Bushwhack

Spring is finally here, and you know what that means—fish are waking up, water temperatures are rising, and some of the best spinner fishing of the year is just around the corner.

But before you rush to the water, take a weekend to properly prepare. The anglers who catch the most fish in spring aren't just lucky—they're prepared. This comprehensive checklist will ensure you're ready when the action heats up.

Why Spring Preparation Matters

Spring fishing is different from any other season:

Fish are hungry after a long winter and feeding aggressively
Water conditions change rapidly with snowmelt and rain
Spawning activity triggers aggressive strikes
Weather is volatile requiring versatile gear
Access can be limited by high water and mud

Proper preparation means you'll spend more time fishing and less time dealing with equipment failures, missing lures, or poor planning.

Gear Inspection & Maintenance (2-3 Weeks Before)

Rods & Reels

Inspect rod guides for cracks or grooves (run fishing line through to feel for snags)
Check rod ferrules and connections for tightness
Clean and lubricate spinning reels (bail, handle, drag)
Oil reel bearings with reel oil (not WD-40)
Test drag systems under tension—should be smooth, not jerky
Check for line twist by letting line hang freely
Tighten any loose reel seats or handles
Inspect rod tips for damage

Fishing Line

Check line for nicks, abrasions, or discoloration
Replace monofilament that's over 1 year old (UV degrades it)
Replace braided line if frayed or faded
Respool all reels with fresh line before season
Stock up on leader material (fluorocarbon for clear water)
Test line strength—old line loses 20-30% breaking strength
Remove memory coils by soaking in warm water

Landing Nets & Tools

Inspect landing net for tears or broken mesh
Check net handle for cracks
Sharpen fillet knife if you keep fish
Test pliers and hook removers for smooth operation
Replace rusty hooks on stringer or fish basket
Check scale batteries and calibration

Waders & Boots (If Applicable)

Inspect waders for leaks (fill with water or use flashlight test)
Patch any holes with repair kit
Clean and waterproof wading boots
Replace worn boot laces
Check felt soles or cleats for wear

Accessories

Replace old sunscreen and insect repellent
Check polarized sunglasses for scratches
Test headlamp and flashlight batteries
Restock first aid kit
Check rain jacket for waterproofing
Inspect tackle box hinges and latches
Replace worn stringer or fish basket

Tackle Box Organization (1-2 Weeks Before)

Inventory Your Lures

Sort lures by type (spinners, spoons, crankbaits, jigs)
Check hooks for rust or dull points
Sharpen or replace dull hooks
Discard damaged or rusty lures
Organize by size and color within each category
Note what you're running low on
Clean lures with soap and water
Touch up chipped paint on crankbaits

Essential Spring Spinners & Lures to Stock

Inline Spinners (sizes 0-3):

Mepps Aglia (silver, gold, copper)
Panther Martin (various colors)
Blue Fox Vibrax (chartreuse, rainbow trout)
Rooster Tail (white, yellow, black)
Joe's Flies (for trout)

Spinnerbaits (1/8 oz - 1/2 oz):

White/chartreuse (bass, pike)
Black/blue (murky water)
Shad patterns (clear water)
Willow leaf blades (clear water)
Colorado blades (stained water)

Spoons (1/8 oz - 3/4 oz):

Kastmaster (silver, gold)
Little Cleo (red/white, five of diamonds)
Daredevle (red/white stripe)
Johnson Silver Minnow (weedless)

Crankbaits (shallow to medium diving):

Rapala Original Floater (F7, F9)
Rebel Crawfish
Bomber Fat Free Shad
Strike King KVD Square Bill
Natural shad, crawfish, and perch patterns

Jigs (1/16 oz - 3/8 oz):

Marabou jigs (white, chartreuse, black)
Hair jigs (brown, olive)
Tube jigs (smoke, watermelon)
Curly tail grubs (various colors)

Soft Plastics:

Senko worms (5")
Curly tail grubs (2"-4")
Tube baits
Paddle tail swimbaits
Crawfish imitations

Terminal Tackle Essentials

Snap swivels (sizes 10-14)
Ball bearing swivels (prevent line twist)
Split shot weights (various sizes)
Sliding sinkers (egg, bullet)
Bobbers/floats (slip and fixed)
Extra hooks (sizes 4-10 for live bait)
Wire leaders (for pike, musky)
Fluorocarbon leaders (6-12 lb test)

Organize Your Tackle Box

Clean out old wrappers, broken line, etc.
Group similar lures together
Keep frequently used lures accessible
Store soft plastics separately (they melt other plastics)
Add silica gel packets to prevent rust
Label compartments for quick access
Pack needle-nose pliers, line cutters, and hook remover

Location Scouting & Research (1 Week Before)

Check Water Conditions

Monitor USGS stream flow data for rivers
Check lake water levels and clarity reports
Look for water temperature trends (55-65°F is prime for many species)
Note recent precipitation and snowmelt patterns
Identify backup locations if primary spots are blown out
Check boat ramp conditions and accessibility

Review Your Fishing Log

If you kept a fishing log last spring (and you should!), review it:

Which lures produced the most fish?
What were the best times of day?
Which locations were most productive?
What water conditions led to success?
What colors worked in different water clarity?
What retrieve speeds were most effective?

Use Bushwhack's location tracking to remember your best spring spots year after year and see exactly what lures worked in previous seasons.

Scout New Locations

Research 2-3 new spots to try this season
Check access points, parking, and boat ramps
Review regulations (seasons, limits, special rules)
Download offline maps if fishing remote areas
Join local fishing groups for insider tips
Check for spawning closures
Identify shallow bays and coves (warm up first)

Licensing & Regulations (Before First Trip)

Renew your fishing license (most expire annually)
Purchase any required stamps (trout, salmon, etc.)
Review current regulations (limits, size restrictions, closures)
Check for emergency closures due to spawning or high water
Note any new catch-and-release zones
Understand slot limits for bass, walleye, pike
Know barbless hook requirements (some waters)
Keep physical or digital copy of license with you

Physical Preparation

Don't overlook your own conditioning:

Cardiovascular fitness - Spring fishing often means hiking to remote spots
Arm strength - Casting all day requires endurance
Leg strength - Wading in current or walking shorelines
Flexibility - Prevent injuries with basic stretching
Practice casting - Shake off the rust before opening day

Spend 15-30 minutes practicing your cast in a park or yard. Focus on:

Accuracy at various distances
Casting under overhanging branches
Skipping lures under docks
Quick hook sets
Different retrieve speeds

Safety & Emergency Prep

Pack These Essentials

Fully charged cell phone in waterproof case
First aid kit with blister treatment
Emergency whistle
Fire starter and waterproof matches
Emergency blanket
Extra food and water
Knife or multi-tool
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Life jacket (if fishing from boat or kayak)
Throw rope (for boat fishing)

Know the Risks

Hypothermia - Spring water is cold; dress in layers
High water - Snowmelt creates dangerous currents
Slippery rocks - Algae growth is heavy in spring
Wildlife - Bears are emerging; carry bear spray in bear country
Weather changes - Spring storms develop quickly
Boat safety - Cold water is deadly; wear life jacket

The Week Before: Final Checklist

Monday-Tuesday:

Check extended weather forecast
Monitor water levels and temperatures daily
Respool reels if needed
Order any missing lures

Wednesday-Thursday:

Pack your tackle box completely
Charge all electronics (phone, fish finder, GPS)
Prepare snacks and meals
Check vehicle (gas, tire pressure, emergency kit)
If using boat: check battery, fuel, safety equipment

Friday:

Final weather and water check
Load all gear in vehicle
Set multiple alarms (don't miss the dawn bite!)
Get a good night's sleep

Opening Day Strategy

You've prepared—now execute:

Arrive early - Best fishing is often first light
Start shallow - Fish move to shallow, warming water in spring
Fish slow - Metabolism is still sluggish in cold water
Target structure - Rocks, logs, weed edges hold fish
Use natural colors - Shad, perch, crawfish patterns in clear water
Upsize in murky water - Bigger profile, brighter colors
Log everything - Start your season log on day one

Spring Spinner Fishing Success Tips

Water Temperature is Key

Below 45°F - Fish are lethargic; fish very slow with jigs
45-55°F - Fish are feeding but slow; use slow retrieves
55-65°F - Prime time; fish are active and aggressive
Above 65°F - Fish move to deeper, cooler water during day

Time of Day Matters

Early morning - Often slow until water warms (except bass)
10am-3pm - Best action as water temperature rises
Evening - Can be excellent as fish move shallow to feed
Overcast days - Fish all day; low light keeps fish active

Location Selection

Target shallow bays and coves (warm up first)
Look for sun-exposed banks (warmer water)
Fish near spawning areas (pre-spawn aggression)
Focus on structure: rocks, logs, weed edges
Try creek mouths and inflows (warmer, oxygenated water)
Don't overlook muddy banks (crawfish habitat)

Lure Selection by Water Clarity

Clear Water:

Natural colors (silver, shad, perch)
Smaller lures (size 0-1 spinners)
Fluorocarbon leaders
Subtle action (willow leaf blades)

Stained Water:

Brighter colors (chartreuse, white, orange)
Medium lures (size 2-3 spinners)
More vibration (Colorado blades)
Rattling crankbaits

Muddy Water:

High contrast colors (black/chartreuse, white)
Larger lures (size 3-4 spinners)
Maximum vibration (large Colorado blades)
Loud rattles and thumping action

Retrieve Techniques for Spring

Spinners

Steady retrieve - Just fast enough to feel blade vibration
Stop-and-go - Pause to let spinner flutter down
Countdown method - Count down to different depths
Upstream cast - Let current spin the blade

Crankbaits

Slow roll - Steady, slow retrieve in cold water
Stop-and-go - Pause triggers reaction strikes
Deflection - Bounce off rocks and logs
Burn and kill - Fast retrieve, then dead stop

Jigs

Slow drag - Crawl along bottom
Hop and drop - Lift and let fall on slack line
Swim - Steady retrieve just off bottom
Shake - Subtle rod tip vibration

Common Spring Mistakes to Avoid

1. Fishing too fast
Spring fish are sluggish. Slow down your retrieve significantly.

2. Using summer patterns
Smaller, natural colors work better in cold, clear water. Not sure what's working? Check out Bushwhack's lure tracking to see what other anglers are catching fish with.

3. Ignoring water temperature
A 5-degree difference changes everything. Carry a thermometer.

4. Fishing too deep
Spring fish move shallow to warm up and spawn. Focus on 2-10 feet.

5. Overdressing
You'll warm up quickly. Layer so you can adjust.

6. Fishing high, dirty water
Wait for water to drop and clear. Check conditions before driving.

7. Not having backup plans
Spring conditions change hourly. Have 2-3 backup locations.

8. Using dull hooks
Cold water fish bite softly. Sharp hooks are critical.

Species-Specific Spring Tips

Bass (Largemouth & Smallmouth)

Pre-spawn: Fish shallow cover with jigs and soft plastics
Spawn: Avoid nesting fish; focus on pre-spawn areas
Post-spawn: Slow presentations near spawning areas
Best lures: Jigs, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, soft plastics

Trout

Target slower pools and eddies
Use small spinners (size 0-2)
Natural colors: silver, gold, brown trout patterns
Fish upstream, retrieve with current

Pike & Musky

Fish shallow bays and weed edges
Use large spoons and spinnerbaits
Bright colors: red/white, chartreuse, orange
Wire leaders essential

Walleye

Fish rocky points and reefs
Jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics
Slow, bottom-bouncing presentation
Low-light periods best (dawn, dusk, overcast)

Panfish (Crappie, Bluegill, Perch)

Target shallow structure near spawning areas
Small jigs (1/32 - 1/8 oz)
Slow, vertical presentation
Natural colors: white, chartreuse, pink

Post-Trip Maintenance

After each spring trip:

Rinse all gear with fresh water (especially after saltwater)
Dry rods and reels completely
Check line for nicks and abrasions
Rinse and dry lures (prevent rust)
Hang waders to dry completely
Clean and dry boots
Restock any lures you lost
Sharpen hooks that got dull
Log your trip immediately - Record conditions, catches, and lures

Your Spring Fishing Log

This is crucial: Start logging from day one of spring season. If you haven't started a fishing log yet, read our complete guide on how to start a fishing log.

Track these spring-specific details:

Water temperature at start and end of session
Water clarity (clear, slightly stained, muddy)
Successful lure types, colors, and sizes
Retrieve speed and technique
Time of day for best action
Weather conditions (cloud cover, wind, barometric pressure)
Water flow levels (rivers) or lake levels
Depth where fish were caught
Structure or cover where fish were holding

By mid-spring, you'll have data showing exactly when, where, and what to fish for maximum success.

The Bottom Line

Spring fishing rewards the prepared. While others are scrambling with broken gear, rusty lures, and poor planning, you'll be on the water catching fish.

Use this checklist starting 2-3 weeks before your first trip. Print it out, check off items as you complete them, and you'll be ready when opening day arrives.

The ice is melting. The fish are waking up. Are you ready?

Ready to track your spring catches and build a database of what works? Sign up for Bushwhack and start logging your fishing adventures today. It's free to get started.

What's on your spring spinner fishing preparation checklist? Share your tips in the comments below!