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Updated:
Monday, May 19, 2008
Here it is, almost peak Spring fishing season. It won't be long and Spring
will be winding down and soon to come will be the dog heat days of Summer.
Water temps are getting higher, fish are becoming more active and within easy
reach for shore fishermen.
If you didn't already know, Spring fishing season begins in the Yoop with ice
out, or also known as Smelt dipping season. That is, if you haven't already
caught them through the ice during Winter ice fishing season.
Michigan Upper Peninsula, Inland Lake Spring fishing action is always hot, hot
HOT! It is my most favorite time of the entire year to fish the Yoop. Why
you ask? It's peaceful, absorbing, absolutely no fishing pressure and most of
all... no fricken bugs.
If you can get yourself out on a 50 to 65 degree day during Spring, you'll see
for yourself what I am talking about. Besides all that... the pan fishing
is usually remarkable this time of the year.
If you're fishing from shore, keep eyes open for any available shoreline
structure. Fish, including large-bodied game fish are beginning to make their
visits straight to shoreline haunts in search for an easy springtime meal.
Fish are always much less finicky during early spring than Summer or Fall. As
air and water temps increase, along with fishing pressure that comes along with
it, fish become more wary. You're going to have to catch them off guard where
they like to feed. And it's often times the warming shallows, where they have
their minds set on. You should too.
 
Pan fish will be the hottest fishing sport going on during Spring.
Bluegill
are headed to the shallows, black crappie are scouting open warm water currents
for food sources during the day and walleye are keeping close watch on food
sources developing in the shallows.
You don't need a boat to capture them... just a good pair of waders so you can
target and cast live bait, spinners and plugs where fish are scouting for the
new food sources developing.
If you do have a boat, concentrate on the shoreline having access to deep water
and nearby structure.
Where newly emerging foliage is developing and deep water begins, that's where
you'll find the big ones. Keep away from open flats.
Best Fishing Baits to Use
Artificial Bait:
My favorite for pan fish??? Catch the big ones and discourage the little ones
using a gold, black or silver Rapala Countdown. Number 2 or #3 Mepps spinners
will fill the bill as well.
Live Bait:
Minnows are most likely your best bet this time of year for sure. Fish straight
line hook and slip sinker right off the bottom or use a slip bobber rig.
Make your offering look like a desirable minnow and your in good shape for large
bodied pan fish. Oh yeah and don't forget to use the
clipped fin minnow fishing trick-
it works almost every single time! Good luck and have fun fishing Michigan's
Upper Peninsula.
Night crawlers are always a great live bait choice after a hearty rain shower.
Michigan Early Spring Fishing Season Hot Spots
-Au Train Lake
Grab a hold of some nice yellow perch or bluegills. There's also some great
bullhead fishing going on this time of the season!
-Deer Lake
This fishing treasure has been open to the public by the DNR only a few years
ago. The lake is a great yellow perch fishing resource early in the season and a
fantastic smallmouth and northern pike fishery during the legal season. Loads of
fun and rewards.
-Ackerman Lake
Reel in some nice rainbow trout in within easy reach from shore. Fish overcast
or diffused light- fish bite best.
-Thunder Lake
Early Spring season black crappie, bluegill and yellow perch are on the agenda
and targeted. Locate structure and you'll find where cold water crappie are
suspended nearby.
-South Manistique Lake
One of my most favorite bluegill lakes to fish. Get yourself over to the Shoepac
River outlet, near the campground. Fish the entire shoreline of the bay- loads
of structure and the fishing is the best there than on the whole lake.
Besides the bluegill fishing, the Shoepac river also provides some excellent
largemouth bass fishing in Early Summer. The river is equipped with an avalanche
of structure and hideouts. Early morning or late afternoon is the best to hit
this area.
-Horseshoe Lake
Bluegill & black crappie rewards for those willing to search out this little
known secret during early Spring. Don't bother any other time of the year... the
lake swells with confusion. Horseshoe Lake is a small but performing private
lake with private boat launch.
Fishermen must pay to launch their boat. The boat launch is very crude with
limited parking. If you do decide to go, make sure your craft is a smaller boat
or canoe. They do rent boats and canoes at $5.00 an hour which I think is
utterly ridiculous.
Michigan DNR Fishing Reports
The new 2008 fishing licenses went on sale March 1st. Copies of the 2008 Michigan Fishing Guide and the Inland Trout and Salmon Guide are now available where licenses are sold.
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