By Mike Frisch
Finding the warmest water a lake offers in the spring can be very important to finding active fish. Whether it’s walleyes, crappies, or other fish, the warmest water often holds the most active fish now. With this spring’s cooler weather across the Midwest finding the warmest water has been even more critical.
For example, on last weekend’s Minnesota “walleye opener” a couple fishing buddies and I struggled to find active fish. Lots of the water we searched was around 48-49 -degrees. When we did find some water a bit warmer (51-degrees), we found a few walleyes willing to bite.
Warm water is important when fishing for spring walleyes, but it’s also very important for finding active crappies now too. I’ve been searching various shallow bays and other potential fish-holding spots while keeping a close eye on my sonar unit’s temperature gauge. Not coincidentally, when I find water in a shallow area even a few degrees warmer than other areas, I typically find more active fish.
With this spring’s cooler than normal water temperatures this “find the warmest water, find the most active fish” should continue for a few more weeks!
Mike Frisch hosts the popular Fishing the Midwest TV series and is a long-time Minnesota fishing guide.
PHOTO 1– Jason Jones with a Minnesota walleye opener catch. Finding warm water during spring can be critical to fishing success regardless the species pursued.
PHOTO 2 – Mike Frisch with a pair of slab crappies located by searching for warm water.
