How to Cash In on the Hottest Bite of the Year

Picture this: It’s dawn, the water’s glassy, and your rod bends double as a feisty kokanee slams your lure. Spring fishing is heating up—here’s where the fish are biting right now and the gear they can’t resist.

1. Kokanee Salmon: The Corn-Fed Frenzy

Kokanee (landlocked salmon) are smashing lures tipped with garlic-scented corn in deep, cool waters. These feisty fish fight hard and taste even better.

Key Takeaways:

  • Depth Matters: Target 35–70 feet—fish are suspended near bait balls.
  • Lure MVP: Trinidad Dodgers + Uncle Jerry’s spinners (pink/gold work best).
  • Pro Tip: Troll slow (1.1–1.5 mph) to mimic injured baitfish.

Subtopic Alert: Kokanee vs. trout? Kokanee have forked tails and red meat—trout are leaner with rounder tails.

2. Rainbow Trout: Follow the Birds

Trout are chasing shad near the surface, especially where birds dive. Pro anglers are limiting out before breakfast.

Key Takeaways:

  • Best Bait: Pink bubblegum Trout Tricks minnows (add Trigger Scent for 50% more bites).
  • Depth Shift: Start at 20 ft at dawn, drop to 40 ft by noon.
  • Pro Move: “Fish the ‘scatter’—where birds dive, trout feast!” — Captain Kellogg

Bonus Intel: Lightning trout (a hybrid) are mixed in—look for their golden streaks!

3. Striped Bass: The Minnow Trick

Post-spawn stripers are hungry but picky. Live minnows or flashy spoons are crushing it near river currents.

Key Takeaways:

  • Where to Cast: Eddies below rapids (fish rest here).
  • Gear Switch: If minnows fail, try chartreuse Blade Runner spoons.
  • Pro Tip: “Downsize hooks post-spawn—they nibble, don’t gorge!” — Brett Brady

Subtopic: Striper vs. largemouth? Stripers are longer, fight harder, and love fast-moving water.

4. King Salmon: Troll Like a Pro

Kings are stacking deep (55+ feet) near underwater structures. Trolling with downriggers is the way to go.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lure Setup: Shad rigs (real or soft plastic) behind dodgers.
  • Speed Control: 2.3–2.8 mph—slow enough to tempt lazy giants.
  • Pro Move: “Follow the birds—where they dive, salmon feast.” — Captain Monty

Did You Know? Kings turn reddish during spawn—catch them silver for best eating.

Spring Fishing Cheat Sheet

Species Best Lure Depth Pro Tip

Kokanee Corn-tipped spinners 35–70 ft Add garlic scent!

Trout Pink minnows 20–40 ft Fish near bird activity

Stripers Live minnows Current edges Switch to spoons if slow

King Salmon Shad rigs 55+ ft Troll slow

Your Turn to Hit the Water

Spring fishing is like a limited-time sale—the bite won’t last forever! This is the prime window to get out there and experience some of the most exciting fishing of the year. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, these tips will give you a significant advantage.

Ready to put these secrets into practice? Explore our wide range of fishing gear and lures, perfect for your next spring adventure. Happy fishing, and we'll see you out on the water!

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