BUCHER TALES

My Favorite Spring Musky Pattern

- Joe Bucher

Many of our favorite northern musky waters contain large, extended sand flats with reeds. Spring muskies slip up onto these reed flats soon after ice-out and often utilize them throughout the entire spring period, including right through spawning. Reeds receiving a lot of sunlight exposure can be particularly good real early since they are bound to contain noticeably warmer water. However, reeds in shaded or cooler portions of a lake are bound to hold a musky or two later in the springtime.

The use of many conventional multi-treble hook musky lures is restricted by reed density, plus the fact the reeds emerge from the water. This is primarily why the single upward-riding hook design of a spinnerbait or weedless jig is the best choice for fishing in reeds.