASKA AND SOME BUDDIES AND I ARE COMING UP TO LOCKPORT SEPT 16TH - 19TH. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME CATFISHING ON THE RED. WE WILL BE STAYING IN A MOTOR HOME. COULD SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE SOME ADVISE ON GOOD FISHING SPOTS AND THE HOT BAIT AROUND THIS TIME? ALSO ANY GOOD CAMP SITES TO PARK A MOTOR HOME CLOSE TO THE FISHING AREAS? ANY COMMENTS WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED

name: ROGER
city: LOCKPORT
Area: Canada
Date: Thursday September 02, 2004
Time: 11:01:28 PM

Red_River

I AM FROM NEBRASKA AND SOME BUDDIES AND I ARE COMING UP TO LOCKPORT SEPT 16TH - 19TH. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME CATFISHING ON THE RED. WE WILL BE STAYING IN A MOTOR HOME. COULD SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE SOME ADVISE ON GOOD FISHING SPOTS AND THE HOT BAIT AROUND THIS TIME? ALSO ANY GOOD CAMP SITES TO PARK A MOTOR HOME CLOSE TO THE FISHING AREAS? ANY COMMENTS WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED

name: Katfish
city: Grand Forks
Area: Canada
: kpkyllo@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday September 01, 2004
Time: 08:28:25 AM

Red_River

Canuck, Thanks a million. I can't wait to get there to catch some biggies.

name: Brad
city: Grand Forks
Area: Canada
Date: Tuesday August 31, 2004
Time: 11:12:48 PM

Red_River

Canuck, I hope to get something together in the next couple days. I look forward to a report. What did you do to your arm that could ruin some hunting? I hope it doesn't affect your fishing skill?????

name: Canuck
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
Date: Tuesday August 31, 2004
Time: 11:01:58 PM

Red_River

Brad:

I am out on the Red tomorrow from noon til dark and will let U know. Yes it would be nice to get some pleasure fishing in myself. What I need is to book some time. My arm is so messed up I can't pull the bow so I have to forego archery elk this fall so will be spending more time on the Red in Sept. Let me know when U are thinking of coming up and we WILL wet a line together.

name: Brad
city: Grand Forks
Area: Canada
Date: Tuesday August 31, 2004
Time: 09:06:00 PM

Red_River

Katfish,

Follow Canuck's words as the law. He knows what he is talking about and is showing you the way to one of the most incredible catfishing experiences ever.

Canuck, How's the fishing been? I've been thinking alot about making one more trip to MECCA. I hope it can be put together in the next three weeks before the kitties move out.

name: Canuck
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
: jstinson@mb.sympatico.ca
Date: Tuesday August 31, 2004
Time: 04:29:02 PM

Red_River

Katfish: There are only 3 ramps from the north end of Winnipeg to Lake Winnipeg. The end of Main which is really the end of Main Street north of Selkirk, Selkirk Park, but beware of the north ramp as it has a habit of eating axiles, then there is the one at Lockport at Cats on the Red. I and the majority of the catfishmen use the one at Lockport as it is paved and right where the majority of kitties are. The cost for the one at Lockport I believe is $8.00 per day including parking etc and I think the other 2 are the same if not abit more.

Accomodations: There is accommodations right at Cats on the Red (204-757-4682) or check his website "CatsontheRed.net" (Stu McKay). Alot of guys stay there because they leave their boats right at the docks infront of the cabins and fish when ever they feel like it, day, or nite. You should call for reservations though. Otherwise check Selkirk at the Darewood Inn but do NOT leave anything in your boat in their parking lot at night as things tend to have tendency to grow legs in Selkirk at nite.

Bait: Catch and freeze frogs or pick up some suckers at Cabellas or wherever prior to coming up. You can NOT bring live bait but if it is frozen it is the OK. You can spend some time early in the morning and catch frogs locally at a few of the marshes or if U are luck enough try and get a few goldeyes. Somedays there are lots of them then others they are as scarce as hen's teeth.

name: ray
city: westbend
Area: Pembina
Date: Tuesday August 31, 2004
Time: 02:26:44 PM

Red_River

just wondering if you can catch any walleyes or saugers by the drayton dam. would be in the area on thursday this week.or is there any goldeyes there.personally like goldeyes smoked.any replies greatly appreciated. thanks ray.

name: Katfish
city: Grand Forks
Area: Canada
: kpkyllo@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday August 31, 2004
Time: 09:07:05 AM

Red_River

We're planning a trip to Lockport for next weekend to catch some cats and this will be our first trip. Can anyone tell me where to find reasonable accomodations, bait and the boatramp when we get there? Thanks.

name: Canuck
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
Date: Monday August 30, 2004
Time: 11:22:23 PM

Red_River

Ray: Walleye and sauger are counted as one and the limite per day is 4. You are allowed one a YEAR over 28" and one a day of 22" and over. You have to sign your licence when you keep one over 28". I can tell you that there are many a fisherman in the area that catch several over the 28" but they never sign their licence because they LET them all go to reproduce or be enjoyed by another fisherman.

Hope this helps.

name: ray
city: westbend
Area: Pembina
Date: Monday August 30, 2004
Time: 06:15:10 PM

Red_River

is there any size limit to walleyes or saugers that are caught at lockport.also what is the limit you can keep. i am nonresident.

name: Dan
city: Grand Forks
Area: Grand Forks
: captain_aubrey@hotmail.com
Date: Monday August 30, 2004
Time: 04:45:59 PM

Red_River

The water is definetly higher this fall compared to last. But because of the lock system at Lockport current is always manageable. Also fishing there is unreal, always. I went up there with a few buddy's in May during some pretty cold and rainy weather. We still boated and released 86 cats in two days, the smallest 17lb. and the biggest a 28lber. Bring lots of bait, you're going to need it!!!

name: ray
city: westbend wi
Area: Pembina
Date: Sunday August 29, 2004
Time: 04:24:37 PM

Red_River

just wondering if the water level is low or high compared to last year at this time.i am going to emerson sept 2 and was hoping to catch some goldeyes and walleyes or saugers and maybe some cats. was hoping someone could tell me if there biting good. going to winnipeg on sat,is fishing good by the locks. any help appreciated. thanks ray.

name: ProGuide
city: Grand Forks
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Saturday August 28, 2004
Time: 10:39:59 PM

Red_River

Had my first experience targeting carp. Why carp you ask. I just wanted to see if I could catch them and it was really great. We managed to land seven using walleye gear made it really fun. If you have never tried to catch carp try it. It is a nice way to spend a lazy afternoon fishing.

name: Stu McKay
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
: redcats@mts.net
Date: Friday August 20, 2004
Time: 10:07:39 AM

Red_River

Water temperature 63F no wonder those kitties are going ballistic! I spent a couple of hours on the Red last evening and was totally amazed by the aggressive nature in which the cats were feeding! I mean they were literally spanking the fresh cuts of goldeye we were throwing at them. In just under 2 1/2 hours we caught and released a wack of "BIG" kitties only two were under twenty pounds! To date the 2004 season has to be considered the absolute best on record.......I can't wait to see what September has in store!

FISH HARD/GOLF HARD!

name: Ed "Backwater Eddy"
city: Horace
Area: Fargo
: backwtr1@msn.com
Date: Thursday August 19, 2004
Time: 07:11:16 PM

Red_River

Hoo-Ya...Kinda Cool out Eh...but the good deal is... the fish'n is heating up quickly.

Ya know, I dream about falls like this one is shaping up to be. If the trend continues...Ohh-Weee...this could be a fall to remember. Early cooling temps and a L-O-N-G cool Fall weather pattern to stimulate them hungry fish, these conditions often spells out the fishing years to remember.

Yup..it is kinda early to say that is indeed the deal, yet looking back at the season in a nutshell, I would bet a cool fall will be the deal in 2004.

Why do I drool when I see this early cooling pattern setting up? Well fish on average put on their greatest weight gains in the fall, and they do that by feeding big, well, and often. If they be a feeding, then they be a better target then average target to shoot for.

If the forage base is good they will quickly target it and chow down heavy tell the ice sets in for good. After a brief slowing at early ice they tend to go right back on the chow wagon. Fall and early winter often produces the best trophy fishing of the season for species such as walleye, catfish and muskie.

Sure...some folks are whining about the early cool temps...Baaaa....not me. I say Bring it on...I got wool socks...I'll be just fine.

Some falls are more Golden then others, this may be a Golden Season in the making. I have a hunch I will be smiling wide at the rivers side, be it day and night this fall season.

name: Katfish
city: Grand Forks
Area: Grand Forks
: kpkyllo@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday August 17, 2004
Time: 10:10:15 AM

Red_River

Fishing for cats on the Red in North Dakota continues to be very good. The Drayton dam is the hotspot for big cats right now. The fish are biting earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon. Many cats above 20 lbs. are being caught, with many in the upper teens. Cut suckers, frogs and golden eyes are the prefered bait. Two of us caught a 20+, two 19s and many from 15 to 19 lbs. in a few hours last Friday afternoon. Saturday was slow until later in the afternoon when results were again similar. Near Grand Forks, the fishing is good as well. Expect to catch one in the mid teens each time out........Two of us caught two 16s last Sunday. Fish above holes or above downed trees. Give the catfish up to 1/2 hour to smell the bait, if no bites, move to a new spot. Use your depthfinder to find holes holding fish. See a hole with fish in it, anchor above the hole........you'll catch fish. Same with downed trees. Anchor above them, wait for the big cats to come out after smelling your bait and you'll catch some nice cats. Downed trees in areas of deeper water are preferred. Cut suckers and goldeneye are working well. Frogs, if you can find them is working well too. Don't get stuck on one spot for too long...move frequently and you'll get some big fellas!!

name: Stu McKay
city: Lockport
Area: Canada
: redcats@mts.net
Date: Monday August 09, 2004
Time: 09:34:14 AM

Red_River

Sauger Run underway!

Once again the sauger run is underway here on the Lower Red and there's also some 'eyes being caught as well. In fact Backwater Eddy had some interesting results last Friday while cork'n for kitties off the rock's on the east side. He decided to throw a few Salmo's at 'em to see whether or not they'd cooperate. They did; not only did he have success by catching a few "big" kitties on the artificials he also caught three walleye, the largest going 27-1/2 inches! Getting back to the sauger action, those fishing directly below the dam are catching high volumes with the occasional walleye thrown into the equation. With the ever so slight increase in flows this year the forecast looks very promissing for a strong showing of trophy 'eyes begining next month! Only time will time so we will have to sit back and be patient for another 4-5 weeks before the fall run begins. With the past three dismal falls behind us we're due for a bumper crop! Cats should be ballistic come September as well, then again we expect nothing less of them do we!

FISH HARD/GOLF HARD!

name: Im@h2o
city: nwminn
Area: Comment
Date: Wednesday August 04, 2004
Time: 08:03:13 PM

Red_River

In the 1999 tournament(at 11amSat)I did the same thing!About 430pm(on stage)it was 29inch,9.88lbs.I never regret mounting that RedRiver trophy.Yours looks awsome too!

name: Kent Hollands
city: Grand Forks
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Wednesday August 04, 2004
Time: 11:26:02 AM

Red_River

The more I see that Fish the bigger it keeps getting. I just can't wait to get down to that stump and catch me one of those marble eyes also. Great Fish there.

From Scott, as requested:

The rest of the Cats Incredible Results:

Cats Incredible 2004 Results

Oh...and one more thing:

The 9lb 8oz walleye I caught, on cutbait, while fishing for CATFISH!

This stupid fish would have put us into the top 35...any other day and I would have done back flips.

name: Rudy
city: Sioux City, IA
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Monday August 02, 2004
Time: 12:49:45 PM

Red_River

So let's hear it guys....who won, got 2nd, 3rd, etc... with how many pounds....was the fishing great, good, bad??? Details, Details!! Those of us who couldn't make it and live too far away to hear it through the grapevine are dying to know!!! I hope everyone had a great time!!! Wish I could have been there!!!!

name: Kent Hollands
city: Grand Forks
Area: Grand Forks
Date: Monday August 02, 2004
Time: 09:15:13 AM

Red_River

Scoot can you beleive it, I didn't fish in it this year. Used most of my savings getting everything lined up for my guiding service. Kolby wasn't to sad about it but being down there during it sure made me miss it.

Congrats to Jason D. and Scott. M & Brad D and there partners great job guys.

 name: Ed Carlson
city: Horace
Area: Fargo
: backwtr1@msn.com
Date: Saturday July 31, 2004
Time: 09:58:38 AM

Red_River

Good luck on the Cats Inc event.

I wish all participants a safe and fun weekend.

Catch a Sumo piggy for me too while your at it Eh!

Backwater Eddy.........><,sUMo,>

Backwater Guiding "ED on the RED"

701-893-9107 backwtr1@msn.com

name: Im@h2o
city: nwmn
Area: Comment
Date: Friday July 30, 2004
Time: 09:28:31 PM

Red_River

South, # 29

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