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boogerbreath
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I plan on fishing walleyes on French, for the first time, this weekend. The only info I found on the lake is from the DNR site... they mention more of muskies but little info on walleyes (besides walleye stocking info that is).
Any IDO members fish the lake for walleyes? Is it worth a drive from Rochester, MN?
Thanks
- Boogs
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johnksully
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I haven't fished the lake this year but there are walleyes in there. They are pretty spread out and I have never been able to put a decent pattern together. There is definatly some nice crappies in that lake though... Let us know how you do. Good Luck!
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p4walleye
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If you are going to drive an hour, even though the river is a little spotty and for most very tough as of these past couple weeks, I would still head to p4. The way I look at it is that no matter how tough the river is your chance of putting a few walleyes in the boat after you figure out a few things is about 100% greater than the lakes in that area. I have caught walleyes on French and Tetonka using a variety of methods, but fishing has a great chance of being tough for you and everyone else anywhere in that area this weekend. Those lakes get pounded so hard from every direction that I have no idea how the DNR even comes close to keeping up with stocking efforts. There are too many solid fisherman in Minnesota, and for the size of the lakes in that area- for the limits to be so liberal at 6 a piece is too much, just my opinion. Clarity has been a lot different on these lakes this year than last, and I wonder if this, and the pike and skies, have pushed main concentrations deeper and more scattered making them tougher to pin and repeat a pattern. I am no expert of the Fairbo area but I would say your chances of putting even 3 or 4 keeps in the boat right now in a full day is about 3%. And to do this, you would have to stumble accross a pod of fish and be incredibly stealthy and switch colors after 2 fish. Just like everywhere there is a ton of forage out there right now. Many fish are currently suspended on French. We pulled leadcore at every depth in money stretches with 2 giant sheepheads to show after 2 hours. We livebaited the good stretches with jigs and bouncers, and lindy's for another hour. Zero last Sunday. It is a beautiful area that has decent fishing, but needs a reduced limit, for the amount of pressure, and the catch-kill mentality for walleyes. If you are looking for a change of scenery from the river once in a while, it is a great area. 
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boogerbreath
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p4walleye - That's the straight talk I like to hear.
Here is the kicker... I spent a tough 2 days on Pepin with nothing to show besides a sunburn. Enough baitfish in the water to rip the lower unit off.
I was hoping the change of scenery (French Lake) would better my odds somehow. But now I am thinking I should take your advice - I should stick to my guns and give Pepin another try.
Any day on the water is a good one to me. I am just trying to make the good days great.
Any other members out there with advice for me before I load the boat?
- Boogs
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p4walleye
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I figured someone else would have chimed in here. People are pretty quiet about that area, probably due to the pressure. Don't give up on the river, 98% of great anglers have been getting worked out there for a little while. You hit the baitfish on the head, it's frustrating, but keep searching, try to find a pod away from baitfish. You may have to get into some current, or cast some rocks and hope for a few good bites. You may stumble across something great. I try to learn something every time out whether pounding them or scraping 3 fish. Someone always finds them. Soon enough it will be a better bite, it might even be this weekend. It's only going to get better, in the meantime get out there and find some new spots and explore, pay attention to what others are doing, and maybe try a new technique yourself. If you are real interested in dialing in on the river holler at Dustin Stewart or any IDA guide, I saved myself a lot of time, and gained an incredible amount of knowledge working with Dustin over these past few years. Tight lines, I want to see a report after this weekend!
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boogerbreath
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Thanks for the info and words of encouragement. It looks like I will get out on the water this Sunday (P4 Pepin). I will do my best, come Monday, to put in a reply to this post on the fishing outcome.
Funny you mention Dustin. I have been thinking of gifting myself with a hired trip on the river. I have read/viewed Dustin's posts & video and talked to him once briefly in Rochester...very knowledgeable.
Later
- Boogs
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boogerbreath
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After all of this - I did not get the chance to fish P4 this weekend. I will bank the info from the posts for future fishing. Much appreciated.
Later
- Boogs
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French Lake, Rice County MN - Walleyes?
Re: French Lake, Rice County MN - Walleyes?
