Fishing tips to help you land the big one this spring

May 1, 2023

It’s fishing season in Boulder Junction, and that means it’s a great time to get casting, whether you’re looking to catch a hard-fighting bass or go after an elusive musky. (We are the Musky Capital of the World®, after all.) Here are a few tips and tricks to help you land a keeper this spring in Boulder Junction make the most of your spring fishing trip to the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

General fishing

• Crappie, bluegill, and perch are more active in spring, especially in shallow, warm bays
• Crappie in particular can provide some of the most consistent fishing in the spring—focus on relatively shallow lakes with good weed beds
• Large and smallmouth bass are usually well into their spawning period in May and June, so look for some good opportunities in northern Wisconsin lakes
• Pike spawn in shallow, weed-filled bays and inlets; you’re likely to find success in these spots early in the season
• Crankbaits, spinners, and jerk baits usually work well for northern pike
• Walleye generally prefer jigs, crankbaits, and live bait in hard-bottom lakes and rivers with gravel, rock, or sand
• Want to make your fishing trip one to remember? Hire one of Boulder Junction’s knowledgeable and experienced fishing guides
• Need fishing gear or bait? You’ll find it at Northern Highland Sports in downtown Boulder Junction

Musky fishing

• While the regular fishing season opens the first weekend in May, note that musky season in northern Wisconsin (everywhere north of Highway 10, including Boulder Junction) doesn’t start until Memorial Day weekend
• Musky prefer the warmest part of the lake when spring fishing starts—look for shallow bays and other places that warm up quickly in the sun
• Bucktail spinners can be effective in spring; either cast and reel right away for the bait to run high in the water or let it sink briefly after it lands to run it deeper
• Crankbaits are also effective and should retrieved slower than spinners
• As the waters warm up throughout spring and into summer, increase the size of the baits you’re using
• If a musky is following your bait and is close to the boat, do (and repeat) a figure eight motion to try and entice the fish

Learn more about fishing in Boulder Junction and Vilas County here.