Springtime weather in West Virginia is very inconsistent and unpredictable. One week it could be pouring rain, and the next week could bring blizzard-like conditions. This can make spring fishing very challenging in the Mountain State. Patterns can vary daily depending on weather.
In this article, I will go over basic techniques and the lures I use to put muskies in the boat from early spring to early summer while fishing shad-based reservoirs.
As the water temperature increases from 45 degrees and warmer, I focus on flats and points near deep water. As the water warms, shad move to shallow areas trying to find the warmest water. If it is a sunny and warm day, I like to shortline troll with .22 Shorts, Rapala J-13s, and rattle baits.
I typically run two planer boards and two down-rods. The planer boards will be attached to my longer lines and will lead my shallowest-running baits. I focus on keeping the planer board as close to the bank as possible. With my down-rods, I troll deep diving crankbaits as close to bottom as possible, and sometimes bang them on the bottom if it is an area that is rocky and doesn’t have much debris.
If it is a cloudy, colder day, I troll in deeper water. I look for balls of shad near spawning areas and run my baits above them.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February/March 2021-Ausgabe von Musky Hunter.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February/March 2021-Ausgabe von Musky Hunter.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
What can Current Do For You?
WATER FLOW IN LAKES IS SUBTLE AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED. BUT MUSKIES USE IT, SO WHY SHOULDN’T YOU?
Mountain State Muskies In Spring
CATCH MUSKIES DURING TIMES WHEN NOTHING IS PREDICTABLE
Winter Presentations For Southern Rivers
Winter has arrived, yet in the South it’s still mild enough to keep fishing with the exception of maybe a week or two of an Arctic front.
Tune Up For The Season Ahead
Have you started making your plans for the upcoming fishing year?
Rob Manthei
Guide Rob Manthei’s love for the Vilas/Oneida County region of northern Wisconsin is deeply rooted. His father and grandfather started taking him there on fishing trips when he was just two years old, and he began guiding full-time at the age of 25.
Find The Right Structure In Deep, Clear Water
With breathtaking scenery, vast amounts of water, and complex and diverse structure, clear water Canadian Shield lakes offer some of the most sought-after musky fishing in the world. A bucket-list destination for the passionate and determined angler, there’s something truly special about being in the sanctuary of the great Canadian Shield lakes.
Multi-Species Or Bay Boat ... You Make The Choice
Is there really such a thing as a perfect musky boat? There are so many variables to choose from in the market today. Do I want a casting or trolling boat? Aluminum or fiberglass? Welded or riveted? Do I want a tiller, side console, dual console, or full windshield?
Region To Region
Region To Region
Genetic Study Yields Answers
STUDY SUGGESTS LEECH STRAIN IS NOT THE ‘SILVER BULLET’ FOR WISCONSIN MUSKY WATERS
Crawling Crankbaits To Catch Cold Water Muskies
Crankbaits catch plenty of muskies during spring, summer and fall, but the key to catching ’skies in the very early cold water season on these lures involves some special tricks.
