I have only ever been to the bw in late August and September. We are usually able to catch decent amount of fish but this year we are doing a short 4 day trip over memorial day weekend. What can I expect from the fish and what do I need to do differently to stay in the fish compared to fall. Since it is a short trip I don’t want to spend too much time looks in the wrong areas.

Spring is my favorite time to fish. I find spring to be most predictable of all the seasons in terms of what to expect... however that doesn't mean its going to be easy.

I like to look for protected rocks/gravel in the shallows (great spawning sites) <7ft, and identify structure and irregularities nearby (using maps and depth finder) for the more active/positive fish. Typically I will be searching/fishing in that 6-16' space. Every lake is different so they could be even shallower, I have caught a 23" in 3' so anything is possible. if they are not there move a little deeper, and if they still are not around, then I like to work some structure farther offshore starting back at the shallower depth then move deeper if need be. Water temp will help tell part of the story too, moving water another great key.

This is also the one time of year I throw stick baits/hard baits if I am finding them in the shallows, makes for a very good time however in BWCA I always lean towards live bait presentations or trusty ole swim bait.

Here is a great example of how to digest a piece of structure: