Tailrace tips for a beginner?

CrappieHunter

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I've been hearing a lot of people saying how the tailrace is awesome fishing at the right time. Can anyone tell me the best time to fish it, and what rigs or baits I should use? thanks
 


MSA

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Search this site, theres a million threads on it here.

My number 1 piece of advice is that "match the hatch" matters more down there than anywhere else I've fished....and the hatch is smelt that come thru the dam from 150 feet of water into 20 feet, bloat and float. Mimic stunned smelt and you'll catch fish.

One day it sucks and another day its on fire
 

CrappieHunter

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Search this site, theres a million threads on it here.

My number 1 piece of advice is that "match the hatch" matters more down there than anywhere else I've fished....and the hatch is smelt that come thru the dam from 150 feet of water into 20 feet, bloat and float. Mimic stunned smelt and you'll catch fish.

One day it sucks and another day its on fire
Thanks, what time of year do you suggest? Any good in the fall?
 

CatDaddy

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I've been hearing a lot of people saying how the tailrace is awesome fishing at the right time. Can anyone tell me the best time to fish it, and what rigs or baits I should use? thanks
Here are some previous threads that may help you. I've haven't fished it, but hear night is one of the secrets.

https://nodakangler.com/forums/threads/tailrace-advice.18302/

https://nodakangler.com/forums/threads/tailrace.17996/

https://nodakangler.com/forums/threads/tailrace-shore-fishing.12261/
 
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CrappieHunter

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Migrator Man

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Best time to catch them?
Fall
After dark, all night
Off the rocks
When they are releasing water
HJ-10 or HJ-12 in the clear ghost color or storm thunderstick or jr ghost color
Cast it out, two quick pumps then let it drift downstream and expect a bite. Do this all the way to shore
 

CrappieHunter

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Best time to catch them?
Fall
After dark, all night
Off the rocks
When they are releasing water
HJ-10 or HJ-12 in the clear ghost color or storm thunderstick or jr ghost color
Cast it out, two quick pumps then let it drift downstream and expect a bite. Do this all the way to shore
Thank you ill try that, I think I got enough tips to plan my trip this fall now
 

Fester

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By boat I do not recommend your first trip be at night. Boulders under water are massive and hitting one at night would not be fun. Go during the day and go slow so you can see whats under the water. Map it out with gps prior to any night trip...if by boat.
 


CrappieHunter

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By boat I do not recommend your first trip be at night. Boulders under water are massive and hitting one at night would not be fun. Go during the day and go slow so you can see whats under the water. Map it out with gps prior to any night trip...if by boat.
I’ll probably just shore fish, I’m not good with the boat in current at all.
 

walleyewanker

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The hell you say....Was up on Saturday and the boats weren't staying long. Shorelines were busy but headlamps weren't coming on . Me and a buddy managed 8 in 3 hours
 

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