Fishing Spring Panfish

Fishing Spring Panfish

The watery world is no exception. Melting ice gives way to a revitalized food web: micro-invertebrates and other tiny critters flitter about, vegetation germinates, minnows cruise the shallows, feeding opportunistically on the influx of nutrients, and panfish and larger predators like bass and northern follow.

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Prespawn Smallmouth Tactics

Prespawn Smallmouth Tactics

That’s spring bass fishing “up here.” On the Great Lakes and the natural lakes of the North Country, shallow bass rule prespawn hunts. We could fish them deeper, but why? Can’t see them. Can’t watch them fight all the way back to the boat. Not as active off the breaks. Obviously I’m prejudiced, so I asked a few experts to help pick top prespawn tactics.

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Fishing Trips: What Kind of First-Aid Kit Should You Carry?

Fishing Trips: What Kind of First-Aid Kit Should You Carry?

After more than 20 years as a wilderness paramedic and fly-fishing guide, I can assure you that most anglers overlook the importance of carrying a good first-aid kit. I have dealt with many emergencies at remote fishing locations and responded to calls on the very rivers I guide on in Colorado, and I can safely say that–had any of the anglers involved had a little first aid training and an appropriate first-aid kit– quite a few of these situations would have had a better outcome.

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Ice Fishing for Smallmouth

Ice Fishing for Smallmouth

On a broad expanse of Great Lakes ice, wind snapped the sides of our shelters like flags left out in a hurricane. A thick layer of clouds dimmed midday to create a late-evening atmosphere. But over the din of flapping tents came the constant hoot-and-holler of fishermen hooking up. First to my left, then my right, and suddenly my Thorne Brothers Professional doubled over.

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