early spring clear water

[mwbrown]

Here in the northeast the ice has been out for about a month or a little more. I've been out on the water as much as possible. During this time of year it seems the water is much more clear than later months. Most of the fish i have caught have been during windy days but when its calm and sunny there is virtually no bite. I know the fish are out there but i need some advice on clear water tactics. The lake i fish has an average depth of 9ft and a max of about 36ft. any help would be much apreciated and any other info about the lake just let me know. Thanks alot. -Mwbrown

[DINK WHISPERER]

I would try a shaky head jig(weight depends on depth to be fished) and a zoom trick worm in watermelon seed or green pumpkin. Also, a finesse jig and craw tralier in natural colors as well.

[Md]

Hey man, how deep have you been fishing and what is the water temp? Also, what have you been using? I fish gin clear water 95% of the time also, and I may not be able to help, but perhaps I can point you in the right direction.

[mwbrown]

I've been fishing a medium depth i would say about 8-12 feet and occasionally 3-6. Mostly on the deeper side though. The water is between 38-45 degrees altough in the shallows on the northwest closer to 50. I ve been fishing on the colder side. i cant get a jig bite it seems that the bass are suspended silver is really the only color that has been catching me fish but its only during times when the wind is ripping. any advice would be greatly appriciated. thanks

[hookset on 3]

Hello MWBROWN, I live in North Kingstown, R.I. I've been fishing for Largemouth in the Greatest Little State for 40 years. I too have been experiencing the same dilemma.  On those bright windless days in clear water the bass like to suspend in areas on the north side of the lake or pond. To put it mildly they've got lockjaw. All they're doing is soaking up the sun's warmth. In all my years this early spring ritual ends the same. Cast near or over a sunning bass and they're gone in a flash. So you'll have to pick your days accordingly.

Send me a P.M. if you'd like to talk fishing.

Hookset

[Crestliner2008]

Well, I'll tell ya....it's only been about a week or so since the ice has left the water here in Western MA! So I kinda envie you folks with the long fishing seasons. That being said, have you tried the drop shot? If you are a "run n' gun" type of fisherman, this won't suit you well, but then again, neither will you catch many fish. I would definitely try finesse tactics and use extreme stealth when approaching your location. If you see a decent bass and it bolts....mark that spot and cruise in very cautiously, a couple of hours later....staying low in your boat and making the minimum amount of noise. Then make a long cast past the spot you figure you last saw that fish. A 4" wacky rigged Senko should do the trick under these adverse conditions. Give 'er a whirl.