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5 Best Locations and 9 practical tips for Fishing in the 2023 Spring
Spring fishing brings new life to outdoor enthusiasts looking to reel in fresh catches. Warmer weather means predatory fish are actively feeding again while panfish congregate in shallow waters. In today's blog post, we'll be guiding you through 5 excellent places and 9 practical tips for fulfilling your fishing dreams in spring 2023.
5 Best locations for 2023 Spring Fishing
The Great Lakes: The Great Lakes, including Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, provide massive spring fisheries. Steelhead trout are actively running and feeding in rivers and streams in spring. Smallmouth and largemouth bass can also be caught around structures in the lakes. As one of the best muskie fishing destinations, spring is an ideal time to reel in a trophy muskie.
Northern Canada: Vast areas of northern Canada are prime for spring fishing, especially around bodies of water in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. Ice breakup creates ideal habitats for arctic char, northern pike, whitefish, and tullibee. Creeks and rivers run high in spring from snowmelt, drawing in feeding fish. The insect hatches of spring also attract grayling, lake trout, and Dolly Varden trout.
Alaska: Alaska comes alive with fishing possibilities in the spring. Halibut fishing opens on the coast, with giant halibut caught in the Bering Sea. Rivers swelling from snowmelt are home to steelhead, salmon, Dungeness crab, and shrimp. Rainbow and arctic char fish migrate into feeder streams. And, of course, Alaska is famous for spring brown bear fishing. Catch massive bears on salmon runs for the angling experience of a lifetime.
The Rocky Mountains: Spring runoff creates prime habitat for trout in the cold-water streams and rivers of the Rocky Mountains. Cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout feed heavily on insect hatches and live baitfish. As snowmelt progresses, larger trout migrate into deeper pools. You can also find kokanee salmon active in spring around the mouths of larger tributaries flowing into lakes like Yellowstone Lake, Lewis Lake, or Hebgen Lake. Bass, pike, and walleye fishing also improves in the warmer spring months.
The Florida Keys: While farther south, spring provides ideal weather and fishing conditions in the Florida Keys. Snook fishing around mangroves and shorelines heats up in the spring, with large snook roaming estuaries and bay flats. Bonefish and tarpon also become actively feeding in shallow saltwater habitats. Locally, spring sees baitfish like menhaden arrive in droves, drawing hungry predators out. Marlin Bluewater fishing also starts picking up pace in spring around coral reefs in the Florida Keys.
Essential items to bring for spring fish
- Light tackle: Spring fishing typically requires lighter line weights and tackle. Bring 6-12 lb spinning or baitcasting gear along with ultralight fly fishing gear if needed. Lighter tackle allows catching more photos while reducing line tangles.
- Live or natural bait: Waxworms, mealworms, nightcrawlers, minnows, grubs, and insects work great for spring fish. Live bait keeps fish actively feeding and can trigger bigger bites. Bring a well-insulated bait bucket, oxygen, and ice packs to keep the bait alive.
- Spring lures: Spinners, spoons, jigs, plugs, soft plastic lures, swimbaits, and even crankbaits in white, silver, gold, and/or chartreuse grab the attention of spring fish. Throw in some spinnerbaits, topwater lures, and popping plugs for extra versatility.
- Floats and bobbers: Float fishing or bobber fishing maximize the presentation of bait to spring fish. Bring different-sized bobbers, stoppers, and floats suited to the fishing you'll do.
- Flies: If fly fishing, bring different types of flies like Woolly Buggers, Nymphs, Dry Flies, Wets, and Streamers in matching hues to prevalent insects and forage fish. Fish flies are meant to imitate mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, minnows, shrimp, and more.
- Extras: Don't forget basics like fishing line clippers, extra hooks, knot-tying supplies, pliers, sun protection, bug spray, snacks, drinks, a well-stocked first aid kit, rain jacket, waders, landing net, fishing knife, cleaning supplies, tools, a tackle box and anything else needed for your fishing adventure.
- Camera: Spring brings beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and high chances of catching fish that justify photographic documentation. A water-resistant camera, memory cards, and extra batteries ensure capturing the perfect angling moments.
- Guides: If fishing in an unfamiliar area, bring fishing guides or apps to locate prime spring fishing spots based on locations, water types, terrain, and fish commonly caught. Topographic maps also help navigate to otherwise hidden fishing gems.
With the right gear and provisions in hand, you'll have an exceptional spring fishing experience catching memories to last a lifetime! Get out on the water-the fish are waiting. Tight lines!
Want other useful tools?
Check PLUSINNO for more items such as rod and reel combo, lure and baits, fishing backpacks, fishing rod holders, etc. Whatever you want, we always have a solution for you to fish in the Spring of 2023.
9 Practical tips for spring fishing
- Fish in rising water. Spring flooding brings fish into shallow waters where insects and minnows congregate. Look for feeding fish near drop-offs, drop structures like ledges or pontoons, and transition periods between pools and riffles.
- Find insects and minnows. Insects like mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and minnows/shrimp become abundant food sources for fish in spring. Look for locations where you see these active and concentrated fish. Fish mimicking the most active insects and forage fish.
- Target cover and structure. Undercut banks, logs, submerged vegetation, rocky points, and drop-offs attract fish and prey during high water spring conditions. Concentrate your search on cover-providing habitats.
- Set the hook quickly. Fish have a fast metabolism to keep in spring and will strike and release hooked bait rapidly. Leave your reaction time behind when spring fishing, if possible. Set the hook with conviction immediately upon getting a bite.
- Be stealthy on approach. Spring fish tend to be highly active and skittish, constantly on the hunt for food. Move slowly and deliberately towards fishing spots to avoid spooking fish. Cast into feeding fish as stealthily as possible for best results.
- Cover water. Spring flooding creates areas of fast and slow water in pools, riffles, runs, and pocket water. Fish in different depths and at current speeds to find active fish on any given day. The only way to know how fish relate to conditions is by systematically searching available cover.
- Tighten your knots. Spring conditions can put extra pressure and strain on fishing knots and lines. Double or triple knot your leaders to lures, and tie extra secure knots like surgeons loop, palomar knot, or nail knot before attaching hooks. The last thing you want is spring flooding carrying away your gear!
- Check fences. Look for any fences or protection you may have set up in the previous fall to keep deer or other wildlife out of creeks/rivers. Spring flooding can sometimes expose or damage existing fences, providing unrestricted access for animals once the water recedes. Inspect and repair fences promptly if needed.
- Stay safe. Spring flooding brings dangers like swept away logs, restricted escape routes, and fast, cold currents. Never turn your back to the water, and always let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return. Be extremely cautious moving in and around flooded waters. Your safety should be the top priority.
Follow these tips and take additional caution, and you'll have an exciting and memorable spring fishing adventure. Tight lines! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Conclusion
Since you have familiarized yourself with ideal destinations for spring fish, must-have fishing tools, and useful fishing tips, you are sure to have a wonderful fishing trip! If you are interested in more information about fishing, please feel free to check PLUSINNO. Get out on the water-your catch of a lifetime could be waiting! Bait up, cast a line, and reel in the spring.