The lake conditions are negative in regards of water temp, clarity, and stage of spawn from many species. Our water temps are still sitting where they were a month ago. There was a progression from mid 50’s temperature to 60-64 degrees that put everything into natural staging and progression. However, the severe back to back cold fronts this year along with wind that stirred up the water and helps penetrate the falling temps have not only halted much of the spawn but these conditions can actually reduce or cancel it.
When fish reach a certain stage of egg health, and then the temps fall 5 degrees and are sustained, the window closes. The fish eggs essentially expire and fish most times will not even lay them. In the case of Stripers, they can absorb the eggs resulting in the not eating for long periods of time. On a poor spawn year, it is possible to not see big females show up by hook and line for 6 weeks. Our current conditions will effect many species including the most aggressive ones like white perch.
Not ALL fish react at once. A round of secondary fish will try to spawn as we head toward our next full moon on Memorial Day weekend. The best thing that can happen is moderate warming and not go straight to 85 – 90 degree air temps. Or worse, sudden flooding like May of last year.
Stripers are spotty on entire lake. Fish have moved from bottom of flats back to channels and walls close to the flats. Most seem to be at the 12′-15′ range with very brief surface attention at low light periods. Because conditions are tough, consistency or a single pattern does not exist. Still, plugging at night and running live bait with 5″ Alewives and shad up to 8″ depending on the day can be productive. I run a mix of both.
Lake Trout – are coming aboard mostly by channel trolling over or around standing timber in the 20′-40′ range. Spoons, lures, and in-line spinner type baits in bright colors are the ticket now.
Panfish – Crappies are still in fallen trees. The live scopers are viewing limbs at 6′-12′ looking for schools. It seems that you only get a few to bite then have move to another location. Minnows and small tubes are the baits of choice on the main lake from #17 south toward Weaver’s Falls and also at the inlets at Aitch and Brumbaugh’s.
Walleyes are typically easy to catch at night now by throwing rapala type lures in a variety of areas, but the baitfish are behind in the night spawn and Alewives are not in full swing yet. They are only coming up in small areas briefly after a warm day and very late night. This will increase as days get nicer. We should be able to have great night walleye fishing next the few weeks. Focus anywhere bait come up, especially high walls, bluffs, as well as the points or knuckles of a wall. Present your bait very tight to the shore. They either hit the first few cranks or follow back until you are ready to lift.
