Keokuk dam

[barnold]

Do any of you guys fish the area below the dam at Keokuk? I have tried a couple of times without luck and am trying to figure it out. I want to target blues mainly. Can you get skipjack down there? Any help would be appreciated. thanks bo

[1sporticus]

Hi Bo, I fish below the Keokuk dam all of the time. I live here also. You need to know what your doing at this Dam, it canbe a problem sometimes. I would be more than willing to either take you , or talk you thru it anytime.
Later Andy

[jdstraka]

Your a Good Man Andy ! Thanks for helping Bo out on the dam question. J.D.
:0a31:

[1sporticus]

Thanks J.D., but there aint anything special about me helping someone. I'm just trying to pass info along that was passed to me. later Andy

[barnold]

1sporticus , Thanks I would really like to know if there are skipjack below the dam and can you catch them with the jig and plastic rigs i keep reading about. Also do you look for the holes below the dam and down by the wing dams or do you fish right up by the main dam . As you can tell I havn't figured out the way to go yet but I will. Thanks Bo

[barnold]

1sporticus, we will have to gettogether and fish. I have a boat that will handle the water over there and will be more than glad to provide the ride for exchange of info. When is the best time to set up a trip? Let me know . Bo

[1sporticus]

Hi Bo, I have a boat also, that will handle about everything I do. I fish up in the spillways, and along the powerhouse wall, and also wing dams. I do try to go alot of different places. The best place to catch shad is down by Roquette. They have a hot water outlet, and it does well in the winter, in the summer, just throw a cast net anywhere close to structure. I also like to fish up on the Lake. I usually go up there early and try to beat the wind before the chop gets to high. I am going to try to get with Gord Hawk this summer and see if he'll show me the spots around Montrose. I also fish Missouri, and have some spots down there I like. I can't tell you when a good time to go is, I just go when I can. I am on crutches so slick and nasty weather is out. I have my boat set up for a disabled fat guy, so it suits me to a Tee. Call me sometime, 319-526-2100 I'm usually in the house around 5ish, but I also have an answering machine.

Later Andy

[1sporticus]

hey Bo, I got the boat untarped, and next week is looking good. Let me know. Later Andy

[muskyman]

Hey, me and my cousin wanna make a trip out that way and do some fishing for big cats. Is this time of year good ? I have never fished in the river and wanted to bring my boat on out but could really use some good advise, both for safety and fishing wise. Got any tips for us ?

[1sporticus]

Well Hi muskyman. I'd sat wait until the weather is more tolerable. March is when the water temp starts coming back up, and that's a good time to go. We have the powerhouse here, and they like to feed on the shad bits and pieces as the turbines chew them up. I have a friend who caught a 35lb flat last spring, and 15-20 lbs are frequently caught. Then down river we have 2 hot water discharges, that are good in cold water. Let me know, I'd be happy to share what I know about river around here.
Later Andy

[MRR]

Andy do they still have that starch factory there in Keokuk. Don't know about the cats but used to catch some darn big carp from the bank right there.Was just curious.

[barnold]

#1sporticus, Andy I was hunting last week and didn't check the site. Now it is colder than a well diggers right toe so I am going to wait a bit until it is at least tolerable. I will keep in touch. Bo

[1sporticus]

Hi MRR, if your talking about Roquette, then yes it's still there. The plant used to be Hientz. They process corn, and it's also where they make fructose. They have a couple of hot water outlets that are good to fish in this kind of weather. Come on up John, I also buy a Missouri fishing licence, so I go clear down to Canton. Later Andy

[1sporticus]

Hi Bo, I had my boat retarped, so I'm going to wait also. I noticed the ramp is starting to get iced in. A commercial guy was out yesterday running nets, but I didn't get to ask him how he was doing. So get in touch this spring, and we can do something. How did the hunting go?
Later Andy

[MRR]

AS soon as the weather gets nice again I'm planning on making a trip up that way.It's only about 90 miles from us to kEOKUK.Not that far really. Can you still by the one day lic like you used to up there?Of course I'm talking back in early/middle 70's, since I was up there last doing any fishing. Hope to get with you this year.

[1sporticus]

I think so John, come on up anytime. I'm always looking for an excuse to get out. I can give you my phone# if you want it.
Later Andy

[barnold]

Andy I have been hunting geese and it has been pretty slow here. We haven't had any new ones come down so we are trying to work the same geese that have been here since the begining; Big difference from last year! It will start to warm up in Feb and hopefully we can get out. I feel for the comercial guys that go in any weather. I can think of better ways to make a living. Talk later Bo

[1sporticus]

Hi Bo,I can agree to that, I was down at the river this morning. The local boat club has a breakfast for the people who show up to watch the eagles, (there's quite a few here this year) and watched 2 different commercial guys go out. The temp was at 20-25, and the wind was cold. Didn't stop the people from watching the eagles, they were fishing, and putting on quite a show.

Later Andy

[1sporticus]

I have never tried goose hunting, used to do some duck hunting when I was a kid, but I've never even tasted a goose. Kind of kooks like fun on the TV.

Later Andy

[barnold]

Like any other hunting it is great when it works. I am getting tired. I have been almost nonstop since 10-28, I need to take a break and get ready for fishing season. I would like to get to either Reelfoot or one of the lakes in northern Miss. for crappie this year. I am really getting cabin fever. After duck season is over I am ready for spring . Keep the faith and stay warm . Bo

[1sporticus]

Well I think I'm just going to go out and play in my shop a while, and tinker with some stuff. I am going to make some sinkers someday soon, and I need to restring a few poles. Oh well spring is around the corner. Later Andy

[catfish kenny]

Andy dont ferget me-any you all get this way give me a call but I am strictly fair weather-HATE COLD 319-795-3302...spring time we have some fish to catch

[Catfish_Calvin]

Just got back from checking out the conditions down in Keokuk. Wanted to find the boat ramp so we dont have to run all over the place lookin for it tomorrow. I found the boat ramp without a problem. Had 40 or 50 geese and mallards walk right up to my jeep wanting food. I didnt have any to offer. They looked mad. Then i went over to the Illinois side and seen there is a boat ramp over there also. There was big logs blocking it though so i suppose we will put in in Keokuk. Hopefully we can find some spoonbill tomororow. Sporticus you were saying something about people snagging spoonbill from a wall. Were you talking about the wall thats just upriver of the old bridge?

[1sporticus]

yep that's the one. it is also connected to the powerhouse. You can stand on it and cast out. Later Andy

[catfish kenny]

Make sure you have hoses around your ropes when you tie off or your asking for trouble.

[Catfish_Calvin]

Me and 3 other friends went down to Keokuk today and did some snagging. Snagged for 9 hours.:crazy: We got into asian carp right off the bat. Hooking into them almost every cast. A few times all 4 of us were hooked up at the same time. Alot of 30+ pound fish. A few were over 40. Those fish are FUN. Then me and my buddy hooked into 2 spoonbill at the same time. Not very big fish but the water is still cold. We caught alot of different fish. Spoonbill, asian carp, buffalo carp, perch, shad, gar "i hate those things", 1 striper,1 walleye, Luckily he was hooked in the mouth and didnt do any damage to him. We had 7 spoonbill and were gonna call it quits at 5:45. At 5:30 my buddy from des moines hooked into a fish that right off the bat we knew was huge. We didnt finally see what he was until 5:48. "i timed him". It was a HUGE sturgeon. He was close to 5 foot long. We werent sure on the laws about them whether we could keep him. We didnt want to take any chances so we let him go. I snapped a picture of him reeling the fish in and got a good one of the release. Ill post them when he sends the pictures to my e-mail. Over all it was my best day snagging. Didnt limit out on spoonbill but catching 70+ fish was a real good time. Definitly gonna be back soon. Id like to thank CatMatt and Sporticus for letting me know the water was open. I never would of guessed any boat ramp in this whole area would be accessible right now. THANK YOU!!!

[catfish kenny]

Hey pm us the next time your this way-would like to meet you.I love that wall,I fish there alot but you have to know what yer diong huh?

[Catfish_Calvin]

Well i didnt think we got a good picture of the sturgeon but luckily will brought his camera also. :big_smile:

Catfish_Kenny- We tried catching fish at that wall and didnt have any luck.

My buddy from Des Moines caught the big sturgeon and alot of other good fish. He had the snagging technique down pretty good.

Heres a few pictures guys. 36765

36766

36767

[Catfish_Calvin]

Heres a few more pictures. I should of took a picture of each species of fish that would of been kinda neat. Didnt really have much time to think though.:big_smile: 36768

36769

[catfish kenny]

There is days the wall is good and days it aint:wink:but I like it there.....given me the fever

[catfish kenny]

Thanks fellas-You lit the fire and I am gonna be in trouble till halloween now..!
I serviced the boat and gear today so I can go anytime within a few minutes notice if mama is round with the van-all I gotta do is hook up /go....I am ready.......!!!!!!!!

[vtjefferson]

andy if your giving catfiish lesons id take all i can get i live a block from the river in mountrose ia .not alot of river experance

[vtjefferson]

any of you guys fish down by the ft maddison bridge

[Catfish_Calvin]

Yes the Fort Madison bridge holds catfish in certain places. You fishing from land or boat?

[Hannibal Mike]

I have not gone fishing much for a year, but snagging asians and spoonies would be fun! That lake sturgeon was a dandy. Here in MO we must release Lake Sturgeon. That is an old fish! I don't think that they can spawn until they are several years old. Yours might have been 20 to 25. The rain is making the river crazy. Were you snagging from shore? My uncle use to fish that area and talked of the powerhouse wall a lot. I hope to make it up there sometime and see the action. Hannibal Mike I work weekends, but Tuesdays are free. Send me an email and maybe I could meet you some eve or morning. I am at Ramsey Jones Homes and can get off early from work many days.

[catfish kenny]

Mike pm me-I live and fish these waters if Andy cant hellp you I will try-I fish the wall yer talkin bout-It is as unruly as a female you love but it is thy STUFF if you know what I men?July-sept I will give it my best to give you the experience-pa/pa knows what he was talkin bout believe it!The Wall aint no joke-I will always stand my ground"-I live less then a mile from some of the best fresh water fishin in thy world right in the middle of PO-dung Iowa! "BELIEVE IT!
The Missippi has some very large fish in it-They are in there it is where and when one of us catch one that counts-I know we have 100lb fish there its just getting there attention.Alll joking aside I have had poles about ripped out of my hand and snapped 96lb test like it was nothing and I WILL CHALLENGE ANYONE THAT THINKS i AM NOT TELLING THE TRUTH....LOC 19 IS THE LARGEST HYDRO PLANT ON THE SIPPI.IT has some monsters in there and alot of fellas know what I mean-some have experienced it....me I have had a taste and I am addicted....LETS GO FISHING!

[catfish kenny]

Jefferson you have a ole timer that lives amongst you -GORDHAWK lives close to you and he knows his stuff prety good dont let him play post man(RIGHT GLEN) NO for:wink: real he is a good man and he is smarter then he plays dont let him throw letters at you:wink:I would be happy to throw you in thy boat down below sometime thogh:wink::ooooh::wink:Get yer gear ready we are about there!

[Catfish_Calvin]

I have not gone fishing much for a year, but snagging asians and spoonies would be fun! That lake sturgeon was a dandy. Here in MO we must release Lake Sturgeon. That is an old fish! I don't think that they can spawn until they are several years old. Yours might have been 20 to 25. The rain is making the river crazy. Were you snagging from shore? My uncle use to fish that area and talked of the powerhouse wall a lot. I hope to make it up there sometime and see the action. Hannibal Mike I work weekends, but Tuesdays are free. Send me an email and maybe I could meet you some eve or morning. I am at Ramsey Jones Homes and can get off early from work many days.

I think the Lake Sturgeon have to be released everywhere in the U.S. They are a endangered species. We released her. We caught a few lake sturgeon that day but that one was the biggest. A dnr biologist i talked to said that fish is around 45-50 years old. We were in a boat and tried snagging along that powerhouse wall but didnt have any luck. We seen 3 or 4 boats pull up to that wall and try to snag while drifting and they didnt have any luck. Not sure why though.

[Gordhawk]

andy if your giving catfiish lesons id take all i can get i live a block from the river in mountrose ia .not alot of river experance


You say you live a block from the river in Montrose,Ia? Where abouts in Montrose do you live at? If you don't want everyone to see your address send me a PM,because I only live 4 blocks from the river in Montrose,Iowa. Have spent most of my life on the Mississippi River around Montrose,since I was raised here and do alot of fishing in this area.

[catfish kenny]

Glen I told em:big_smile:talk to you in the morning I need my report-went to look at one pond:wink:I might be posting pics soon if the doc will let me fish it!

[Gordhawk]

Did any of you hear about the body of a 22 yr.old Keokuk man being found by a couple of employees there at the powerhouse on Saturday afternoon around 2:15? I guess this young man had been reported missing in January,but they said no one had seen him since the end of November.

[catfish kenny]

I havent got all the details yet but did hear there was a body found.........
Be careful out there even if it was or was not a accident...loosing a life is not good.......expecialey if you are diong what you love to do......:confused2:!

[Gordhawk]

His name was Toby James Limkeman. Did you know him,Kenny?

[catfish kenny]

No I diddnt-The name dont ring-but the way it sounds he was found in deadmans hole-thats where I fish alot to....glad I didnt find him....

[Catfish_Calvin]

Where is dead mans hole located at the dam. Not wanting to steal your fishing spot, just wondering where he was found. We were snagging under the dam Sunday.

[catfish kenny]

Deadmans hole is the spot where all the logs go up in that corner where them walls start-Its been called that by my grandpappey and befor-thats where it all goes-hence the name "DEADMANS HOLE"
the river is realy raging now-I havent went to look but my brother said she is pounding!
I think you are right bout them lake sturgeon too!

[catfish kenny]

Calvin right now you aint fishing there-she is under!:wink:

[vtjefferson]

witch would you recamend iwas told to get out on the pilons and drop of the edge with night crawler

[vtjefferson]

thanks kenny iv never fished below the dam before sounds like a great time

[vtjefferson]

GORDHAWK DO YOU KNOW MARK ALLEN ARE TRAVIS RUDD

[Gordhawk]

GORDHAWK DO YOU KNOW MARK ALLEN ARE TRAVIS RUDD

Yes,I know both of those guys. Travis is the same age as my oldest daughter,and Mark's dad was my baseball & basketball coach in High School.

[vtjefferson]

gordyhawk other than ralph st.Clair and the emps at casys there only people here i know there nice good people most of the people around here seem very nice and polite its a very nice and quit littel town far cry from KC ARE SAINTLOUIS

[Gordhawk]

gordyhawk other than ralph st.Clair and the emps at casys there only people here i know there nice good people most of the people around here seem very nice and polite its a very nice and quit littel town far cry from KC ARE SAINTLOUIS

Yes,Montrose is a nice little town with a lot of good,friendly people living here. I've never lived in a city as big as St.Louis or Kansas City,but I don't think I would like living in a city that big. I like the small town atmosphere. I know Ralph St.Clair,he's about the same age as me. I don't really get into Casey's that much so I really don't know who all works there. Glad you like living in our little town.

[catfish kenny]

They put a bouyee(dont know bout spelling) up twards the damb-I am wandering why it is there-I think I might get nosey and call the corps to find out-if it is a marker we cant go past to fish that is gonna stink and alot of folks gonna be mad cause thats our fishing hole up there.

[Catfish_Calvin]

Hmmm interesting. Did they put it by the rock reef up by the dam? If you find out why its there let me know!!!

[catfish kenny]

.................Will do !

[catfish kenny]

:ooooh:I'ts gone........:ooooh:.......:go: