How do you catch early season musky?
Smaller lures generally rule in early season. Sure you catch muskies on larger lures in spring, particularly in waters that have Shad as the primary muskie forage. However, smaller lures 7 inches and less are still most productive.
How do you fish for muskie in the spring?
Expect spring muskies to be roaming the basin at modest depths, maybe 10 to 15 feet down in clear lakes–shallower in darker water ones–near schools of baitfish. The best ways to target them is to troll modest-sized crankbaits at their level, in and around baitfish you spot on your electronics.
What is the best time of day to catch muskie?
Like many predatory fish, muskie are most active at dawn and dusk, and these times typically provide the most action, especially on warm, sunny days. Cool, overcast days are usually best for muskie fishing.
How do you catch a spawning musky?
Muskie spawning occurs as water temperatures hit the mid- to upper-50-degree range. They are broadcast spawners, laying their eggs in shallow, soft-bottomed areas, generally bays (especially those with inlet flow), some shoreline areas and upstream (off-current shallows) in rivers.
Where are musky in the spring?
Newly emergent weeds, last year’s dead weeds or reeds, and downed trees are prime spring muskie locations because they provide cover and absorb the sun’s heat. A small shoreline point, a sand flat, a wooden dock, a pile of rocks, or even a bottom depression can hold fish.
How long does the musky spawn last?
10 days
But unlike newly-hatched pike, muskie fry don’t attach to vegetation for support. Instead, they fall to the bottom of the spawning area. Spawning generally lasts up to 10 days, during which a 40-pound (a little more than 18-kilogram) female muskie can release anywhere from 18,000 to 200,000 eggs.
Where do muskies hang out?
Muskies spawn at around 55 degrees so ideal spawning sites are located in shallow, flat, marshy areas usually lees than 3 feet in depth. Protection from wind and colder main lake water temperatures make isolated bays, islands and small creek inlets all good spawning sites.
What water temp is best for muskies?
between 63 and 67 degrees
Biologists classify muskies as “cool-water” fish. They are most comfortable at water temperatures between 63 and 67 degrees. In that temperature range, and in even colder water, there’s enough oxygen in the water that a muskie can exert itself without lasting effects.
What’s the best way to start musky season?
When musky season first opens I usually try to avoid the wind as it can move cooler, main lake water into shallow areas. Finding the warmest water can mean everything to early season musky action, and for this reason the best spots usually are protected from the wind.
When do Muskies start to leave shallow water?
Panfish are about to spawn which gives muskies plenty of feed in these larger shallow bays. On most bodies of water, the early summer period is still a relatively shallow water bite. Musky begin leaving the shallow bays once they are done spawning.
Where are the best places to catch Muskies?
The shallow water will absurd the spring-time sun and the north side of the bay will get the most sun, hence, the warmest water. If you can get near an incoming stream, this can add warmer water and the currents tend to attract muskies. Keep your eyes peeled for temperatures that are around the 52-62 degree mark.
When is the first day of musky season in Wisconsin?
In northern Wisconsin where the musky season opens the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the first bait out of my tackle box will be some kind of flat-sided twitchbait, like a 7-inch Slammer or Baby ShallowRaider. Not only is the bait small, but with hard plastic sides and lots of sharp hooks, you won’t miss many strikes.