Tips for Fishing Rivers for Muskies

River fishing for muskies can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially in areas like the Wisconsin River, where muskie populations thrive with less fishing pressure compared to lakes. Based on insights from experienced guides, here are key tips to help beginning anglers successfully target river muskies.

1. Understand the Role of Current

Current is the primary factor dictating muskie behavior in rivers. Muskies prefer areas with slower or slack water to avoid fighting strong currents, especially when water temperatures are colder, and the fish are more lethargic. Focus on:

• Non-current areas: Look for eddies, backwaters, or pockets of slack water where muskies can rest.
• Slower current zones: These are often found behind structures like rocks, logs, or bends in the river.

By targeting these areas, you’ll increase your chances of finding muskies that are conserving energy.

2. Adjust for Time of Day and Weather

Muskie location in rivers shifts based on weather and time of day, largely due to water temperature changes:

• Cloudy mornings or overcast days: Fish deeper water, as muskies tend to stay in these areas when conditions are cooler.
• Sunny afternoons: As the sun warms the water, even by a couple of degrees, muskies may move to shallow areas, sometimes as shallow as 1-2 feet. Target sandy shorelines or shallow flats, where the sand absorbs heat and attracts fish.

3. Choose the Right Baits

When fishing for river muskies, slow and methodical presentations are key. Muskies in colder river conditions are less likely to chase fast-moving baits, so select tools that match their energy level:

• Jerk baits: These can be worked with slow, easy pulls to glide through the water. This mimics an easy meal for a lethargic muskie.
• Crank baits: Occasionally, a crank bait can be effective, but keep the retrieve slow.
• Other options: Glide baits and Spinners are also good choices, as long as they’re presented with a slow, deliberate action.

Avoid fast-moving baits or aggressive retrieves, as muskies won’t expend more energy than necessary to chase prey.

4. Target Low-Pressure Rivers

One of the biggest advantages of river fishing is the lack of fishing pressure. Unlike popular lake boat landings, where you might find dozens of anglers, rivers often see minimal traffic. For instance, you can often fish an entire day on the Wisconsin River and encountering only one other boat. Choosing rivers over crowded lakes can lead to a more productive and peaceful fishing experience.

5. Consider Hiring a Guide

For beginners, hiring an experienced guide can accelerate your learning curve. Guides provide valuable insights into local rivers, current patterns, and effective techniques.

Final Thoughts

River muskie fishing offers a unique opportunity to target these elusive predators in less pressured environments. By focusing on current, adapting to weather and time of day, using slow-moving baits, and leveraging the expertise of a guide, you can increase your success on the water. Get out there, explore a river system, and enjoy the thrill of chasing muskies!