Fishing opener was very challenging

By Bill Bartusek

After the bad weather on opening weekend, anglers expected better for this last weekend. It was a bit warmer and somewhat drier. We even saw more boats out and about, especially on Lake Mille Lacs.

The opener had been pretty good as far as the fishing was concerned. Anglers that decided to fish despite the weather found success. The area walleye's were on a bite and if you found them, they were catchable. Lakes like Prior, Spring, Cardova and French provided decent walleye action. The second weekend was about the same. The only problem was the wind. It really blew hard and keeping your position on the fish was difficult to say the least.

Area weeds are really growing and that also made for a challenge. Our area walleye's use the weeds and fishing in them with the wind was almost impossible. I fished at the cabin again and the winds were bad. It took me all day, but I did manage to put together a nice limit of walleye on Saturday. Sunday was windier yet and all I could find were some hungry northern pike.

This weekend is the bass opener and Memorial weekend. I expect lots of anglers out on the water especially if the weather is good. The bass should be close to thinking about spawning. Though the ice went out early, cold weather in late April and early May slowed things down. I expect bass to be in very shallow water and maybe even on the beds. A slow presentation will definitely be in order. If the fish are that shallow they will be real spooky. Anglers will have to make long casts to good looking areas. Female bass may still be full of spawn, so they should be handled carefully and released quickly.

I think the roads and lakes will be busy so be safe on the road and on the water. Have a nice weekend and good luck!