Our local waters in the Hawkeye State are volatile this time of year. A mean combination of melting and falling snow, fronts, rain and spring winds can make bite windows short and for periods of time non-existent. The last few weeks have been textbook Iowa Spring, in those regards. Water temps got warm last week - mid to upper 40's and fish were aggressively hitting paddletail style plastics. The bite was fast and furious at times. Cold fronts brought rain and stained water in combination with big blows. Water temps dropped to the low 40's and fish got tight lipped. Hair jigs and fluke style baits stole the show in the cooler temps.
Side imaging is a critical tool this time of year when I am trying to find fish. Fish really make themselves visible when they are schooled up on sand or mud and side imagaing gives me confidence knowing I'm always putting baits in front of fish. On those warmer afternoon's I found the fish slid up into 3-5' of water and days that it stayed cool fish seemed to stay out in 8-12'
In light of the challenging conditions and current events happening in the world, getting some fresh air and setting the hook on a big bite make it taste that much sweeter.
Social Distancing - Saving Lives and Crushing 'Eyes!
