Now we are into April showers for the next several days, meaning fishing may again be on the tougher side for a while. The rain is much-needed though, and will help clean up some winter residue, fill up streams and re-oxygenate marine life.
The only remaining ice as of this report is floating on very small sections of lakes, otherwise we are finally ice-free everywhere. Most local public docks are not in yet, but some time in the next week or two I imagine launching and loading boats will be much easier. As for trailering to lakes, plan on congested roadways, as road construction is now underway and will be much of the summer — especially to those traveling through Superior on Highway 2/53 and of course the Duluth "can of worms" project.
Let's dive into our early April fishing report:
Lake Superior has had arguably the most spring boat traffic we have ever seen. It used to be that most spring trollers of Lake Superior were locals or seasoned Great Lakes vets. Now you can find anglers of all different demographics and from different areas of the Midwest. It's no secret that the fishing industry is alive and well, especially in a time where we live in a world of social distancing. Many anglers have been struggling to catch fish with the amount of near shore traffic.
Those that are finding success have a good formula dialed in. Speed, lure selection, length of line and direction are all key factors. Best baits continue to be the brightly colored stick baits long lined behind a planer board. The best areas to target have been away from others. Look for swarms of smelt on your electronics. As of this report, we are still not seeing any nighttime smelt operations happening but that will change any day now.
Stream angling is also bringing a lot of anglers to the area. The successful anglers are again the ones that put in the most time and effort. Drifting spawn sacks has been a good tactic. Remember if you do hook up with a fish, you are completely wearing down its stamina. Please, take a quick photo and release the fish as quickly as possible.
The St. Louis River has had a couple of boats test the waters with very minimal success. Remember the only seasons that are open are for rough fish, panfish and sturgeon (sturgeon closes April 14).
The backwater panfish have taken a step back now that conditions have changed, but some good catfish opportunities can be had. I like live bait resting on the bottom of the river channels with a sinker. Catfish and rough fish are very good at seeking out food using their senses. For catfish this is both smell and touch with their whiskers (aka barbels). Our preferred bait of choice includes, but is not limited to, large minnows, nightcrawlers or something out of mom's pantry.
Inland lakes are starting to host a lot of returning waterfowl and the amphibians have finally awakened. Both are great signs of spring and the beginning of a good panfish bite. We are still waiting on the waters to warm just a bit more before tackling our favorite springtime fishing holes.
If you do get out, don't forget to try a Venom float over a chunk of worm on a hook and a sinker. Fishing areas that hold timber and other structure will be best. Fish can also be caught by casting and slowly retrieving small beadle spoons or soft plastics. If you get out on the boat, a fun tactic to utilize can be fishing with your ice rod and a vexilar. See you out on the water!
Jarrid Houston of South Range is a fishing guide (houstonsguideservice.com) on Minnesota and Wisconsin inland waters, the St. Louis River and, in winter, on Lake Superior.
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April 09, 2021 at 08:00AM
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Jarrid Houston column: Try mom's pantry for catfish bait - Duluth News Tribune
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