Question, 4 of us are trying to decide when to fish Red this year.

We recognize after Feb 28 the Walleye season is over for keeping any. With that said, for strictly fishing purposes...would you prefer beginning of Feb or Beginning of March to fish Red? Or maybe it doesn't matter?

Thanks for your help.

I believe walleye closes the 22nd of Feb. If it was me I would go during walleye season. If you decide to go after that add a side trip up to LOW for the walleyes.

Does the season go through 2/22, or does it end bascially the "morning" of 2/22?

I believe it goes until 11:59pm on the 22nd. Correct me if I'm wrong.

If you HAVE TO keep a few walleyes you will need to come before close.

Although the best fishing is March, no doubt about it.The weather is nice, bookings are wide open so you can pick your date. The crowds are all but gone. Crappies are active, the perch have moved onto the gravel/mud lines. You do have to deal with walleye and trophy class pike hitting your lures, other then that you should have a good time.

nothin wrong catching eyes while tring to catch crappies.just gotta becarefull with the eyes when putting them back in the water.

Just remember, you cannot fish for a fish out of season. Hard to prove, but that's not the point.

well every 1 knows that.you just cant stop an eye from biting your hook when your fishing for crappies.if you fish for crappies when the eye season is closed how many eyes you gonna catch on red????

Although fish may seem more active a particular time of year, I think weather dictates the mood of the fish more. I have fished Upper Red while some monster cold fronts moved through the area along with extreme wind. I have seen the bite go from extremely good to extremely bad in a matter of 24 hours when a huge front moved through. I know this doesn't really help when you are planning a trip well ahead of time, but it is something to consider. I also really hate fishing in extremely cold weather and high winds, makes it tough to stay mobile. The thing is that the outfitters have really nice houses and it is possible to still have a great experience even in extreme conditions. I think the bite is always pretty darn good all winter on Upper Red when there is stable weather.

The problem I have with blaming the weather is when you tell someone the weather shut them down on red and you go to the westwind it never fails someone nailed them? seems it alway location location location

I appreciate all the good posts. Thanks for the heads up about the 22nd, I guess I thought it was the 28th...but I'm obviously mistaken.

When you are with your buddies sometimes that is the best part and the fish are the bonus.

Thanks

I was going to say the same thing cookie....the way Red seams to work is always the right place at the right time as there are always active fish on this lake regardless of weather and pressure........good luck