Allan W and Greg K: Rufus Woods - 4/26-29

Date: April 27-29

Target Species: Walleye

Moon Phase: Full Moon Sunday

We fished Fri, Sat, and Sun. Fishing was slow, but steady at Rufus during our 2 and a half days on the river. On Friday, with bright sunshine and temperatures in the 80s, we boated 7 walleyes and 3 rainbows. Rain and gusty east winds woke us up on Saturday, but the rain subsided by mid-morning. Skies remained cloudy all day with temps in the 50s most of the day. We caught 9 walleyes and 6 rainbows. Sunday was another bluebird day. We fished from 830am until noon, and got 3 walleyes, 5 rainbows, and a white fish. Greg got big fish of the trip with a 26 inch female weighing 6 lbs. 12 oz. (released). Allan’s largest fish was nearly as big at 25.5 inches and 6 lbs. 8 oz. (released). Most of the walleyes ranged between 17 and 21 inches. Water temperature was 45 degrees with very good clarity.

Late April is one of the prettiest times of the year on Rufus. The hillsides are green with patches of yellow from clusters of blooming balsoom root. We spotted dozens of mule deer grazing along the steep banks during our trip. Turkeys and pheasants called throughout the day. The baby geese have hatched, and we saw a few bald eagles perched in the trees along the shoreline. Our most curious sighting was a small rattle snake floating in the current on Friday afternoon. It was alive. We heard the buzz of the rattle when motoring up to take a look.

More info for club members: The walleye bite was pretty typical of our experiences the last few years at Rufus. Make a stop in a back eddy and catch at walleye or trout. Few spot gave up more than one fish. Occasionally, we’d revisit a spot a few hours later and catch another fish. Walleyes were holding in slack water very near current seams, generally in 15 to 25 feet of water. The most productive water was downstream of Seaton’s Grove boat launch within 3 miles. Half of our fish were caught on blade bates of various colors. The other half of our walleyes were taken on 3/8 oz jigs. Dark green grubs or paddle tails between 3 and 4 inches worked best tipped with a crawler. Allan caught his first walleye (6lb 8oz) on a swim bait (Storm G-360 Swimbait) Be prepared to lose a lot of tackle. Rufus has a rocky bottom, and the current seems to wedge jigs and blade baits into nearly every rock.

Greg released this 26 incher that weighed 6lb 12oz.

Allan with a 6lb 8oz Rufus walleye. Released.