| Muskies Through The Seasons | |
|
BY: VICTOR BEACHAM
SPRING
Spring is
finally upon us after a long cold winter. Reels have been stripped, cleaned
and oiled. A few new lures have been made, and Muskie anglers are chomping at
the bit to get onto their favourite lakes and hunt down their favourite fish,
the fresh water leviathan known as the Muskie.
The stress of
winter and the rigors of spawning have takes its toll on Muskie at this time
of year. The fish are not actively feeding but they are there and can be
caught, if the right presentation is used.
The fish are
sluggish and their metabolism slow. They will not spend energy chasing and
gorging themselves on large bait fish. Small artificials, more suited to bass
or walleye are the route to go. Work these lures SLOW. A lighter rod with lots
of feel and lighter line works great. Don't be afraid to use a spinning
outfit. Only after the water temperature reaches sixty degrees should you
start using larger lures and heavier tackle.
You will want
to fish smaller, shallower lakes since these warm up faster. The Muskie will
be in the shallower water because this area warms up earlier and minnows will
concentrate here to spawn. Shorelines, shoals and incoming creek mouths are
areas that should be concentrated on.
Fish late
mornings and early afternoons when the overhead sun warms the water, and work
later in the day as the water warms up.
SUMMER
By the time
early summer has arrived, the water temperature should be mid-sixties. The
Muskie's metabolism is at its peak, and the fish should be on.
Weed beds have
thickened and turned green, attracting baitfish and hence Muskies. Weed beds
near deep water are best. Fish that hang out in deeper water will head to the
weed beds to feed. On larger weed beds, work the outside edges first
(especially the inside turns) before heading towards the center.
Speed up your
presentation at this time of year to the ideal speed for your lures. Large
spinner baits, bucktails and jerk baits get the aggressive fish. Full sized
crankbaits and spoons are also a
As water
temperature gets to the seventies, the Muskies once again slow down. Mornings
and evenings are your prime times. The fish will suspend in deeper water. Its
time to troll with large deep running plugs - it is the best way to cover a lot
of water as effectively as possible. Troll with a long line and troll fast.
Troll tight to weedlines, then move further out and try again. Locate sunken
islands and shoals, and work these areas too.
Shaded water
will also hold fish. Strap on those jerk baits, and hold on tight!
"Swimming"
heavier jigs along deep water weed edges can be most productive at times. When
Muskies are holding tight to the weeds, a jig will get down quicker than
most lures, will not get hung up on weeds as readily as multi-hooked lures, and
are more manageable on tight inside turns.
Top water
action on the midnight shift is also productive. Noisy surface lures painted
black and retrieved slow will produce heart stopping hits. Large bladed spinner baits are also productive.
On
muggy, foggy late summer mornings, buzz baits worked very shallow next to
shoreline rock, or wood structure can produce excellent results.
FALL
If you want to
catch a trophy Muskie, fall is the time to do it. Most seasoned Muskie guides
agree that September and October are the peak months to catch a true trophy. The
water temperature drops to the mid sixties, and the Muskies start putting on fat
for the upcoming winter.
Spring tactics
will work in the fall, except think BIG. Jerkbaits along shorelines, are
recommended. As the water cools, fish slower.
Early in the
fall, mornings, evenings and nights are your best bets, but as the water
temperature drops to the fifties, switch to the afternoons and early evenings.
At this time the water will be warmer.
In late fall,
as the weeds turn brown, Muskie will move away from them. Concentrate on the
shallows, shorelines and bays Downsize your lures and fish them slow.
Good luck and
good fishing!
