It's hard to pick one picture to headline this report but the one above is one of my favorites. No one has more fun fishing than Verlena especially when she's catching them two at a time.
This will be a summary of what went on for Hahn's Guide Service during the 2022 fishing season.
I split my time between Pools 3 and 4 depending on the bite. I am based out of upper Pool 4 or would likely fish in 3 even more than I do already.
I feel that the population of fish in the stretch that I fish is remarkably good for most species that we target. Walleyes and Sauger populations are as good now as when I started guiding in 2005.
In my opinion our populations are affected more by each years spawning success than by fishing pressure. We were fortunate to have very good spawns in succession a few years back and are seeing the results of that right now.
I always get asked when the best time to come fish on the river is. My answer is always the same....it really depends on conditions. That is another discussion but for conversations sake I will post below the average number of legal fish (walleyes/Sauger) per full day trip by month for the past year. It does give us a good idea what happened last year but is not necessarily what happens every year.
Jan... Did not fish.
Feb... Did not fish
Mar... 16.9
Apr... 16.7
May... 16.4
Jun... 15.6
Jul... 16.9
Aug... 5
Sep... 8.1
Oct... 24.9
Nov... 48
Dec... 24
I don't know that we could have had a better year conditions wise. Outside of an extended low water period, that started mid-summer and lasted into Fall, our conditions were pretty darn good. Even at our August lows we were still putting a few fish in the boat each day. A testament to our fishery no doubt.
With the numbers of fish that appear to be in the system we should be set up for a good 2023.
I would like to thank everyone who came and spent time in my boat this past year. I look forward to seeing many of you again and also seeing some new faces as well.