Spring Fishing: 7 Tips to Catch Spring Fish

Spring is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year to fish. Big fish are shallow, grouped up, aggressive, and a little more prone to making the mistake of biting your lure. However, there can be a big difference in any fish’s patterns or location based on what stage of spring you’re fishing in. In this article, we’re going to highlight a few key strategies for catching most species of fish throughout the constantly changing months of spring.

1. Slowing Down at Ice-Out

We’ve all been there. Cabin fever starts to set in somewhere about halfway through the winter. Now, you’re driving by the lake every day as temps start to warm up just optimistically hoping to start seeing patches of open water. So, naturally, you put the boat in the first opportunity you get. We all have high hopes for these early spring ice-out days when the water temps are hovering in the high 30s or low 40s, but fishing can be really tough. When the water temps are that low, downsizing and slowing down can pay off big for any species. Most fish aren’t super aggressive quite yet and won’t track down a bait flying past their faces. Give that jerkbait a few extra second pause or leave that crappie jig sitting in the zone a little longer. Sometimes, a small presentation tantalizingly shaking, or even sitting still, in front of their mouths can be the key.

2. Scent is a Difference Maker

Scent is very rarely ever a bad thing to add to your bait, but it can be especially important in the early spring to turn lookers into biters. Non-aggressive fish tend to like to short strike or just pick up and spit out baits immediately. A little bit of scent in the mix can encourage them to hang onto your bait that split second longer needed to set the hook. Garlic, anise, and BaitFuel are all go-to options.

3. Find the Warmest Water Possible for Spring Fishing

Certain areas on some bodies of water have the potential to warm up quicker than others. This is may be due to a number of factors such as depth, water clarity, runoff, or bottom structure. These warm water areas tend to be where the largest concentration of baitfish are, so in turn whatever predatory fish you’re pursuing may not be far behind. A couple of degrees can be a pretty significant difference to a fish.

4. UTILIZE YOUR ELECTRONICS

Many species of fish tend to get super grouped up in their spring pre-spawn stage. This allows them to be more easily seen on your fish finder’s sonar, down imaging, and side imaging. It can pay to spend some time idling around to look for the fish before you start casting!

5. The Double Cast Rule

As we stated in the last tip, fish can sometimes get very grouped up in the springtime. This means if you think you’ve found a few, there’s a good chance you’ve found more than that. When you catch a fish, make that exact same cast again, every time until you stop catching them. You might just be surprised as to how many are actually down there!

6. The Greener the Grass, the Better

When it comes to springtime fishing, the grass is always greener on the other side. That is, the greener and more alive the weeds you’re fishing around are, the better. Sometimes aquatic vegetation will die in the winter time, leaving an area with a lack of oxygen and dirty water. Although you might find some fish in these areas, your odds of success are significantly higher when you’ve located lively, green, and healthy weeds.

7. Don’t be Afraid to Look Shallow

As spring progresses, the water warms, and fish have spawning on their minds more and more, it’s never a bad idea to look shallow. Although shallow is a relative term, in this case, we mean as shallow as 1ft. It’s amazing how shallow many species of fish will get around the spawn, so don’t be afraid to trim the motor up and get a little closer to the bank!

BONUS TIP: Seeing Red

Red is undoubtedly one of the best springtime colors by far. Many angler’s springtime tackle boxes consist mainly of red chatterbaits and crankbaits. Red’s springtime success can be largely attributed to crayfish. After being buried in mud all winter, crayfish emerge in the spring and begin to molt out of their old exoskeleton. They are very vulnerable to predators during this time and turn an easily visible reddish color. Don’t leave home without some red lures and baits next spring!

Springtime is many people’s favorite season to fish. The potential for great numbers and size of fish is arguably at its best in the spring. I hope this article helps you put a few more on the bank or in the boat this year!