Fishing Report for Opening Weekend
Capt. Steve Nosbisch
www.stevenosbischguide.com
These are uncertain times that we live in, but one thing is for sure, the outlook for opening weekend this year is looking fantastic! The ice has been off of Leech lake for 5 days now and some of the surrounding lakes have been ice free for nearly 2 weeks already. The ice out and sunny days means the lakes are starting to warm up nicely.
The Northern Pike and Walleyes should be on the backside of their spawning cycle by Saturday morning when we all hit the lakes. These fish should be hungry and willing to cooperate. If you’re going to be out chasing Walleyes this weekend a good place to start your search is on wind blown points or shorelines in 4′-12′ of water. Both rocky shorelines and sandy areas will hold fish this time of year. Early in the year warm water and the wind will dictate both the bait location and the fish location. A jig and minnow or Lindy Rig and minnow are good presentations to start with. If minnows are not producing leeches can also be a good option early in the year. If you are not finding fish keep on the move until you do, because there will be active fish somewhere on the lake.
The Crappies and Sunnies are staging for spawning right now. As the dark bottom bays continue to warm up and the weed growth starts the Crappies and Sunnies can be found near the newly emerging green weeds. A small jig and plastic or plain hook and crappie minnow are sure ways to catch them. As always, the panfish are vulnerable during their spawn, so practicing sustainable harvest is absolutely necessary this time of year.
Swanson’s Bait & Tackle – Hackensack, MN
http://swansonsbait.com 218-675-6176
Fishing Report- Crappie action is heating up on local lakes. On the smaller lakes fish have started moving into the shallows and on the larger lakes fish are a little deeper off the first break. With the colder temps fish seem to prefer live bait, keep moving to find active fish.
Walleyes on opener- Play the wind, use a jig tipped with a minnow or try casting crankbaits and jerkbaits. Start shallow and work deeper until you find fish. Fish should be looking to feed after the spawn. . It should be a great opener.
