In the Brainerd Lakes Area, it feels as though we transitioned from winter to summer really quickly! The fish are hungry and multiple species are biting!
Find in on shallow rock/sand or sand/muddy/weed transitions in 6-15ft of water at low-light and 12-25ft during the day, especially around developing weeds near hard bottom areas. Longline trolling Smithwick Perfect 10 or Rattlin’ Floating Rogues in the dark from .1-1.5mph is a fun way to catch walleyes on clear bodies of water. During the day, catch walleyes Lindy jig/minnow combinations (blue/glow or gold 1/8oz jigs are go-to). Also working is pitching a lipless crankbait such as a Booyah One Knocker or jig/soft plastic and rip/pause/lift/slow drop retrieves. Don’t be afraid to bring leeches and rig them or pitch a slip float/bobber to pods of fish.
Crappies have been staying in areas adjacent to spawning habit, such a steep breaks, holes and flats in 3-15ft of water. Drive around areas near spawning habitat or sunken wood until you see schools, or check shaded areas such as docks/bridges/boat lifts and fish the schools. Two main approaches for early spring crappies are jig/plastic or bobber/minnow presentations. We opted for using Lindy Fatboy Tungsten Jigs and Mister Twister Sassy Stingum plastics to catch our fish! We found a large school, anchor-locked on the school, and either vertically jigged them or pitched at the school. Sunfish are near these same areas and will hit a wax worm tipped on a small lead or tungsten jig; slip or attached floats/bobbers will catch fish.
Catch bass and northern pike in bays and inside weedlines in 2-15ft on jig/minnow, soft plastic or wacky worm variations; drop shooting bass is also effective.
We are really excited to see what this season brings for fish, outdoor adventures, and making memories with friends and family!
Good luck, stay safe and Happy Hawg Hunting!
