Featured Articles

Hook, Line and Sinker! Springtime Fishing Tips You Need To Know

Published

on

fishing FEAT

As the trees start to leaf out and the world around me starts to turn green, I begin to get that itch again.  I do not do much winter fishing just because I despise cold weather, but as soon as temperatures start to rise I try to get back out there. However, in March and April fishing can be hit and miss.  Overall, I have much better luck during summer months.  However, there are some tips and tricks to help you find success in those early springtime fishing months.

Springtime Fishing Tips

Trout

My go-to springtime fish has always been trout.  There are plenty of good rivers and streams in the Midwest where you will find rainbows, cutthroats, and browns. These fish love cold, spring-fed waters so the spring is an ideal time to go.  Many years my father and I have gone turkey hunting in April, but brought out trout gear for evenings.  We would hunt all morning, take a nap, and then put on our waders for evening fishing.

Hook, Line and Sinker! Springtime Fishing Tips You Need To Know trout

The two best places to find trout in the springtime are behind structures and at junctions in the waterway.  The rivers move faster due to springtime rains, so any break in the current is a good place to cast.  Also, spring rains causes small streams to drag food into larger flows.  These junctions are likely where you will find trout waiting for a meal. If I am not fly fishing, my all-time favorite bait is actually little salad shrimp.

purple-banner-gear
grey-square-gear-testers

Lake Smallmouth

Many people assume that smallmouth will not bite when the water is colder in the spring.  It is true that the fishing is not as easy as the summer months, but you just have to find where they are located.  They will bite fine once you find the fish.  The best areas to cast are where deep channels transition into shallow areas.  These are typically found along points that jut into the lake.  One you get a bite, keep fishing that same area.

Hook, Line and Sinker! Springtime Fishing Tips You Need To Know lake smallmouth

The silver buddy blade is ideal for this type of fishing.  It creates a strong vibration as you drag it along the bottom of the lake.  You will need a stiff fishing rod to get the right jerking motion on the lure.  The color really makes no difference.

River Largemouth

One aspect of springtime fishing is dealing with flooding.  Flooding can actually help with river largemouth.  You want to find the clearest section of water you can find, and it is normally at the new banks of the flooded area.  As the water spills out of the river onto grassy banks, the water should be clean and full of food for the fish.

Hook, Line and Sinker! Springtime Fishing Tips You Need To Know river largemouth

As for how to get their attention, more is better.  Use a large lure that makes a lot of noise.  Use a scent or flavor product on the lure.  Using a trailer, bounce that thing off of every rock and log you can to make as much noise as you can.  Dark colored lures will work better this time of year.

River Walleye

In the fall, walleye will leave lakes and travel upstream to spend the winter.  In the spring months they are often still in these rivers.  They do like warmer water, so looking for shallow spots is the way to go.  Try to focus on junctions between two streams or eddies behind small wingdams.

Hook, Line and Sinker! Springtime Fishing Tips You Need To Know river walleye

As is with other fish in the spring, you want to do as much as you can to get their attention.  An ideal lure is the No. 7 Rapala Countdown Minnow in chartreuse.  You need a bright color to catch their eye.  It is also a good idea to smear the lure with a fish attractant to give yourself an edge in the limited lighting.

The point is that springtime fishing can be a blast if you know what changes to make to your strategy.  As you can see, the places you look and the lures you use can vary greatly from summertime.  Make these adjustments and you can head home with a full stringer.

purple-banner-gear
silver-square-gear-testers

Hook Line and Sinker Springtime Fishing Tips You Need To Know

Up Next: 5 Tactical Tips To Maneuver Like An Elite Operator

Sign Up For Survival Life Subscribe Button

If you're looking for useful survival gear that you can't make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

Continue Reading
8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. Pingback: Survival Fishing | Unconventional Methods To Catch Fish

  2. bass lures

    April 19, 2018 at 11:18 PM

    An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto
    a colleague who was conducting a little homework on this.
    And he in fact bought me lunch due to the fact
    that I found it for him… lol. So allow me
    to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this issue here on your website.

  3. Pingback: Important Self Sufficiency Skills To Learn - Survive!

  4. Pingback: How To Make A PVC Chum Dispenser Tube [Video] | Survival Life

  5. Pingback: How To Make A PVC Chum Dispenser Tube [Video] - Survival Patch

  6. Pingback: How To Make A PVC Chum Dispenser Tube [Video] | Life Off The Grid

  7. Pingback: Survival Fishing | Unconventional Methods To Catch Fish | Primitive technology

  8. Pingback: Survival Fishing | Unconventional Methods To Catch Fish - Survive!

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Trending

SIGN UP NOW

Enter for a chance to WIN a pair of these Tactical Boots when you sign up today for our exclusive email newsletter subscription.