Decoy spreads on River
 

I have just gained access to a stretch of land bordering the Mississippi River in Southern Illinois. I'm planning on some late-season duck/goose hunts here when the ponds and marshes freeze up. The area consists of approx 100 yards of riverbank, set between two rock piers (one north and one south) which creates a pooling effect and limits the natural current. My question is this: Should I lay my decoys out as I would normally, or is there a better method for river ducks? Also, is there a way to rig all the decoys together to keep them from gradually floating off? Any advice is appreciated!

RE: Decoy spreads on River
 

We hunt the Arkansas River in Central Kansas. Not quite the same situation but I have some suggestions. Walk up and down the river and observe how the ducks sit on the river. We simply string our ducks out in a line up and down the banks. Sometimes two or three wide. I've found that's what the ducks look like on the river while they sit there.

How deep is the water you'll be hunting in?

Mike

RE: Decoy spreads on River
 

we hunt the southern part of the wabash river, which is right on the other side of illinois from where your huntin. as far as settin the decoys out id have to agree with 4simpsons. but if your lookin for a good way to hold your decoys from floatin off id suggest that you pour your own weights. we pour are weights really heavy to hold the decoys. a big problem with hunting a river after a flood is all the debri floating down the river. just make sure you keep your spread clean. let me know if you do any good cause we might try huntin the mississipi a little this year.