Spring Fishing - Guest Article

by: Scott Steil


You just bought that new boat you have been dreaming about at the boat show this year and have been staring at it in your garage for the last few weeks. Or, you are planning on buying a new boat and the thoughts of getting that boat of your dreams on the water this spring continually occupies your mind. Well, literally, I am in the same boat as you and am looking forward to hitting the open water, which appears to be coming much faster than expected. 

When I think spring fishing I think of bluegill and crappie in the shallow bays. While shore fishing in spring is always a viable option, there is nothing better than getting that boat in the water early to explore the portions of those shallow muddy bays that those without a boat can not reach. When spring panfish invade the shallow warm waters of our local lakes, they are hungry, feeding and willing to bite. As anglers we may be tempted to fish with the crowd near shore because they are catching fish but often times the best fishing is on the warm south shore of the bay which is only accessible by boat. When this is the case, you will be rewarded for taking the time to get that new boat in the water early as you will have access to some of the best spring fishing there is.

For those of you that are fortunate enough to live near a border water you may still be able to fish walleye in spring long before the in-state season opens. The Mississippi River between Minnesota and Wisconsin is a perfect example of a river that remains open for walleye fishing. In fact, not only does the walleye season remain open but the spring walleye fishing is fantastic. The first water my new boat sees is usually at Pool 4 in Red Wing. The boat ramps on the Mighty Mississippi open early and give you a great opportunity to not only break-in and run your new boat but also take home a limit of nice walleye while you do it. Most years I am able to get quite a few hours on my motor and bring home some great tasting walleye long before most have ever thought about walleye fishing, thanks to the Mississippi River at Red Wing.

Those are just a couple examples of spring fishing at its best and that are guaranteed to provide a cure for spring fever. Instead of looking at that new boat in your garage or thinking about going to buy that new boat, get out there and do it now. Some of the best fishing of the season will take place in the next month, long before the celebrated Minnesota Fishing Opener. We’ll see you on the water! 

Scott Steil is a professional walleye fisherman from Richmond, Minnesota and has a fishing Blog www.scottsteilfishing,com that offers year around information on both ice and open water fishing which is a great source of information for beginners or the advanced angler.