This episode is about big fish patterns. There is a seasonal window when big fish are just easier to catch. During spring, many fish are getting ready to spawn and are actively feeding in the shallows. Big bass, panfish, and walleyes are in the shallows and they are often aggressive willing to bite. However, you also have to be on waters that raise big fish — and not all lakes grow big fish.
In this article, we will explore some exciting fishing opportunities across different locations. From shoreline fishing on Devils Lake to walleye fishing on Lake Vermilion, we’ll cover various techniques and strategies to help you catch some big fish. So, grab your fishing gear and get ready for an adventure!
Shoreline Fishing on Devils Lake
Don’t overlook the shoreline fishing opportunities on Devils Lake. Some of the nicest fish are being caught from shore, especially in small rivers, causeways, culverts, and areas with moving water or current. Right now, you don’t need a lot of equipment to catch some really nice fish. So, take advantage of the shoreline and enjoy a successful fishing experience.
Walleye Fishing on Lake Vermilion
Let’s travel north to Lake Vermilion with Billy Rosner. He shares his experience of catching walleyes in four different ways. He caught them on jigs and minnows, live bait rigs, slip bobbers, and even plastics in this article.
Billy emphasizes the importance of trusting your electronics and using spot lock to stay on the fish. He mentions that he would often catch a few fish in one spot before having to move on. Overall, his reliance on his electronics helped him put fish in the boat consistently throughout the weekend.
Walleye Season on Leech Lake
Next, we head over to Leech Lake with Jason Freed from Leisure Outdoors. He highlights two key factors for successful walleye fishing on Leech Lake: fishing the wind and finding the bait. With the shiner spawn happening, the shiners will be moving in and out depending on the weather.
This means that the depth at which you’ll find walleyes can vary from day to day. Jason recommends using a jig and minnow, with the weight depending on the depth you’re fishing. Pay attention to your jigging cadence, as it can make a difference in catching more walleyes.
Additionally, he mentions that Lindy rigging can also be effective, but using a jig and minnow should be your top priority. If you’re looking for crappies, check out the dark bottom bays like Boy Bay and Headquarters Bay. Using a cork with a crappie minnow or plastic bait is your best bet. So, if you’re planning a trip to Leech Lake, give walleye fishing a try and see what you can catch!
Bass Season on Sturgeon Bay
Now, let’s head east to Sturgeon Bay with Doug Wagner. He mentions that the bass season is just getting started, and there are some big tournaments coming up. The water temperatures are around 48 degrees, and warm water is crucial for bass fishing. Doug caught an absolute giant bass, measuring 23 inches long and weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces. He caught it on a marabou jig while fishing some sand strips. Doug predicts that the fishing will only get better in the coming weeks, so if you’re looking to catch some bass, Sturgeon Bay is the place to be. It’s a great time to catch a personal best smallie, so don’t miss out on the opportunity!
Fishing Opportunities in Northern Wisconsin
Moving on to northern Wisconsin, Jeff Evans shares some excellent fishing opportunities in the Hayward area. The water temperatures in the inland lakes have warmed up to the low to mid-50s, and the post-spawn walleye bite has been really good.
Most of the fish are being caught in the 12 to 15-foot range, with some still shallow in about five feet of water. Jigging with middle baits and ripping plastics like paddle tails on a heavy jig head have been working well. Crappies are moving into shallow bays in five to ten feet of water, and the pre-spawn smallmouth bite is still going strong.
On Lake Superior and Schwamben Bay, the water is still cold, around 47 degrees. However, the trout and salmon bite is very good, with fish being found in less than 10 feet of water. Trolling shallow running stick baits and crankbaits has been effective. So, if you’re in northern Wisconsin, make sure to take advantage of these fishing opportunities!
Cool Products for Fishing Enthusiasts
Now, let’s talk about some cool products that can enhance your fishing experience. Fleet Farm brings us the Big Fish Patterns segment, featuring various lures and baits. Muskie Mayhem Tackle offers the 79 Trigger, a big lure with great color combinations that can be trolled or cast for muskie fishing.
Z-Man’s Chatterbait is a popular bladed jig for largemouth bass, known for its weedless design and vibration. Terminator’s Pro Series Spinnerbait is a strong and sensitive spinnerbait that can be fished hard against cover and structure. Northland Tackle’s Fireball Sting’n Jigs are perfect for live bait fishermen, with a short shank jig and wide gap that can accommodate big minnows, leeches, and crawlers. For crankbaits, the Rapala OG Series Slim 6 is a flat-sided crankbait made of balsa, with a circuit board lip for deflecting off cover.
The Rumble Monster from Northland Fishing Tackle is a small bait with a locking lip feature, perfect for muskie and pike fishing.
In addition to fishing gear, it’s important to stay cool and comfortable while out on the water. Blackfish offers the Cool Charge UPF hoodie, with a UPF rating of 30 and four-way stretch for maximum comfort.
When it comes to fishing reels, the Daiwa Tula 300 XS is a compact spinning reel with a T-wing system for smooth line management and a strong drag system. It’s designed for throwing big baits and can hold a lot of heavy line.
For fishing rods, the Bass X series from St. Croix is a great option for both value and performance. The seven-foot-one-inch medium-heavy rod is versatile and can handle a variety of techniques, from spinnerbaits to swimbaits.
And if you’re looking to troll, Offshore Tackle offers planer boards that allow you to run multiple lines and spread out your baits. These high-quality boards are designed for panfish and muskie fishing, and can help trigger fish to bite.
All of these products are available at Fleet Farm, both online and in-store. So, whether you’re a live bait fisherman, crankbait enthusiast, or trolling expert, there’s something for everyone to enhance their fishing experience.
