Presented by Yamaha Motor Corp USA and Warrior Boats Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2024
Contact: Denny Fox, 920-505-0122
Anglers Insight Marketing LLC (AIM™)
The Missouri Last Week, The Mississippi This,
As AIM Rivers Division Takes On Genoa’s Walleye
Last Sunday it was big bags on the Big MO in the North Dakota opener. And from early reports it may just be the same this Sunday (May 5) when AIM Weekend Walleye Series Rivers Division teams splash for the AIM Open on Pools 8 and 9 near Genoa, Wisconsin.
“The teams we talked to say that with fish in post-spawn, it’s springtime, and the fishin’ is, well, not easy, to paraphrase the song, but, excellent, and there’s a strong possibility that this one will see some great bags come across the stage,” said Denny Fox, AIM national tournament director. “We’re ready to show them, the fish, and you out there in Fan Nation, what this river can produce.”
When a guy like Michael McCormick of La Crosse, WI, who grew up on this stretch and has been fishing it 30 years calls his Thursday pre-fishing “excellent,” that perks your ears up. That means Pool 8 is firing on all cylinders. We reached him and partner Dwayne Smith of East Moline, Ill, in their Mercury 250 Pro XS-powered Warrior 2090 Tiller Thursday.
How many’d he say they’ve caught and glassed with their sonar? It gives you a preview of what may happen. And anytime teams are so relaxed that they’re having fun pre-fishing, watch out. These two were having fun.
“A lot of’em,” he said, obviously smiling and chuckling, about how many. He’s not talking barges or bugs, or jumping catfish. He’s talkin’ walleye. And that’s only on Pool 8. Pool 9 is Friday’s project.
“Oh, it’s been good,” he reassured, chuckling again. “It seems like they’re hungry. It’s post-spawn and fish have been in the mid-20s, with 25 inches our biggest so far. You’re going to see I imagine 30 pounds to win it.
“Trolling is working, willow cats, typical river fishing,” McCormick said, through another smile. This time of year, the willow cat, which dominates bait livewells throughout the system, are in good supply, but he and others report local bait shops are limiting purchases to make sure there’s enough to go around. He’s also expecting Pool 9 to be just as good.
“I would think both pools being post-spawn, they’ve all got their feedbags on,” then there was an abrupt end to that sentence, then “hang on, we’ve got one on,” with a few more laughs. And with the weather predicted to be sunny, with calm winds and temps in the high 60s, that will make McCormick and Smith smile even more.
Matt Thompson from Stoddard, WI, also lives on this stretch with his Mercury 350 Verado-powered water jet. He’s fished a couple local fundraiser tournaments recently and is also reporting the river’s fish are shaking his hands, too. He’ll have Brad Seidel of Genoa in the co-pilot seat Sunday.
“We fished a fire department tournament last Saturday,” he said. This Saturday will be a memorial tournament for his friend.
“I’d be disappointed if we didn’t have five over 20. The spawn is over. They’re still migrating to their feeding grounds, favorite pinch points, and the water’s warming too. Tuesday, we had 58.2 degrees on the main channel, so I think they’re going to be eating pretty good this weekend,” Thompson said. “I would sure think there has to be someone who’ll bring in 28 to 32 pounds.
“I think the river’s supposed to go up like 1-1/2 feet so expect a lot of current seams where walleye can lay. That’s where I’m probably going to concentrate on. Cranks, Dubuque rigs on the sand bar drops. And teams will be jigging crawlers and willow cats.”
Chris Staebell of Eldridge IA, and Cooper Jaycox of Coralville, IA, will be under Mercury 250 Verado-power Sunday. He’s more familiar with fishing these pools in summer and fall and was heading to pre-fish on Friday.
“I’ve been networking. Water level is on a bit of a rise, and we’ll see some fish up on some good spots. Teams will have to make some moves with them as they migrate downstream, so there will be a lot of spot-checking,” Staebell said. “That’s my gut feeling, anyway.”
He’s planning on driving a lot today (Friday) to scope the shore structure to spot fish.
“I’ll start hitting spots with cranks to a jig to see where I can find fish and slowly dial it in, then dial it in further when my partner gets here. I’ve got everything from lead core to jigs,” he said, being careful not to sink his boat with all the tackle.
“Those fish will be hungry, and it will take from the upper 20s to maybe mid-30s to win.”
Heads up, Fan Nation, here we go.
Following the online team registration and rules meeting Saturday evening, boats will be inspected at the Genoa launch ramp starting at 5:30 a.m. and will get the “go” at 7. Boats must return to the dock by 3 p.m. Beware of barge traffic that may block you from returning in time.
Awards will take place at Tuna’s Bar in Genoa. Good luck, all teams!
We AIM to please, so North Dakota, it’s all you Sunday, May 12, on Lake Audubon, a part of the Sakakawea system. Then on Sunday, May 19, it’s twofer time prior to our Memorial Day break, with Wisconsin teams hitting the Bay of Green Bay at Oconto and Minnesota’s on Big Stone Lake. Rivers Division, you’re up again June 23. Follow all the fun at AIM’s Facebook page. Go to aimfishing.com to join in.
You know you want to. You know you can.
Anglers Insight Marketing LLC (AIM™) is a unique tournament organization created and owned by many of the most accomplished and recognizable professional walleye anglers, along with others who share the mission of advancing competitive walleye fishing and making it sustainable into the future.
AIM is committed to marketing excellence on behalf of its tournament competitors, the tournament host communities, and the brands that partner with it. AIM is also committed to maintaining healthy fisheries across the nation by the development of the exclusive AIM Catch-Record-Release™ format which is integral to its dynamic events and unparalleled consumer engagement. For more information about AIM™, AIM Pro Walleye Series™, AIM Weekend Walleye Series, AIM sponsors and AIM anglers, visit www.aimfishing.com.
AIM Presenting Sponsors: Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A. and Warrior Boats inc.
AIM Supporting Sponsors: Mercury Marine, Garmin, Power Pole, Worldwide Marine Insurance, Off Shore Tackle, Gemini Sport Marketing, JT Outdoors Products, McQuoids Inn, Rosemore Outdoor Gear, Outdoor Authority fish house rentals, Adventure Recreational Finance, Oconto County WI., Forever Barnwood