When it comes to fishing in the early Spring, trout are usually the main act, but it can also be a good time of year to target panfish species such as yellow perch, brown bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Yellow perch can be caught shortly after ice out on small minnows fished in 5-10 feet of water. As the water warms, brown bullhead start moving into the shallows. Fishing can be particularly good near stream mouths or bays with stained or muddy waters. Since they’re nocturnal, fishing after dark with night crawlers is usually effective. As the water warms even more, crappie will start moving in to spawn in shallower water. Try fishing around woody structures like fallen trees. Small minnows or jigs fished under floats (bobbers) are often productive. Bluegills and pumpkinseed (sunfish) are the next to move shallow and can be found around new weed growth or woody structure. Small jigs tipped with a piece of worm or spikes work well.
More Tips
It’s important to have the proper setup when fishing for panfish. An ultralight rod with 4 lb. test line helps feel the bite. Try using small panfish jigs, such as a soft plastic tube-style bait on a 1/16 or 1/32 oz. jig head. It’s a great choice when targeting bluegill, perch, or crappie.
Using a double hook rig will allow you to try different baits, like a worm on one, a minnow on the other, or two different color jigs, etc. Bonus – you may catch two fish at one time.
If it’s an option, fishing from a kayak often makes it easier to access places crappie and sunfish are located, rather than from shore or a larger boat.
