FISHING WITH THE GUIDES with George Langley - WEEK OF 4/21 to 4/28

 The only thing we can count on with the weather so far this year is that it will be inconsistent – and windy. One day it feels like summer and the next it feels like winter, with a few snowflakes thrown in for effect. This can make it difficult to pin down any pattern for fishing. Water temps are rising slowly, but really we’re in excellent shape for a great Opener for Game Fishing weekend in 2 weeks.

 The Perch spawn is wrapping up on many area lakes. They are being found in shallow bays, both in weed beds and in shoreline wood. They will remain in these areas until the females have finished spawning, which we’re seeing the end of now. Use a small minnow on a hook or jig rigged under a bobber for best action, although some anglers have success with leaf worms and waxies. How close you want to be to the bottom depends on the mood of the perch – anywhere from a couple of inches to a foot. A little experimenting will sort it out for you. We have also been catching some walleyes and bass mixed in with the perch. A good hint of what’s to come with the Opener, May 4^th.

Crappie fishing has been inconsistent, just like the weather. These fish can be found in a variety of places depending on the lake. You will find some schools of crappie in deep water and some up in shallow bays and some on mid-lake structure. And we’re getting reports of catches in all of these places.  Small minnows have been the best bait for these fish. Warm afternoons, in warm bays have been the best time and place to catch these crappies when you can find them up shallow.

 Bluegill action has pretty been slow so far this spring, which is typical. Frankly, these fish are easier to catch through the ice, so they can be difficult during a year like this. If you’re targeting them, use an ice jig with a small minnow or waxie – small is the key.  When the water warms these fish will get much more aggressive as they prepare for their late spring spawn.

 We’re looking forward to a great May 4^th Opener in a couple of weeks. The weather looks to be holding pretty steady, and hopefully we’ll get a little more rain before then to bring up water levels a bit. For those who haven’t yet, now’s the time to ready your rods and reels, and put some order to that tackle box!

 Good luck and good fishin'!

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