Bellevue, IA–a pretty little town south of Dubuque and north of Clinton. And, home to some great walleye fishing! One of my campground friends, Jerry Hicks, agreed to join me for some time on the water in pursuit of the post spawn walleyes roaming the Mississippi River. A month ago, when the conditions were right, anglers were jigging and pulling three-ways to catch nice fish up by the Dam. Then, the spring snow melt and rains up north pushed the River levels to nearly 18 feet at Bellevue. Fortunately, the River started coming back down and we found the River level at 11.5 feet when we hit the water early Saturday morning. Jerry helped me put the red Ranger 1780 aluminum boat on the water at the City boat ramp and off we went. The wind was NOT our friend–we fished four areas, three I was familiar with, and one Jerry took me to. We caught two walleyes in the “slot” (had to be released) and one bass during a long day. We went out again on Sunday morning for a half day trip. We stayed the morning on Jerry’s spot with good success: we ended up with a total of seven fish on our lines–caught two keepers under 18 inches, three in the slot with two over 25 inches long, and two I lost reeling in. Jerry likes using a spincast reel with Power Pro braid while I had Fireline 10/4 on two line counter reels. I discovered pulling leadcore did not work well on Jerry’s spot and adjusted to the long line approach. Our best baits were Berkley #7 Flicker Shads with our biggest fish swallowing the last bait I put on, a “jointed” #7 Flicker Shad! Lighter colors with blue and chartreuse seemed to be the best. I’m not sure the colors matter in the darker water but Jerry kindly disagrees with me! We were off the water by noon Sunday which allowed us both to do some chores at our Campground getting our campers ready for a delayed season. I had the electricity turned off last fall so the City won’t turn back on until the Governor gives the okay for campgrounds to “open”. Also, campground owner Dan is waiting to turn on the water to the campground. If you’d like to check out any available spots to park your camper for the 2020 season, please contact Dan via his Riverview Enterprises Facebook page. He does have a camper he rents daily plus a spot or two reserved for campers wanting to stay in their own rigs for a period of time. Thanks to Jerry for helping me with the boat, taking me to one of his favorite spots, and for the warmer weather over the weekend. As I write this report, the temperature is 41 degrees and raining! Frost later in the week! Looking forward to warmer days ahead and praying the pandemic we have endured finally slows enough to begin our new normal. Be safe. Spike