Willard Drive by

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[#0000FF]Last year the water temp was 41 in mid February. But we had an early iceout and warmer weather. In 2017 my first trip was in mid March and the water temps were 44. That is more typical.
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[#0000FF]With ice just coming off the lake I doubt it will hit 40 until early March this year...especially with the cold temps forecast for the coming week. And fishing usually does not start to kick in until a few windy days have churned the lake and put more oxygen in the winter depleted water.
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[#0000FF]I almost always connect with a few cats early. But until the water approaches 45 the walleyes are scarce. Although if you can find them they sometimes have a prespawn feeding period after about 42 degrees. The snaggers in the inlet will start getting them by mid March and the rock hoppers before the end of March. It depends on weather and water temps.
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[#0000FF]Rare to pick up any wipers until April. And that is when the crappies start to show up too...when populations are up...and they ain't.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]Hope that helps. That's why I keep fishing logs.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]I think I will be waving my fairy wand more this coming year too. Got all excited about making and using some of those [url "http://intheriffle.com/fishing-videos/fly-tying/game-changer-blane-chockletts/"]"Game Changer" flies[/url]. I think the denizens of Willard will vote for them.
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