Today’s topic could easily be a “Where’s Dave” contest as well a “Then And Now” scenario. Back in March 2019, I was fishing down in Red Wing and headed to the landing right around sunset. That’s me in the boat while I am waiting my turn to use the ramp. Some fellow knew exactly what he was doing and took advantage of the spur of the moment photo op that presented itself.

The interesting thing about the photo and the fishing outing is that a week later my new boat was delivered and the old Tracker shown above was replaced. I am grateful for the photographer (I didn’t catch his name) who unknowingly captured the last moments I spent in that boat. In a semi-related topic, I limited out that afternoon on walleyes so the old Tracker went out in style.

I showed you the photo and told you about it so I could share this photo with you.  

This was taken last week of the iced over Mississippi River in front of Everts Resort. It is the exact location of the other photo. It’s pretty crazy to see such a rare sight. Rumor has it that the last time this happened was 25 years ago, but I don’t remember it.

So what caused the river to get all hard and unfishable? A shutdown at the Prairie Island power plant is to blame for the interruption of the Red Wing walleye season. I’ve heard that the power plant would be going back online yesterday, or tomorrow, but even when it does start sending warm water downstream it’s going to take a while for the river to limber up and open itself to boats. 

When we’re not fishing we talk about fishing and when we can’t go fishing we talk about when we might be able to go fishing again. Hopefully that will be tomorrow. 

Didn’t get enough Dave this week? Visit “Outdoor Trails and Tales with Dave Beck” on Facebook for photos and video of Dave’s adventures. You can share your own photos and video with him there as well, or by emailing him at dave@piercecountyjournal.news Also, check out OTT content on Instagram @thepiercecountyjournal