Recent rains and increased flow on the Mississippi have created higher water and turbidity and the fish are actively spawning making the bite finicky. Your best bet is to fish 3/8oz short-shank Fire-Ball jigs tipped with a fathead while drifting with the current along deep seams for sauger and shallower eddies for walleye outside the slot. With the active spawners, a stinger hook is a must as they frequently shy-away and nip at your presentation. The stinger hook acts as insurance for these light biters. Touch bottom and raise up only a few inches and back to bottom works best. While in deeper water targeting sauger, a quick snap of the rod triggers more bites. Water temps have risen into the low 50’s from high 40’s.
For a reasonably-priced (but memorable) guided fishing trip on Mississippi Pools 2-4 or the St. Croix with a legend, contact Griz. (Hyperlink Griz to https://www.fishwithgriz.com/category/about-the-griz/)