I have often said if God put me in charge, we’d have 10 Octobers and two Aprils. As we head into my second favorite month of the year for outdoor opportunities, I want to share a few options with you for fishing adventures around the Midwest Region.

As long as it is not raining, the weather in April is great for sleeping in a tent. Load up your vehicle and point yourself in a direction to try out a new outdoor experience. The list provided here is a good place to start for suggestions. 

Missouri – Gasconade River Smallmouth Bass

The Gasconade River runs for 280 miles completely inside the borders of Missouri. It’s known as a top smallmouth bass fishing river in the state. The river sees quite a bit of jet boat traffic, but can also be fished safely and effectively from a canoe or kayak. The special management section of the Gasconade in Phelps and Pulaski is full of bass from 12-18 inches. Much bigger ones are also caught regularly. Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Famer, Bill Cooper said, “The Gasconade is one of the best smallmouth fishing rivers in the Ozarks. Especially if you are targeting quality fish. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits in crawfish patterns are my go-to for smallies in April.” 

Indiana – Lake Monroe Largemouth Bass 

Lake Monroe, Monroe Lake, Monroe, Monroe Reservoir; it seems the name changes with each article you read. I prefer Lake Monroe, so that’s how I refer to this crown jewel of southern Indiana fishing holes. At nearly 11,000-acres, Lake Monroe is the largest lake in the state. While the size of the lake attracts many pleasure boaters, you can beat the crowd by fishing hard in April. This month is a sure bet for largemouth bass. The east end of the lake is shallower and warms up first. Look for bass at the mouths of creeks and in the backs of bays. 

Wisconsin – Wolf River Walleye

River fishing for walleye isn’t the same game as chasing them in lakes and reservoirs. Reading the water for likely staging spots is a key to success. Wisconsin’s Wolf River walleye run in April is the perfect time to descend on this destination fishery, because even novice walleye river anglers can figure it out and fill a livewell. When water temperatures push towards 40 degrees, fish move out of Winnebago, Butte des Morts, Winneconne, and Poygan to head upriver to spawn. Jigs tipped with minnows and other live bait offerings are the go-to. Bounce them on the bottom on sand flats and in deeper holes sin bends in the river. 

Iowa: Missouri River Catfish

With its size and sheer force of water, the Missouri River may intimidate anglers and keep them away. But those who learn how and when to navigate the Missouri are likely to experience Iowa’s best catfishing. Those new to the river should look for current breaks to fish behind, like wing dams and log jams. Fishing the mouths of backwater areas also produces catfish. Lake Trotlines and bank poles are popular on the big river. Check the Iowa DNR fishing regulations for special trotline rules. Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs and Chris Lawson Park in Sioux City offer access to the river. 

Michigan – Lake Trout Grand Traverse Bay 

Lake Trout are a native species in Lake Michigan. Long before salmon and steelhead were stocked in these waters, “lakers” were the primary sought after fish. Many anglers still find pursing lake trout a special endeavor. Grand Traverse Bay is historically a lake trout hot spot. The bay warms up faster in the spring, where you want to look for lakers in the 25–50 foot depth range. Lake trout are often considered greasy, so smoking them is a preferred method of cooking. 

South Dakota – Deerfield Reservoir Trout

The Black Hills are a special destination for cultural and recreational reasons. A visit to Mount Rushmore may top the list, but fishing is right up there. Deerfield Reservoir is located 20 miles west of Hill City, SD. It’s home to brook, splake and rainbow trout. Anglers find success from boats and shore along the Deerfield Lake Loop Trail. Boat speed is limited to five miles per hour to ensure the no-wake restriction. Castle Creek flows into and out of the reservoir. It provides wade fishing opportunities ideal for fly fishing. There are three campgrounds, two boat launches and two picnic areas. There is a $5/vehicle/day use fee.

See you down the trail….
Brandon Butler
bbutler@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Pic: Lake Monroe near Bloomington, Indiana is a poplar destination for bass fishing in the spring. 

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