As the ice melts and temperatures rise, fish across the Midwest become more active, making spring one of the best times of year to hit the water. Whether you’re casting for bass, jigging for walleye, or setting up for catfish, the region’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs offer incredible opportunities.
Breaking it down by sub-region, let’s explore the top Midwest spring fishing destinations and the tactics that will help you reel in a successful season.
Northern Midwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan
Minnesota’s Walleye & Pike Bonanza
Minnesota’s iconic lakes—like Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, and Lake of the Woods—are prime spots for spring walleye fishing. As the season opens in early May, anglers use jig-and-minnow combinations or slip bobbers to target post-spawn walleyes in shallow waters. Northern pike also become aggressive, hitting spoons and large jerkbaits near weedy bays.
Top Tactic: Jigging with live minnows near drop-offs for post-spawn walleyes.
Wisconsin’s Multi-Species Action
From the Wisconsin River to the vast waters of Lake Winnebago, spring brings a mixed bag of fishing opportunities. Walleye, smallmouth bass, and crappie become active as waters warm. In Green Bay, trophy walleye are caught using trolling stickbaits and live bait rigs.
Best Bait: Hair jigs tipped with minnows for early-season walleye.
Michigan’s Great Lakes & Inland Lakes
Springtime in Michigan means fantastic fishing for steelhead in the rivers, walleye in Lake Erie, and smallmouth bass in Lake St. Clair. Inland lakes like Houghton and Higgins provide great opportunities for panfish and pike.
Hot Spot: Detroit River walleye run—vertical jigging is the go-to technique.
Central Midwest: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri
Ohio & Indiana’s Reservoir Fishing
In states like Ohio and Indiana, reservoirs like Mosquito Lake and Monroe Lake shine for crappie and walleye fishing. Bass anglers find success in smaller lakes as largemouths move into the shallows for pre-spawn feeding.
Best Tactic: Slow-rolling spinnerbaits along rocky shorelines for early-season bass.
Illinois’ Springtime Bass & Crappie
Lake Shelbyville and Rend Lake produce excellent crappie fishing in the spring, with fish stacking up in brush piles and flooded timber. The Mississippi River backwaters hold big largemouth bass, eager to strike chatterbaits and jigs.
Recommended Bait: Small jigs tipped with minnows for pre-spawn crappie.
Iowa & Missouri’s River & Reservoir Action
Iowa’s Rathbun Lake and Missouri’s Truman Reservoir are top-tier crappie and catfish waters in the spring. The Missouri River produces big blue catfish on fresh-cut bait, while bass fishing picks up on Table Rock Lake and Lake of the Ozarks.
Hot Tip: Drift cut bait for monster blue catfish in the Missouri River.
Western Midwest: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas
Dakotas’ Walleye & Pike Paradise
Spring fishing on the Missouri River system in North and South Dakota is legendary for walleye and northern pike. Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe offer excellent early-season action with jigs and live bait rigs.
Best Tactic: Trolling crankbaits along submerged points for hungry post-spawn walleyes.
Nebraska & Kansas’ Reservoir Hotspots
Nebraska’s Harlan County Reservoir and Kansas’ Milford Lake hold incredible walleye and crappie fishing in the spring. White bass runs are also in full swing, providing fast-paced action.
Hot Spot: Milford Lake for trophy blue catfish using fresh-cut shad.
Spring Fishing Gear & Bait Recommendations
- Walleye Fishing: Jigs with minnows, live bait rigs, and trolling crankbaits for aggressive post-spawn fish.
- Bass Fishing: Jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics for pre-spawn largemouth and smallmouth.
- Crappie Fishing: Small jigs, minnows, and slip bobbers for staging fish near brush piles.
- Catfish Fishing: Cut bait, live bluegill, and stink baits for blues, channels, and flatheads.
Final Thoughts: Spring Fishing in the Midwest is Prime Time
Spring fishing in the Midwest offers some of the best action of the year. Whether you’re chasing walleye in Minnesota, crappie in Missouri, or bass in Michigan, understanding seasonal fish movements and using the right techniques will set you up for success.
Take advantage of warming waters, aggressive fish, and scenic Midwestern waters—grab your gear and make this spring fishing season one to remember!
