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collins river
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Featured
2021, Post Spawn Muskie Fishing on the Collins River
27:55 · Dwayne HickeyPost-spawn muskie recovering from spawning require downsized lures and slower retrieves as fish transition from deeper holes to shallows with reduced feeding aggression. Dwayne Hickey's Collins River expertise reveals skinny water fishing demands patience and systematic bank work with multiple casts to the same spots because recovering muskie often follow before striking or need repeated exposures in confined spaces.
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2020, Muskie Fishing the Collins River Fall Transition
17:12 · Dwayne HickeySkinny water muskie fishing in river systems like the Collins demands simplified approaches because confined spaces concentrate fish around predictable structure. Fall transition increases aggression as cooling water triggers feeding, with muskie positioning around deep holes, rock beds, wood, and feeder creeks where Dwayne Hickey's streamlined six-lure selection provides comprehensive coverage applicable to any small river environment.
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2019, Post Spawn Muskie Fishing the Collins River
46:14 · Dwayne HickeySouthern muskie fishing evolved from novelty to legitimate trophy hunting as anglers learned river-specific patterns. Dwayne Hickey explains how Collins River post-spawn muskies transition from spawning areas to feeding zones along banks, weed beds, and creek mouths, why water movement from dam releases affects positioning, and when recovery phases change aggression levels.
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2018, Collins River Muskie Fly Fishing Tactics
40:57 · Chad BrysonCollins River muskies position based on river formation and current dynamics that create identifiable habitat features. Chad Bryson explains reading water to locate productive zones, what river areas aggregate fish consistently, and fly fishing tackle and presentation mechanics that trigger strikes in flowing water conditions.
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2018, Muskie Fly Fishing Gear with Chad Bryson
19:39 · Chad BrysonMuskie fly fishing equipment failures occur when anglers apply standard freshwater tackle to apex predators exceeding 40 inches. Chad Bryson explains why rod build quality and reel arbor size prevent tackle breakage, what fly design features trigger strikes, and when wire leaders become necessary versus fluorocarbon options balancing visibility with durability.
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2018, Kayak Fishing for Muskie with Jase Bouldin
1:59:32 · Jase BouldinKayak muskie fishing accesses skinny rivers that larger boats can't reach, but controlling kayaks while casting heavy tackle and fighting powerful fish presents unique challenges. Jase Bouldin, a kayak muskie pioneer, explains kayak selection for river conditions, boat control techniques, river reading for positioning, and tackle adaptations for this specialized approach.
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Featured
2026, Fishing the Collins River for Tennessee Muskie
Dwayne HickeyTennessee's Collins River holds a self-sustaining muskie population that pushes fifty inches, and most northern anglers have never heard of it. Here is the fishery's story, the three ramps that get you on the water, the gear that handles these fish, and how to time a trip to the spring spawn or the fall feed.
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2022, Winter Musky Fishing: Cold Water Tactics with Dwayne Hickey
Dwayne HickeyDwayne Hickey shares proven winter musky techniques from decades on Tennessee's Collins River. Learn where cold water muskies hold, which lures trigger strikes below 50 degrees, and how to fish creek mouths and current breaks when other anglers stay home.
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2021, Fall Muskie Fishing - Collins River with Dwayne Hickey
Dwayne HickeySouthern muskie fishing in the summer is challenging due to the lack of closed seasons and ice covered rivers. However, abstaining from fishing is short but crucial for species health. Fall offers excellent action with various lures, including top water and spinnerbaits. Swim baits are available in various sizes and colors for clear and stained river water.
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2020, Live Bait for Muskie - Dwayne Hickey
Dwayne HickeyLive bait for muskie fishing is effective, especially in the fall/winter season. However, some argue it's unfair due to gut hooking. To avoid this, muskie anglers use two hooking systems: a quick strike rig, which prevents gut hooking musky, and a circle hook rig for safe hook-ups. Large baits like gizzard shad, bullhead catfish, and suckers are suitable for deep water lakes.
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2020, Collins River Musky Fishing - Year Round Action
Dwayne HickeyNorthern musky anglers are in full musky mode as summer winds down, with musky fishing season closing by the end of November in states like Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Collins River near McMinnville TN offers a long fall season with low temperatures and clear water. September is a great time for musky fishing, with September rains providing better fishing conditions. Musky live bait and weed beds are common in shallow, weedy areas.
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2020, Collins River TN Fishing - Dwayne Hickey
Dwayne HickeyThe Collins River in Tennessee offers world-class musky fishing, with trophy specimens thriving alongside smallmouth bass and red eye perch. Once extinct from these waters, the reintroduced musky population now sustains itself naturally, making this McMinnville waterway a premier destination for anglers seeking excitement in the clear, limestone waters year-round.
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2019, Big Tackle for Musky Fishing
Dwayne HickeyTackle failure is common in musky fishing, leading to costly losses. To avoid this, use the right fishing line, quality leaders, sharp fish hooks, and proper tie-up. Choose braided line for baitcasters and spinning reels, invest in quality leaders, file hooks for smooth drag, and use strong knots for a successful musky fishing experience.
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