Fishing is getting better and better! The bite was fantastic on Francis Case this past weekend and all across the Midwest fishing is getting hotter and hotter.
Francis Case
Fishing has really picked up on Francis Case. The water temperatures are still relatively cold, but the fish haven’t seemed to mind too much. We had great fishing this weekend and the tournament weights were pretty dang good looking too. There are many places you can catch fish, but some have been more productive than others.
My best fishing has been below the White River. Water temperatures are in the upper 40s, 47-48 degrees predominately. Water clarity has greatly improved from what it had been. The water dumping in from the White is of course very dirty, but the areas we had been fishing were relatively clean. The best depths have been in that 15-20ft range, slightly deeper in 20-22ft has also caught some fish as well.
For presentation bottom bouncing season has made it’s appearance. The best presentation was a bottom bouncer and plain hook, but a little attraction on the rig also caught some fish. The best bait overall was actually a plain hook that was chartreuse colored, a single bead also was beneficial. Other successful baits were metallic size 0 Colorado blades and .8″ Mack’s Lure Smile Blades. Chartreuse, gold and pink were the best colors for the Smile Blades. I am expecting these blades to get more and more effective, but right now it’s tough to beat just a plain hook and bead.
Speeds we were looking about 1.0-1.4. At times slower in the .8-1.0 range would get some fish as well, but overall the fish were fairly active and speed didn’t prove to be too much of a deciding factor if you got bit or not. Other boats have been pulling crankbaits and fish were flinging into those boats as well.
Of course other spots have been getting action as well. Crow Creek, Kiowa Flats, Carpenter Bluffs and Pontoon Bay also have been getting action. Further downstream Boyer and Elm Creek have also been producing fish. Good reports have also came from as far as Dock 44 and Pease Creek.
The fish were quality as well. Many fish were in that 17-19 inch bracket. There also were plenty of shorts to be caught as well. Overall it was a fantastic weekend to be on the water and the fish agreed.
I would also like to note earlier this week there was a lot of concern circulating the internet regarding the flows on Francis Case. The spillway was opened up and water was coming out at 40,000 cubic feet per second. The reason for this was due to scheduled maintenance of the power house. Complete information regarding this can be found in the news release, but general takeaway is this was not a situation the spillway and power house were both pumping water through at the same time.
Lake Sharpe
Lake Sharpe has been a little tougher. Fish are being caught on the lower end of the lake, but fishing has proven to be difficult on the upper end closer to Pierre. The reason for this, muddy water.
Down in the West Bend area there is fish to be caught as the water is warmer and a little cleaner. The issue further up is the colder water temperatures and dirty conditions have really made fishing tough.
Northwest Iowa
The panfish are starting to stage for spawn on the Iowa Great Lakes. Panfish anglers are already getting some nice hauls and the fishing is only going to get better and better as the water warms. Expect some good crappie and bluegill fishing in the days and weeks to come!
The walleye have been going at dark on Spirit, East and West along with a few fish on Silver and some good action on Clear Lake as well. The bite has been best at dark as the water is ultra clear, with visibility in some spots up to 17ft.
The northerns have also been going on East and West. There also is some northern action along with walleye on most of the river systems.
Nebraska
All eyes will be on Big Mac this weekend as the Masters Walleye Circuit goes in search of some Big Mac monsters this weekend. Fishing has been good with big fish finding their way topside. This is really shaping up to be a fun tournament! Check out MWC’s primer for this weekend.
Eastern South Dakota
The post spawn bite continues to be good on the eastern part of the state. Anglers will be finding fish on the chew looking to enjoy some meals following a long spring. Plastics continue to produce good fishing, but those jerkbaits will also be a fantastic option for anglers looking to hit the water.
Product Spotlight
This week we are focusing on the single most important tool ever used to catch fish, the plain hook. I reference the plain hook as the top option for bottom bouncing, but I wanted to take a moment to showcase what exactly I tie on my rigs.
My go-to hook for pulling minnows early in the season is a #4 Octopus style hook. Red is always a great go-to, but I like to pick up some of the colored options as well just to experiment. Does it make a difference? Maybe. This weekend at times it seemed the chartreuse hook was certainly the most producing rod in the boat.
Anglers looking to tie some rigs up also could upsize to the #2 hooks, or utilize the longer Aberdeen hooks as well. For Aberdeen hooks I also favor the #4s and #2s. Overall, my best advice is don’t over think it. When I say plain hook, I mean tie a dang hook on, put a minnow on it and start catching fish! This time of year, the flashiest presentation isn’t what boats the most fish.
Additional Information
Looking to have a fun day on the river? I have openings available for the coming weeks still. Fishing has been good and I plan for it to get better and better. Everything you need to know to hit the water can be found on my website.
Looking to learn more about my top spring tactics? Check out some of my spring fishing tactics!
Hopefully more great news to come in the coming weeks! Good luck out there and good fishing!
