Where’s the Fish? This is a commonly asked question. Current and correct fishing reports are a luxury. Usually, the best fishing was before you got there or began after you left.
My Buddy Keith always reminds us about the Rules of Fishing.
#1. Go Fishing
#2 Find the Fish.
#3 Catch the Fish
#4 Go back to rule #1
Many things stimulate a Bite. The food is number one. There may be a hatch, school of minnows, a weather front moving in, routine feeding time, or temperature /light factor involved. Fish do not constantly eat. They must rest between feeding cycles. This is when attractors do better than actual food sources. Experience will tell.
Fish are where they are for a reason. If fish are suspended, it is usually because of a Thermocline or layer of water that’s at the right temperature. Structure, currents, tides, or channels are also hot spots.
If the fish are not where you are, you need to move. Fish like Walleye usually travel a route during the day and night. They may be shallow in the morning and deeper during the day. Different fish species practice these patterns. Do your homework and figure it out. You may need to move with the fish. At least explore until you find the fish.
Fishing Access sites are not where the fishing is the best. These access points are where there is public land or where the landowner allows. It is funny how so many anglers set up right at the boat ramps. Bridges are also an access place to fish and can be crowded. The shade under the bridge does create shelter, shade, and protection.
Noise will scare the fish away. This is a big deal, when Ice Fishing. The ice amplifies vibrations, radios, auger noise, and electronic noises. Playing a radio, stomping around, throwing rocks, or just being loud will ruin the catching. No matter how much you move, if you are noisy, the fish will be out of your noisy area.
Remember where you caught fish. A GPS will keep a record of your Hot Spots. Also record the weather conditions, time of day, season, and other factors. Spawning fish will only be there for a short time. Hatches happen for specific reasons at certain times. Keep a map or log handy.
If you still have a good time without Catching a Fish, that’s great. At some point the cute birds, sounds of nature, and beautiful private time outdoors will not be enough.
Go back to Rule #1.
Montana Grant
