fishing the Wisconsin River

Question
Last summer, some friends and I discovered the beauty of the Wisconsin River, between Lone Rock and Boscobel. We have been fishermen for over thirty years, but not one among us has really any river fishing experience. Was wondering what to look for in terms of structure, weather, presentation, baits, etc. We're interested in all species that the river has to offer. Is there a place on the web detailing these questions? Could you possibly direct me in the right direction? Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Ted,

I don't know any of the specifics of this stretch of the Wisconsin.  I'd check into Fishing Hotspots and see if they have a map of this stretch.  I know that I've seen about 5 different stretches mapped by them.  

My other suggestion would be to follow and look up old posts on Lake-Link.  I am guessing that there is a thread for this section.  

Rivers are very interesting places to fish.  They aren't as effected by weather like a typical lake.  Structure would be deep holes, obstructions, wing dams, eddy water caused by obstructions, and back water areas.

When there is flow, a lot of the fish seek out places that have reduced flow.  This could be behind a rock, tree, bridge piling, or nearly anything obstructing the flow.  Pike and largemouth will seek out the banks or backwater spots.  Walleyes and smallmouth don't mind a little flow.  Catfish will look for the deep holes and worst tangles of brush in the river.

Everything in the river has to be opportunistic when it comes to feeding.  When something comes past they have a split second to decide to eat or not.  Thats good for you!

Anyone who fishes rivers will become a great friend of the jig.  Jigs and plastics, jigs and minnows, jigs and a piece if crawler, jigs, jigs , jigs.  And they will probably range form 1/16th to 1/2 ounce.  You may want to learn how to pour your own for you and your friends.  You are going to go through a bunch of jigs every trip.  

Spinners, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, rattlebaits all have a place too.  

It's not much different than lake fishing, except their world is going past at ? cubic feet per second and thats how they eat.

If there are any other specifics I can add please write back.

Good luck and think spring!

Marc