Few things stir anglers like opening day and the early season bite, whether it’s walleyes, pike, crappies or trout. However, fishing early season in clear and / or cold water requires tactics and tackle different from those used in the summer season. Again, as autumn advances and lake temperatures cool, many of those same springtime approaches are called back into your fishing. Here are a few basics for fishing in the “shoulder” seasons, even through the ice, or whenever the water is very cold or crystal clear.

 

Clear & Cold Water Tactics Minimize your presence / noise Use lighter, lo-vis line Eliminate terminal tackle Downsize baits & lures Use live bait & scent products Make slower presentations Cover lots of water / spots Focus on key structures / cover

And, for safety’s sake, please prepare for the conditions often encountered in spring and fall – e.g.   dress for the weather (warm / layered clothing, rain gear, float suit) and wear a PFD when in the boat or on the ice.