Balsam Lake
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Balsam Lake Fishing Reports
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Reports from all past years within a 60-day time frame
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Structure Jigs
Structure
Rock Pile
Forage
Crawfish
Water Temperature
43°
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Bladed Jigs
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Forage
Bluegill
Water Temperature
50°
The warmer weather front from last weekend pushed them up to 4-10 ft of water. Chatterbait was productive along with crankbait
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Bladed Jigs
Structure
Laydowns
Water Temperature
51°
Pre spawn stained water is a great time to fish laydowns. I like to cruise areas with a chatterbait and then slow down with the jig thorough key areas or areas that just look extra good. I like to fish the chatter on straight fluoro this time of year in particular. It slows everything down a bit. The jig I also like on straight fluoro. Look for wood with warming dirty water and you should find some big ones.
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Hard Jerkbaits
Structure
Points
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
47°
Outing was April 21, 2024. Clear bluebird skies, high pressure with winds increasing from the NW. Water temps ranged from 45 to 50, fish were definitely prespawn. Small males up shallow in the warmest water, but no females. Overall fishing was tough. Overall we caught 4 bass and 2 pike. Most bites came just outside of spawing areas. The 4 bass were on a range of baits, jerkbait, drop shot and jig. Pike on chatterbait and drop shot. Nice day fishing with my brother, but tough fishing.
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Bladed Jigs
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Forage
Minnows
Water Temperature
41°
This is probably one of very few fishing reports where no fish were caught. However, it felt great to get out in the boat for the first time of the season to scan around, check water temps and test out some new gear. I tried out my new Ark rods Tharp series 7'4" B-Hittay and Cobb series 7'3" fairy wand. Although I didn't get a chance to set the hook, the sensitivity and action on these rods was fantastic. The B-Hittay will be my go-to chatterbait and crankbait rod for this season! The fairy wand will be the rod of choice for hair jigs and small swimbaits! Here's to a great season for everyone!
Alex Yang
Bronze Ambassador
5/13/23
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Bladed Jigs
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Forage
Bluegill
Water Temperature
63°
Fish seem to be in all 3 stages of the spawn. Caught most of my fish on an inside turn leading to a spawning area in 5-7ft of water. Majority caught on a 1/2oz green pumpkin jackhammer. Go get em!
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip)
Structure
Docks
Pitching a Texas rig under docks. The deeper under the dock the better
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Technique
Swim Jigs
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Water Temperature
55°
Early May day with water temps in the mid 50s. Targeted largemouth on large submerged vegetation flats and bays with swim jigs in a depth of 2-5ft. Stumps on these flats seemed to be holding the bigger fish. The warmest water you could find was typically holding the most fish.
Panfish / Bluegill
