And We’re Off!
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Hello all anglers everywhere!
Otter Tail Lakes Country was happening this weekend! ย Wowโthe weather was perfect and it made for a momentous fishing opener. The fishing? Well the walleye fishing wasnโt quite as nice as the weather, but it was one of those openers where the fish were actually the bonus. Most folks did catch fish around the county, but had to work for their walleye. Many folks turned towards panfishโcrappie and sunfish.
The crappie fishing was very strong because the water temps are in the low 60โs everywhere, and the crappie are well-advanced. Soon, however, easy crappie fishing will subside and most shallow areas will give-way to sunfishโand the crappie will wander out to the main lake where they will establish summer habits. Most walleye fishing hinges on shiner minnows – especially in lakes where shiner minnows exist. If the lake youโre fishing doesnโt have a shiner minnow population, then be sure and try leeches and night crawlers.
For northern, crank baits and shiner minnows will do. Just be sure youโre fishing on first drops with prominent weed lines where shiners stage before and during spawning. As the shiner minnow spawn fades around lakes country be sure you over-plan with bait. Ideally, you should bring shiners, leeches and crawlers on all your walleye outings. The odds are good that youโll catch a few walleye on each brandโtransitions are a tricky time of the year and make techniques and strategies complex. I have at least 30 rods on board my boat rigged for walleye–different stuff for every occasion. (Truthfully, itโs a mess, but very necessary.) With the warming water temps, donโt be afraid to cast and retrieve light jigs (1/32 oz) jigs tipped with Gulp or Power Bait. I quit using bobbers over the weekendโthe panfish were more interested in moving baits rather than suspended motionless options.
Take a look at the crappie in the photo. Itโs a beauty and itโs still swimming. Be sure and release large panfish, they are the future of panfish populations. Help take care of the lakes in Otter Tail Countyโplease check your boat for weeds and critters and drain the water from your hull and live wells when you get off the water, and do a double check at the next access point.
Good luck fishing this week!
Ross Hagemeister