The month of March contains the actual date that spring arrives. And it can still be cold. But, with warmth on the horizon, April can offer a lot more than you think, for several species.

So, don’t look outside and sigh, thinking that it might be time to tune in to the Cubs rather than sit in a boat. Instead, think positive, even if it means the occasional use of handwarmers.

Walleyes on most of rivers are moving on spawning runs upriver toward the dams. Or, in the case of the venerable Wolf, the marshes. They spawn in around 43-degree water and may start their journey under the ice. The run might be spread out as more fish hear the call.

As the fish move upstream, they usually take the easiest route, through areas with less current. Later, as they move back toward summer locations, the walleyes hitch a ride on the current to help carry them home.

Jigs up to 1/2-ounce or more, dressed with minnows, are the primary ammunition, although many can be fished dressed, undressed, or plain vs. painted. Some anglers are still old school, anchoring and rigging the legendary Wolf River three-way rig. Others are mobile, hoping to intercept the fish. After spawning, look for areas that offer fish a place to rest and feed as they return home. Like little, permanent indents in riprap that break the current. Wood current breaks work, too.

Wisconsin has catch-and-release bass fishing all year now, and largemouths may periodically visit the shallows shortly after the ice is gone. I like small, shallow lakes and flowages, especially if there are rocks and wood present. These areas hold heat, and bass gravitate to them. High 40s to 50-degree water should hold catchable fish.

There is a small lake near where I work that’s about 65 acres and has two shore areas lined with laydowns. Just what the fish doctor ordered! They have been super productive for a jig and craw-type bait. It seemed like the bass were waiting in line to find a place near the wood, as several of the laydowns produced multiple fish on a regular basis. After a few years, an aerator was installed, and the lake went back to a regular May opener. But the new regs have now opened up a lot of waters like this on which to chase old line-sides.

Go with a 1/4-ounce jig and trailer, which is a good way to slowly work the wood. If the fish are aggressive, try a shallow, squarebill crankbait in baitfish or brown craw color. This style of crankbait generally deflects off the wood when the bait hits it, and can be quite good as the water warms.

Keep a 5-inch Senko rigged weedless and weight-free on hand as a throwback lure nearby, too. Stickworms are also good at navigating through emerging weeds. Bass have a tendency to hold in green stuff as they wait to move into shallower spawning areas. Don’t overlook them.

With gamefish as the main draw, many anglers overlook panfish in their search for April action. Crappies move shallow to feed prior to spawning, although they won’t spawn until the water warms up—usually in the same areas as bass and bluegills. Time it right, and you can catch a bunch, as we found while fishing the first national crappie tournament in late April a number of years back. Ultralight tackle, 4-pound-test line, a slip bobber, hook, a light weight, and a live minnow provided the best fishing I have ever experienced. As a changeup, it doesn’t hurt to have some 1/32-ounce crappie jigs along. White marabou is a standard, but plastics also work, as do plain leadheads and a minnow. For whatever reason, in our area, purple plastics catch fish, and not just during spring.

Yes, April weather can be iffy, but the right timing for the right species can provide enjoyable opportunities on the water. Dress for the weather!