Spring is a prime time for musky fishing, as these elusive predators become more active in warming waters. However, cooler temperatures and changing conditions require a strategic approach with smaller, versatile lures to entice lethargic muskies. Based on insights from Musky Shop Anglers, here’s a guide to the best springtime baits for musky fishing, along with tips to maximize your success.
Why Smaller Baits Work in Spring
In spring, muskies are often recovering from spawning or dealing with cold fronts, making them less aggressive. Smaller baits are less intimidating and easier to cast for long periods, helping you stay fresh for the season’s bigger challenges. Plus, these lures can attract bonus catches like largemouth bass, which are often spawning or guarding beds during this time.
Top Spring Musky Baits
1. Bucktails: Mepps Musky Killers
Bucktails are a musky staple, and in spring, downsized inline spinners like the Mepps Musky Killer shine. These lures create flash and vibration that trigger strikes, even in cold water. Opt for smaller sizes to match the slower metabolism of early-season muskies. Cast these near weed edges or shallow structures, and vary your retrieve speed to find what works.
2. Gliders: Phantom Soft Tail
For lethargic muskies that follow but don’t strike, gliders like the 4-inch Phantom Soft Tails are deadly. Their erratic action mimics wounded prey, provoking reaction strikes in cooler water (low 50s°F). Work these lures with a slow, twitching retrieve to keep them in the strike zone longer. They’re especially effective when muskies are holding near cover.
3. Spoons: Eppinger Dardevles
Often mistaken as a pike-only lure, the 1oz Dardevle is a spring musky magnet. Its spoon-like wobble and bright coloration/flash draw attention in murky spring waters. Use a steady retrieve or add occasional pauses to trigger strikes. This lure’s simplicity makes it a great choice for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.
4. Cranks: Shallow Raider
The 5-inch Shallow Raider is the ultimate spring musky lure, versatile enough to fish fast, slow, or with small jerks and pauses. In cold water (below 55°F), use a jerk-and-pause technique, letting the bait rise slowly during pauses to entice hesitant fish. In warmer water (low 60s°F) or post-spawn, a straight retrieve works well to mimic active prey. This lure also excels during inclement weather, such as cloudy days or after cold fronts, when muskies hide in structure.
Adapting to Conditions
Spring musky fishing demands flexibility. Here’s how to adjust your approach:
Cold Water (Below 55°F): Muskies are sluggish, so slow down your retrieve and focus on jerk-and-pause techniques. Target shallow bays or weed beds where fish seek warmer water.
Warming Water (55–65°F): As muskies become more active post-spawn, speed up your retrieve and cover more water. Focus on drop-offs, points, and rocky structures.
Inclement Weather: Cold fronts and cloudy skies push muskies into cover. Use the Shallow Raider to pull fish out of thick weeds or timber with a steady retrieve.
Tips for Spring Musky Success
Start Small: Smaller lures reduce fatigue and match the prey size muskies target in spring.
Vary Your Retrieve: Experiment with pauses, jerks, and speeds to trigger strikes from finicky fish.
Fish Structure: Target shallow weeds, rocks, and timber, especially after cold fronts.
Gear Up Gradually: Spring is the time to ease into musky fishing before tackling heavy double-10s and large crankbaits in summer and fall.
Stay Persistent: Muskies are known as the “fish of 10,000 casts,” but the right lure and technique can shorten those odds.
Conclusion
Spring musky fishing is all about adapting to cooler water and changing conditions with smaller, versatile baits. The Mepps Musky Killer, Phantom Soft Tail, Dardevles, and Shallow Raider are proven choices to put muskies in your boat. By matching your lure and retrieve to the water temperature and weather, you’ll increase your chances of landing a trophy musky—and maybe a bonus bass or two. Get out there, cast those lines, and share your favorite spring musky lures in the comments below!