How to Catch Fish

Most information in fishing books and magazines is about fishing from a boat. Fishing from shore is different.

In many ways, shore fishing is easier than boat fishing. You don't need as much equipment, it's cheaper, and usually there are restrooms and places to eat nearby.

One of the mistakes beginners make when fishing from shore is they don't move around enough. Staying in one spot is fine if you want to relax or just take a nap. But don't expect to catch many fish that way.

Fish usually don't swim around too much. They like to stay in one place for much of the day. The trick is to keep casting your lure or bait to different spots as you move along the shore until you find a fish. Be careful not to trample the shoreline vegetation, it helps keep the bank from eroding and causing poor water quality for the fish.

Note: Wading is a good way to reach fishing spots along the shore. Wear tennis shoes to protect your feet. If you don't swim well, wear a life preserver. And don't wade in big rivers, where the fast current can knock you off your feet.

Where to Fish

Fish anywhere along shore where there is shade or cover. Fish are afraid of people, birds, and sunlight, so they swim to the darkest hiding spots they can find. Try casting to water below overhanging trees or bushes, under boat docks or fishing piers, near lily pads, below bridges, or anywhere else you find shade.

You'll also find fish in deep water near shore. Since the water is shallower near shore than it is in the middle of the lake or river, there usually are only a few deep spots close to the bank. Some good spots to try are: anywhere a culvert or a stream flows into the lake or river, under bridges, and near steep shorelines. Also, try fishing near "Warning, Deep Water" signs.

Fish also stay close to objects, such as underwater boulders or logs. Try casting to any big rocks or trees sticking out of the water.

When to Fish

Time of day-In the summer, fish in the early morning and in the evening just before sunset. That's when the sun is low and won't spook the fish, which usually avoid bright sunlight.

In the spring and fall, you can often fish any time of the day. The sun warms the shallow water near shore, attracting fish.

Cloudy days are usually good times to fish, and rainy days are even better. However, if you hear thunder or see lightning, stay away from the water to keep from being hit by lightning.

Usually, the worst time to fish a lake is in the middle of a hot summer afternoon. Take a nap then, and fish later in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky.

Season- More fish are caught per hour in the spring than during any other season.

Fish are hungry after the long winter, and the water is warming, which makes the fish active. Also, fish are near shore laying their eggs, which makes them easier for shore anglers to catch.

Spring fishing for sunfish and crappies begins as soon as the ice has melted off the lakes, usually about the first week in April.

The season for walleyes and northerns doesn't legally open until mid-May. The bass season usually begins in late May or early June.

Shore fishing in the summer is tougher. By mid-June, the underwater plants in many lakes get too thick near shore for fishing.

Also, the water heats up and fish head to the deeper waters to find cooler temperatures.

In the summer, the trick is to locate deeper waters without too many underwater plants, and then fish in the morning or evening when the air and water are cooler.

(Note: Rivers usually have great fishing in hot weather because they have fewer underwater plants and stay fairly cool. Also, many fish such as carp, bullheads, and catfish actually prefer the warm water and are more likely to bite in the middle of hot days.)

Fall is a great time to fish. When the weather cools in September and October, fish start gobbling up food to prepare for winter. And because the water is cooler, fish swim closer to shore.

Another nice thing about fall is that the underwater plants begin to die, opening up more water to shore anglers.

If you want to fish in the winter but don't have an auger (drill) to drill holes in the ice, look for holes drilled by other anglers the day before. Usually you can break through the ice that formed overnight with a hammer and a chisel.

Ice fishing is usually best for crappie and sunfish, so bring a bucket of minnows or some waxworms. For wintertime crappies, fish at sundown. Sunfish will bite at any time of day.

(Note: The legal opening date for each fish species is in your DNR fishing regulations.)