Bob Jensen Guest columnist
In some areas, anglers have no problem finding a place to fish at any time of the year. There may be times when the fishing is better, but those people will always or almost always find a place to fish.
Other anglers, mostly those in the Ice Belt, believe they are limited in their fishing options this time of year. I was a member of that group many years ago. I believe that the period of time between ice out and open water fishing is a time for getting open water tackle ready to go. I’ve discovered that there are probably more open water fishing options than you might think. If you live in an area where open water fishing doesn’t seem realistic, consider these options.
In some states, our fishing options are limited due to closed fishing seasons. Some fish species, mostly walleyes, pike, bass and muskies are protected during their spawning season. But panfish are fair game in many of those areas, and early in the year, crappies, perch, and other panfish can be very susceptible to a bait. Many of us live near a small pond or lake with a good population of panfish.
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When panfish are the target, try a small jig/Mr. Crappie Tube under a slip-bobber. A slip-bobber will allow you to suspend a bait at a certain level. That is very important. You’ll need to experiment a bit to determine what the right level is, but once you do, you’ll be able to bite fish that might not have been caught. At times you may want to add a small minnow to your jig. If you are confident that you are fishing close to the fish but they are not eating your bait, a minnow may be what you need. Not always but sometimes.
I have so many happy memories of slipping on my chest-waders in March or April and walking the water with a spinning rod and a small selection of jigs. KVD Jerkbaits can also be very good. These small rivers can be found almost anywhere, and they are home to walleyes, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Look for areas where the current is less strong and keep your casts short. Long casts often result in snags. Dirty water abundant in spring in many rivers prevents fish from spooking. I remember many fish eating my lure with less than ten feet of line.
Also, don’t forget the many major rivers like the Mississippi and Missouri. They can provide exceptional walleye action this time of year. Again, it’s a jig/minnow or jig/plastic bite.
It helps to understand a little about the fish you’re chasing in early spring. Depending on where you live, remember that northern pike spawn first, walleyes next, and bass and panfish next in line for spawning. So even if you want to catch walleyes, if they’re spawning, you’re better off trying pike or panfish. When fish spawn, that’s what’s on their mind. They’re not really interested in eating, so, even if there are a few guys who want to take your bait, your chances of getting a bite will increase if you try pike or panfish.
Keep these ideas in mind and you’ll increase your chances for early season fishing success.
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