The long awaited musky season is something we all look forward to, yet many start the season out unproductively for a number of reasons. One of the simplest reasons for a lack of spring success has to do with a lack of understanding of how a lake, river or reservoir lays out, and consequently how all the fish inside a given body of water react accordingly. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a singular key thing to consider in an early season musky gameplan.
If there’s one thing, above all else, that has worked well for me in my search for “active” early season muskies; it has been finding warming water. The term “active” is important here, too. It’s important to note that not all the muskies in one given lake will be where the warm water is, but it’s a good bet that the ones using that particular area are sure to be much more active. In fact, I firmly believe that pods of muskies often exist in many locations throughout a larger body of water no matter what season it is. But these individual musky pods are bound to turn on at different times depending upon the existing conditions on any given day. Yet, one of the most reliable of all patterns is simply —- finding warming water temps. And this is easily accomplished by adhering to the north shore rule.
For example, a shallow northern bay on nearly any given lake or reservoir (flowage) might have a water temperature of no more than 55 - 60 degrees or so on any given morning in the early spring. If the prior night was cold and clear, it (the water temps) could be even colder (early in the day). However, if the skies are relatively clear on that day allowing a lot of sunlight penetration, and the wind direction is northerly, this same bay is apt to warm up considerably by mid to late afternoon. It could warm up by as much as ten degrees! This works to a “t” whenever there is ample sunlight and a lack of cold wind and wave action. Any musky inhabiting this bay would most likely be non-active early in the day. In addition, the rest of the food chain that services this musky’s appetite is not likely to be active early, as well.
A periodic check of such a northern bay throughout your day of fishing often reveals startling developments when the conditions are right. This same bay, dead and lifeless in the morning, is bound to have minnows cruising the warmed surface waters feeding on algae and protozoa that also just came to life with the warming water temps. It might also have pods of bass, crappies and perch chasing these minnows causing a visible surface disturbance. All of this, in turn, attracts the larger predators such muskies to investigate possible feeding opportunities. An entire food chain of life exists in this one location.
Now, let’s take this a step further. Coves, bays, backwaters and channels that contain dark bottom substrates and a lot of shallow water are surely going to warm much faster and thus attract a lot more fish activity than deeper ones at this time of year. It is simply a law of physics, limnology and common sense 101. Furthermore, current and wave action decreases the effects of solar heat substantially. Therefore, purposely seek out spots that are quiet and protected from these chilling natural forces when ever possible.
Finally, consider approaching these spots with stealth to lessen the chance of spooking fish. Ultra shallow muskies are easily spooked off by a hard charging approach. Slow down your boat movement thru these spots and rely on long well placed casts with minimal disturbances and you’ll blend in to the whole experience far more and certainly trigger more strikes!
