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
Summer
Technique
Frogs/Toads
Structure
Lily Pads
The frog bite was very good on Balsam. Locate lilipads or matted vegetation on top of the water. Find these areas and fan cast them and you will find some decent fish. If you can locate wood or stumps mixed within the pads or weeds make sure to work that area well. The fish seemed to be located near the structure in the pads/weeds. Nothing beats a good frog bite!
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!
Mason Barnes
Bronze Ambassador
8/19/23
Species
Northern PikeSeason
Summer
Technique
Bladed Jigs
Structure
Submerged Vegetation
Forage
Bluegill
Water Temperature
75°
Jack Eibensteiner
Bronze Ambassador
8/5/23
Species
Largemouth BassSeason
Summer
Technique
Ned Rigs
Structure
Rock Pile
Forage
Perch
Water Temperature
79°
Ned rig and drop shot hazedong did the majority of the work
Panfish / Bluegill
