Hello,

Does anyone have any tips on color or size preferences for crankbaits or plastic worms in the springtime?

I am going in on May 21st, so the water will still be cold. Looking for smallmouth bass/northern. I am wondering if anyone has had success with any particular size or color. Any favorite lures out there? (of course the shad is a classic) The fish will be shallow, so I am thinking alot of topwater action, spinnerbaits, torpedoes, buzzbaits etc. Also rattletraps, shad raps, spoons and plastics.
I might give 4" plastic worms a try, bouncing off the shorelines.

But what size/color works best in the springtime ?

ANY tips will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Willy

A couple of lures that have worked well for me in the spring are:

1) Rebel Crayfish Imitation. Bring several different colors, and two different sizes. Get the one that is second to smallest and then the next size up. Bounce them off the rocks on the bottom, they're dynamite.
2) Berkley leech imatation. Works just as good as the real thing, and much easier to pack.
3) And of course chartreuse double willow blade is a classic.

Of course I bring a full tacklebox, but I hardly seem to pull anything out other than one of these three out of it. As far as topwater goes I've only had luck once early in the sring and in that case all the fish would hit were topwater. A little strange and out of the ordinary for that time of year. Pack a few topwater baits, but I wouldn't get my hopes up on the topwater action. Bass usually move to the surface later in the year when the water warms up. Hope this helps and good luck.
HBN

Willy,

It depends strongly on if the fish are before or after the spawn. The northern will always be aggressive, but bass are much more timid during pre-spawn. Walleye should be good.
Topwater might be difficult in the spring. I would suggest more subtle presentations, such as jigging with minows, or similar smaller baits. When that gets old, try some smaller crankbaits. Mabye even a few spinners. I would lean toward smaller darker natural colors.

Anyone out there prefer minnows instead of leeches in the springtime?

Jim

I really like leeches. Nice thing about leeches, you can find plastic imitations that look and work just as good as the real thing. I've never used minnows in the BWCA. Are they even legal to bring in??? Being a rough fish and all. I've always wondered about that. Anyone know?
Thanks,
HBN