Monday, September 28, 2009

Going to your ground game

You think Adrian Peterson knows something about going to the ground? Well, Minnesota fishermen, eager to store their boats and turn to hunting, should know a thing or two about working on the ground.

Shorefishing is by far one of the better ways to spend a fall afternoon, early evening or even for an early morning outing.

Now, I'm well aware the diehards aren't anywhere close to putting the boat away, but for those of you who think its time to wrap up the season by storing the boat, I'd like to suggest a few places to put a line in and still catch up on some quality fishing.

Buckmaster Bridge
Madison Lake's most popular shoreline offers good weedlines only 50 yards out into the main lake. I see a lot of people fishing the pier as well, but I'm inclined to tell you to move toward the bridge.

Last year I talked with a guy who only fishes the pier, and he said he throws a 3-inch chartreuse twister tipped with a minnow and catches plenty of walleye.

I throw crank baits up and down the shoreline and catch walleye and bass. Occasionally I hook into a northern or some really big buffalo carp, too. I like the versatility of the shoreline.

Cannon Lake
If you don't mind a crowd, setting up for some shore walleye along Cannon Lake can be rewarding. Take Cannon Lake trail, which follows the north side of the lake, and when you get to the part of the road that splits lakes Cannon and Wells, you'll see the people fishing. If not, get out with your favorite 5-gallon bucket and settle into a quality spot.

Little Jefferson
Your walleye options here are limited, but that doesn't mean your fishing is limited. A simple stop to the German and Jefferson Lakes Sportsman's Pier off Le Sueur County Road 105 should ensure you a chance for some fall crappies and sunfish. And come Saturday, which is duck opener, you're sure to be serenaded with a chorus or two of shotgun blasts echoing in the near distance.

Minnesota River
I don't fish it often, and my days of river fishing are fewer and far between, but that doesn't mean others shouldn't take advantage of the river.

The one problem I find with fishing the river in the fall is finding quality spots where the water is deep enough to work from shore. I know a few people who like to make it simple and hit the river at Sibley Park.

I also know people who work the river along Judson Bottom Road and do pretty well for themselves. I personally like fishing the river off the northbound lane of Highway 169 on the way to St. Peter. It's hard to explain exactly where to fish, but the most recent tornado that sideswiped the south side of St. Peter and the shoreline of the river left a pretty good landmark.

When the damage starts to appear in the trees along the river, find the first place that has a slight drive-in, and pull of the road.

These are just a few of the spots I like to fish from the shore, especially in the fall. There's more, but I can't tell you all of my favorite spots. There are some things a fisherman just doesn't tell.