Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, looks like a wonderful week to start the open water season for 2025! The weather could not be better with temps mainly in the 70s with a dip on Wednesday down to 51 degrees. Then back up into the low 70s to close out the week. Right now I am seeing no rain in the forecast this week or next. Water temps are right around the high 40s and low 50s on most lakes, but this week should warm up shallow lakes pretty significantly.
Walleye–Anglers should most likely find ‘eyes off of rocky points, mid lake structure/reefs or sandy/rocky bottom transitions right now. At daylight or dusk hours walleye should push up shallow chasing baitfish. Fathead minnows rigged on jigheads is probably the most common way anglers will catch walleye right now. Artificial baits, such as Rapala husky jerks, Livingston jerkamaster, and other minnow style baits can also work well right now. Leeches may also work as far as livebait, but water temps may be a little cold for that bite right now.
Northern Pike–Anglers should find pike in and around shallow bays or weed beds. Spinnerbaits, smaller Mepps spinners and shallow running crankbaits are all great options to target early pike. They will also eat many livebait offerings that are in close proximity to them no matter how big or small.
LMB–Largemouth bass should also be in and around shallow weedy bays or weed beds. Spinnerbaits worked a little bit deeper in the water column should catch fish as they won’t be on shallow beds yet. Jigs and minnows or skirted jigs can work well too.
SMB–Smallies will most likely be around the same rocky/sandy structure as walleye right now and can be caught on a lot of the same set-ups as you would fish for walleye. Namely live bait, but they will hit crankbaits as well. Deeper running crankbaits bounced off of rocks and stirring up bottom can be very effective to catch smallies right now.
Crappie–The crappie bite has been pretty good and anglers are finding them in anywhere from 7-15 FOW depending on the lake. Some fish are out in the basins yet, while others are setting up on deep weed edges. Fish are still in pre-spawn and are in predictable places of historic pre-spawn spots. Jigs and minnows under a float, or jigs and plastics or baits such as Northland Mimic Minnows, or Berkley’s new Minnotators can be a great way to catch aggressive crappie.
Bluegill/Perch–Bluegill historically should be up a little tighter into new weed growth or slightly warmer water. Anglers may have luck with leaf worms or waxies rigged on smaller hooks or jigs under a float. Perch can be around those same areas, although they will most likely be favoring the deep edges of the weeds or just into the basins off of those weed lines. Jigs and crappie minnows would be an excellent choice to target Perch right now.
Good luck to all of the anglers getting out today and this weekend!! Have a great one and we will talk soon.
Greg