Gear-Up for Spring Fishing Tip #1: Be Shallow

The beginning of Spring fishing season is one of the few times where being shallow will make you more "friends." Find a nice area on the pond that's not too deep and gets plenty of sunlight. Fish that are still a bit cold from the winter will school to these warmer spots. 

Gear-Up for Spring Fishing Tip #2: Finding Crappie Pre-Spawn

It seems odd to compare crappie and salmon, but they follow similar routines on the river come spawning season. Both move upstream during late winter and early spring and will eventually settle down when the water settles as well. If you're nearby to a dam, you can bet that the manmade structure has blocked your target fish from moving any further, making this a good place to catch them pre-spawn. 

Gear-Up for Spring Fishing Tip #3: Get Your Flies to Fish-Eye Level

Heavier rains in early spring can mean more rain, and that means muddier conditions on the stream where you're fly fishing. If the fish are hiding at the bottom of a six-foot deep hole, they may not see your fly floating on the surface, no matter how bright it is. Consider using a sinking tip line to bring your fly down and grab the attention of a nice trout. 

Gear-Up for Spring Fishing Tip #4: Wear a Flotation Vest

If you live in a northern region where ice fishing will still be possible despite the onset of Spring weather, make sure you stay vigilant for safety purposes. Always wear a flotation vest—warmer weather and water makes for flimsier ice.

Gear-Up for Spring Fishing Tip #5: Big Trout, Bigger Lure

If you want a big trout this Spring...try a bigger lure. A hungry trout is willing to take a chance on sizable prey, like a swimming rodent, so try out a deer-hair mouse-pattern lure.

Gear-Up for Spring Fishing Tip #6: Walleye Know-It-All

Catching a walleye is more about where you know than who you know. Specifically, what kind of ground are you working with? Walleye prefer rocky and gravelly bottoms over muddy or well-vegetated bottoms.