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Post by captainkirkduluth on Mar 8, 2015 9:42:55 GMT -6
Exciting! Cool video. These aren't our smelt (Osmerus mordax), though. Video was taken in WA state, they have several other species of smelt there. Might have something to do with the daytime spawning in the video.
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Post by 2fresh on Mar 10, 2015 15:04:51 GMT -6
With this weather we might even get a chance at them during March last weekend! What do you guys think?
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Post by dominodaves on Mar 10, 2015 16:44:44 GMT -6
We have a lot of weather to go through before we start thinking of Memorial Day smelting. The last 2 years were very long and cold springs that made us have to choose between opening fishing or smelting. And last years extremely late spring pushed the smelting season all the way into Memorial weekend. That's the 1st time I've ever seen that. So the odds of that happening again are pretty slim. My experience has taught me that April 15-20 is a pretty good guess for the average run to begin. Weather can obviously move that start up or back. This sudden change in our weather reminds me of 3 years ago when things were very early, and challenging to find success do to changing winds and weather issues. My guess at this point would be that we are looking at a similar year.
Early runs tend to be more finicky and tougher to predict. The last 2 years were awesome because the later the run the easier. If the conditions continue to improve this rapidly that bodes for a tough season for many. I know that may sound a bit strange but it's true. It's easier to sample and work the water. But harder to find good success. So this site will be key this year to getting your share! Stay tuned!
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Post by vangxbg on Mar 11, 2015 7:53:12 GMT -6
Hey guys,
I just bought a christentian net. Think I'm ready for the smelting season. I'm thinking smelt season will be a lot earlier than last season since it wasn't very cold this winter and all the snow will be gone soon.
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Post by captainkirkduluth on Mar 11, 2015 20:38:27 GMT -6
Thanks for the insight domino, makes sense. Maybe the heavy ice pack out there will keep the run timing normal despite this early warming. Either way, if I can get a few gallons and spend some time with friends I call it a success.
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Post by SmeltKing on Mar 12, 2015 12:41:57 GMT -6
What's the chance of getting at some smelt by March 28th? Will be up in Duluth area and was just curious. Any thoughts?
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Post by captainkirkduluth on Mar 12, 2015 15:56:19 GMT -6
Seems possible given current conditions
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Post by captainkirkduluth on Mar 12, 2015 16:00:51 GMT -6
However, there is still a lot of pack ice out there and the fast ice in the western arm hasn't changed much (as far as I can tell from where I'm sitting). We'll see how things look by Monday. I'll post a few photos here once things start to break up.
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Post by dominodaves on Mar 12, 2015 17:51:48 GMT -6
I think the 28th will be too early for much success. Looking back in the archives...2012 was a very early spring after a very mild winter. We had plenty of open water to seine and rivers to dip in. And still didn't catch many if any smelt until around the 5th of April or so. Things got a bit better around the 10th. But weather challenges kept us at bay until later in April for the main run. But every year is always different... ?? So keep checking this site and you should know before you go if the waders and nets should be part of your packing gear. )))
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Post by SmeltKing on Mar 13, 2015 8:52:18 GMT -6
Will be following this post! Hopefully they come early! Thoughts about salmon/trout fishing? Advice?
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Post by shredder on Mar 13, 2015 11:34:01 GMT -6
fishingminnesota.com is the best place to check for other than smelt fishing updates...
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Post by WITRAPPER on Mar 14, 2015 5:30:12 GMT -6
Cant wait for smelt run these temps have me gearing up. Any news from Ashland area?
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Post by shorty1 on Mar 15, 2015 7:09:16 GMT -6
I'm chomping at the bit myself. I take roughly 10 to 14 days off of work for the smelt run. I just unpacked the ice shack for the year. Now I have to repack it for the smelt season!! I hope all of us can have a great year!!
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Post by captainkirkduluth on Mar 15, 2015 8:05:28 GMT -6
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Post by dominodaves on Mar 15, 2015 20:26:50 GMT -6
I don't usually follow satellite pics very often. But it sure seems like there isn't nearly the amount of ice this year compared to last year. And a pretty big change in only a few hours today. Am I correct Captain Kirk?
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