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The lakes are warming up and as the water continues to warm, the leech bite continues to heat up right along with it. The walleye are still hanging out relatively shallow, 8 – 15 feet of water seems to be it in most of the area lakes. A jig tipped with a large leech or a large minnow, (sucker minnow), in the target depth range on points, main lake breaks or sunken islands is going to be a safe bet. If artificial baits are your preference, troll Berkley Flicker Shads, Rapala Shad Raps, or Berkley Hit Sticks. Some great preforming swim baits to try are Keitech and Crush City swim baits. Early mornings, late evening and shortly after dark are the prime hours to target walleye.
Bass, both large and small mouth, are running shallow, really shallow; 1 – 5 feet of water. They are post spawn and hungry. Top water crank baits, like the Whopper Plopper, are triggering explosive strikes. Look for shallow, weedy bays. Work the bank and visible structure, like docks, tree stumps, rocks, etc. Throw a top water crank bait, flashy spinner or a Whacky Rigged plastic around the structure, weed line or rocky shoreline. A leech under a slip bobber is also a solid option for success. For our fly fishermen, Clouser Minnows or small, articulated flies on sinking line are great options.
Northern pike haven’t changed their patterns. You will still find them in the shallow bays patrolling the weed lines. Large sucker minnows under a bobber are an easy approach. Also try top water crank baits, flashy spoons and Rapalas. Fly fishermen, sinking line with Pike Bunnies, Lefty’s Deceiver and D&D’s stripped quickly over shallow weed beds should produce nicely.
Lake trout have gone deep, concentrate your efforts at 50 feet and beyond. Use large tube jigs tipped with a frozen smelt head or jig large Dr Spoons. Troll large, deep diving Salmos or Rapalas on lead-core line.
The crappie and panfish spawns are heating up and they are on their beds. Look for them in weedy flats of 3-8 feet of water. Crappie minnows, leeches and night crawlers for live bait. Beetle Spins, Thumper Jigs, small Salmos and Rapalas. Fly Fishermen, cast small dry flies over shallow weed beds.
