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River Bend Sandbar Duck Decoy Setup

One of the most highly productive areas to hunt and decoy ducks on river systems across North America are river bends with larger or small sand bars. Typically these areas of the river have a high degree of visibility by passing ducks and they also offer a safe haven and loafing area for ducks (and geese for that matter) throughout the day.

Please Note - The size of the river you'll be hunting and determining whether you're hunting an "X" or "Traffic" will determine the number of decoys you should use. The larger the river and the river bend you hunt and if you're hunting "Traffic" ducks, the larger your decoy setup should be to create a more highly visible decoys spread.

Tips For Setting This Decoy Spread:

Use a J or modified U pattern with the bulk of your decoys at the head of the J or modified U.

The outside decoys in your pattern should be no further than 30-35 yards from your blind.

If possible, use super magnum duck decoys or consider using Canada goose floaters incorporated into your duck decoys.

Experience has taught us that the faster the current the closer you want your outside decoys and your landing zone to be in proportion to where you place your blind. In faster moving currents, ducks have a tendency to land just outside, ahead of, or behind your decoys and not necessarily with your decoys.

Follow the contour of the sandbar with the long end of your J or U and go 2-3 wide with your decoys as you follow the contour of the sandbar.

When using full body, shell or silhouette duck decoys, place them 1-2 foot from the waters edge and place them tightly together in a single file line or two deep line (ducks loafing and resting on a sandbar tend to stay very tight).

Depending on the size of your decoy spread, have 1- 4 small groups of decoys (3-5) facing down stream to add realism and added visibility to incoming ducks.

If using Canada goose full body, shell or silhouette decoys place them in front of and behind your blind as if they are walking throughout the sandbar.

Consider placing your blind in front of your decoy spread and crosswind the birds to avoid them having to continually pass overhead as they work your spread especially if the cover is sparse.