Spring is just around the corner. While our winter has allowed plenty of fishing opportunities the spring "runs" of various fish species make them easier for many anglers to catch. White bass, crappie and walleye all will spawn in the next couple months. It's a great time to get in on some of that action and there's no better time than the present.
Walleye are first on the list of spawning fish in the Sunflower State. They typically spawn when the water temperature reaches the mid-40s. This, coupled with the amount of daylight, triggers spawning activity. Much of the spawn is stretched out over several weeks but for Kansas' waters most of the walleye spawn takes place the last couple weeks in March. The good news for anglers is there is plenty of action on both sides of the peak.
Many walleye and saugeye are caught near their spawning grounds (most saugeye don't spawn as they're a hybrid, but they still show up for the fun). In Kansas reservoirs these are comprised of gravel and rocks, most notably dams and rocky points. Bank anglers can get in on the action and there's no doubt when word spreads of a hot bite. Dams near larger cities may have dozens, even hundreds of anglers lined up when word gets out. Boat anglers have the luxury of covering more water. It's a comical sight to see bank anglers wading and casting out as far as they can and boats lined up near the shore casting to the banks.
Popular lures this time of year include jigs tipped with minnows or plastic swim baits. Ones in the 3-4 inch range are good and generally fished on a 1/8 or 1/4-ounce jig head of various colors. Crankbaits, both suspending and sinking, are popular as well and can be used both from shore or boat.
Now is the perfect time to go. A buddy and I caught some last week and had enough keepers to whet both our families' appetites. There's nothing better than fresh 'eyes on the grill or deep fried to a golden brown. Go get you some!
No comments:
Post a Comment