Contributor: Gary Maerz

It’s the end of February. The quest for Whitetail has ended. Sure, I could begin scouting the woods, look for sheds, and start planning for my autumnal mission. But to be honest, I am way more okayest as an angler than a hunter. While some may be planning for turkey, my mind tends toward trout; I cannot help but think about some of the amazing opportunities for spring fishing we can all enjoy. To be clear, the below noted timeframes are a general point of reference. The fishing described is more dictated by conditions than any given month. Regardless, anticipation will only be quelled by a spring on the water.

March Browns (Brooks and Bows)

Water temperatures start creeping back to the high 30s and day-dreaming about time on a river is in full swing. Start looking at stream reports for temperature and stream flow (cubic feet per second or cfs) trends to maximize the chance of success. Trout are back on the move after frigid waters begin warming, but turbidity is your enemy.

Look for increasing (or at least stable) temperatures and cfs trends that may indicate clearer water. Watch for stable stream flow or a period of high water followed by a precipitous drop to normal levels. These trends are indicators that possibly suggest clear/clearing water. Streamers and wooly-buggers are good choices with a fly line unless there is a notable hatch. Additionally, an attractor pattern such as a yellow-humpy has been successful. For ultra-light spinning gear, rooster tails, panther martins, and spoons (Thomas’ Little Tiger for me) do an excellent job of imitating protein packed baitfish.

I target larger trout with medium-light spinning gear as April rolls on. Warmer water has the biguns’ on the hunt; they are more than happy to smack a baitfish imitation. My favorite jerkbait presentation is a 4-4.5”, usually a trout pattern but any baitfish pattern is suitable, worked through current breaks, eddies, and slower water. A slow, steady retrieve with the occasional twitch will trigger strikes from bigger trout. Switch to a floating stick bait if the water is shallow and employ a similar retrieve. These techniques work on smaller trout as well but be sure to downsize your lures.

Pre-Spawn Smallmouth

April marches toward May and water temperatures climb into the upper 40s – low 50s. This is truly a special time of year. Big girls move out of their wintering holes and start feeding in shallower water: the smallmouth bass pre-spawn. Even the okayest fisherman has the opportunity to catch a giant.

The arduous task of pescatarian labor is about to begin. Before this, females pack on weight after the general austerity of winter before the eggs start to drop. Baitfish and crayfish (crawdads) will hold a special place on the menu. Jerkbaits (again) are a fantastic option for this time of year. Vary your retrieve until you determine which twitching cadence and pause length or retrieve speed will trigger the most strikes. This is the technique I have had the most success (and experience) with and is a confidence presentation to be sure.

Slow-rolled soft swimbaits and large curly-tail grubs also work well during this time of year. Additionally, many anglers will employ a jig with a crayfish trailer. I have not had a great deal of experience with a jig, but all those other anglers can’t be wrong; they are using jigs for a reason.

A Little Prespawn Chatter

Another great option for pre-spawn smallmouth is a chatterbait (or bladed jig). Don’t be afraid to use it as a search bait or as a follow-up to the jerkbait. A chatterbait mimics baitfish and/or crayfish and offers a bulkier profile than a jerkbait, coupled with significant vibration. And as is often typical of fishing with a chatterbait, quality reigns supreme over quantity and some of my largest smallmouth bass went for the chatterbait. For more information, forgive the shameless plug and see my BASSMASTER article, “A Little Prespawn Chatter” (April 2020).

Mixed Bags of May

A good portion of my time on the water has been spent on the Delaware River, specifically the region designated the Upper Delaware River which runs south from Hancock, NY to Port Jervis, NY. This fantastic fishery is home to several species such as trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, and a bountiful run of American shad. A peak time of year to fish the river falls between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day as a “Grand Slam” (or greater) is always possible. If you have a local river with a similar abundance of game species, be sure to verify its potential.

Trout and bass can be caught on the fly, spoons, spinners, and jerkbaits. Walleye can be caught on jerkbaits but crankbaits and soft plastics are also excellent choices (smallmouth also). Chain pickerel (sturdy “gators” known for drag screaming runs) are often a nice bonus during this time of year as well. Shad are typically caught with shad darts; colored jig heads often adorned with bucktail or feather. The variety of gamefish readily available at this time of year will keep you entertained and in the action.

Spring is Near

The grip of old man winter loosens, mother nature becomes a little more forgiving, and springtime fishing opportunities are a welcome distraction. I will relive springtime fishing moments until new experiences can manifest memories for next winter. See you on the water; tight lines.