P.O.R. slough identification and other ??

[tmusky1]

Hey everyone,

My son and I are finally getting our Pend Orielle pike trip. We've been trying to go for 3 years and every year, something has come up forcing us to postpone.

Anyway, after reading a bunch of reports, I'm asking myself, how do I know which slough is which? Are there any maps out there that i.d. them, or is it local knowledge?

The last time I fished this river was 30 years ago. We only have 3 days to fish so any helpful tips, pointers, or warnings would be great. We'll be staying at the Blueslide resort (hopefully it's a good place) and fishing that area. My strategy is to approach as if I'm after tigers but maybe downsize the lures a little.

Thanks in advance

[Mark K]

Hey everyone,

My son and I are finally getting our Pend Orielle pike trip. We've been trying to go for 3 years and every year, something has come up forcing us to postpone.

Anyway, after reading a bunch of reports, I'm asking myself, how do I know which slough is which? Are there any maps out there that i.d. them, or is it local knowledge?

The last time I fished this river was 30 years ago. We only have 3 days to fish so any helpful tips, pointers, or warnings would be great. We'll be staying at the Blueslide resort (hopefully it's a good place) and fishing that area. My strategy is to approach as if I'm after tigers but maybe downsize the lures a little.

Thanks in advance

At this point in the year slough names really don't matter much. Most are empty now, and the ones that aren't will be choked with weeds, and WAY too warm to have much success. I'd approach the main channel now just like you would for Muskie. Look for the weeds and fish over the top of them and the outside edges. Any structure like docks and trees are good too! You will find them. From Blueslide I would go south though. They are everywhere, and you will find them at Blueslide, but they start to get a bit thicker around the river bend (Outpost, Bible Camp area). Good luck and post pictures!

[Fish-N-Fool]

I agree with Mark the slews are to shallow and or weedy to fish now the Pike are out in the channel. Look for weed beds in 3 to 10 ft of water to find fish. I don't really know where Blueside is but,
here is a few maps that will be a good reference at least.

[tmusky1]

Right on, thanks guys. A lot of great info from the both of you.

[kevinb]

Slough

[tmusky1]

Mark K and Fish-N-Fool, I just wanted to come back and thank you again for the useful info. We launched at Blueslide and fished near the bible camp in and around the weedbeds and just nailed the pike. I posted a report but wanted to let you guys know how much we appreciate the help in fishing an unfamiliar water.

The big hook-straightening pike that got away at the boat will haunt my son the rest of his life. He's now addicted.

[Mark K]

Mark K and Fish-N-Fool, I just wanted to come back and thank you again for the useful info. We launched at Blueslide and fished near the bible camp in and around the weedbeds and just nailed the pike. I posted a report but wanted to let you guys know how much we appreciate the help in fishing an unfamiliar water.

The big hook-straightening pike that got away at the boat will haunt my son the rest of his life. He's now addicted.

Not a problem! I'm glad you found some fish! Too bad that one got away, just from that picture it looked like an AWESOME fish!!! And I'm sure it will haunt him forever, we've lost some fish up there that we will always wonder how big they actually were. Looks like you guys will just have to make another trip to go get that fish!

Good job guys, and thanks for the report!