FINDING FISH IN THE SPRING
By Bob Jensen

The open water fishing season is quickly approaching. In fact, in many areas of the Midwest, anglers are already working rivers for walleyes. Most anglers though, won't be wetting a line until the ice goes out on the lakes. Here's how you can find fish in lakes when the ice leaves.

One real important thing to remember about finding fish in the spring is to keep in mind that that is when most freshwater fish are spawning. Therefore, you can expect them to be near their spawning areas. Some states have closed seasons in an attempt to protect spawning fish. Regardless, if you are fishing in the spring, you will probably be chasing fish that are getting ready to spawn, are spawning, or have just completed that ritual.

Water temperature can be a good indicator when searching for potential hot spots. The Legend sonar units have a temperature indicator that is very helpful especially early in the year.

If walleyes are the target, look for them near shore in most situations. They will most likely be on sand or rock areas. If there is some current, that will make the area even better. Expect to find current where a river or stream enters the lake, or in necked-down areas.

Bass, crappies and bluegills are nest-builders, so they will usually be found in areas with a sand bottom, which enables nest building. An area is usually more attractive if there are some rushes, vegetation, maybe even some wood cover. The fish on the north side of the lake will often be more active early in the year because the water is warmer there due to being more affected by the sun.

Northern pike are the first spawners in most bodies of water. Look for warm bays that have vegetation that the pike's eggs can attach to.

Regardless of specie, the smaller fish, which are usually males, will move into the shallows first. Just before and just after the spawn, you can expect to find the larger females to be holding in water that is just a little deeper. It isn't unusual to find fish in just a couple feet of water this time of year.

If you arrive at a body of water just before the spawn has started and you're just looking for action, try working the shallows.

However, if you're looking for larger fish, it might pay off to work maybe a point or some sort of structure close to the spawning area.

Some anglers will question the ethics of fishing for spawning fish, or those that have not yet spawned. It generally won't hurt to take a couple of small walleyes or crappies for the table this time of year, but larger walleyes and all bass should be released. The male bass are critical for protecting their nest, and of course the females provide the eggs. Bass should be released immediately.

This early season fishing can provide some fantastic action, and it's always nice just to be on the water on a nice spring day. Enjoy the action, enjoy the day, put the fish back, and you will look forward to spring fishing from now on.