Spring Musky Fishing
Spring is a great time to target musky, the most elusive, and powerful freshwater fish that can grow up to 55 inches or more. Muskies are often found in shallow water during spring, as they follow baitfish seeking warmer temperatures. However, spring musky fishing can also be challenging, as the fish can be picky and temperamental due to the changing weather conditions. To increase your chances of hooking a spring musky, you need to choose the right lures and tactics for the situation. Here are some tips and recommendations for the best lures for spring musky fishing.
Bucktails
Bucktail lures are classic and simple lures that consist of at least one metal blade and a hair or synthetic tail. They are easy to use and can cover a lot of water quickly. Bucktails are ideal for spring musky fishing, as they can imitate the baitfish that musky feed on, such as shad, perch, or suckers. They can also be fished at different speeds and depths, depending on the blade size, body weight, and shape.
Crankbaits
Crankbait lures are hard-bodied lures that typically have a lip or a bill that makes them dive and wobble when retrieved. They are designed to mimic the shape and movement of a baitfish, such as a minnow, a shad, or a perch. Crankbaits are a good choice for spring musky fishing, as they can trigger a reaction bite from a musky that is chasing or ambushing prey. Crankbaits can also be fished in a variety of ways, such as straight, twitched, or pull-pause, depending on the lure type and the fish's behavior.
Soft Plastics
Soft plastic lures are a versatile and effective option for spring musky fishing. They have a realistic and subtle movement that can entice a musky that might ignore a more flashy presentation. Soft plastic lures can also be fished in different ways, such as straight retrieve, jigging, ripping, or pull-pause, depending on the depth and mood of the fish.
Spring musky fishing can be rewarding and exciting, but also challenging and frustrating. In order to increase your chances of landing a trophy musky, you need to choose the right lures and tactics for the situation. The lures mentioned above are some of the best options for spring musky fishing, as they can imitate the baitfish that musky feed on and trigger a bite from a hungry or curious musky. However, you also need to consider other factors, such as the water temperature, clarity, depth, structure, vegetation, weather, and fish mood, and adjust your lure selection and presentation accordingly. Remember, musky fishing is a game of patience and persistence, so don't give up and keep trying different lures and techniques until you find what works.
Did you know that most muskies stocked nationwide come from Leech Lake in Minnesota? The Minnesota DNR is running a survey to help manage musky populations better, and your input, even as an out-of-state angler, is super valuable.
It's a quick and easy survey that can make a real difference. Your experiences and insights matter, so if you've got a few minutes, we'd love to hear from you. Here's the link to participate: https://engage.dnr.state.mn.us/fisheries-public-input-wildlife-public-input/surveys/muskie-long-range-plan
Your contribution could help shape the future of musky fishing.