Springtime arrived earlier this year than maybe anytime over the past century. It’s been a truly remarkable season of prematurely warm weather – not that we’re complaining. But even the old-timers, who were around to fish the Original Rapala Minnow, can’t recall another year like this one. Melting ice ended the frozen water period almost before it started. Warm sunny March, April and May days warmed the shallows rapidly, injecting the water with virtual espresso … Read entire article »

Ply bent-over bulrushes for epic shallow-water walleyes In this two-part article I will discuss how one of the best early-season walleye bites coincides with the shiner spawn each year. Part one will concentrate on the all-important when and where; part two will explain the how, giving you the exact presentations to take full advantage of this phenomenal bite. It’s sad but true: One of the greatest fallacies in walleye fishing—anglers’ reluctance to fish skinny water—prevents … Read entire article »

Contrary to popular belief, the vibrations and gyrations of bodybaits (aka crankbaits) often prevail over the standard spin, flash and roll of conventional metal By Mitch Eagan Cast. Troll. Fish them high in the water column or low. Tie on a bodybait and ply any of the Great Lakes for trout and salmon and you’ll often have the upper hand. Spoons, spinners, flashers and flies are standard issue anywhere trout and salmon swim. It’s not that the … Read entire article »

The fishing season in several states across the Midwest opened recently. Anglers are out there chasing walleyes, northern pike, bass, and panfish. The next few months will provide people who fish lots of opportunities to get bit. Following are some ideas to reduce the time between bites. Follow the food. Fish do two things during the year: They spawn and they eat. The spawn is over, so all they’ll be … Read entire article »