Sort out your tackle box, wind on some new line, break out the sunblock (and maybe the rain suit)—it’s the opener!
As the water warms up and the fish swarm the shallows, May finds Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Trout ready and waiting to test your gear, and Lake Delaney Lake Lodge is prepping and updating theirs as well. Among other improvements, this year the lodge has outfitted all of their 18 foot Lund Alaskans with new 50 horsepower, 4-stroke outboards, and boats carrying three anglers will be powered by new 70 horse Yamahas.
Anglers will find hunting Lake Trout easiest in the spring when they invade the shallow water in big numbers before retreating to the depths for the summer. Jigging, trolling, and casting are popular strategies, with thin Doctor, Crippled Herring, and Williams Spoons being lure favorites. Mid-May through June can also be a hot time for Walleyes, and anglers often have the most success on fish migrating from shallow bays to rocky shores with a simple jig and minnow.
Smallie fans will want to load their reels with at least 10 pound test as these brawny bronzebacks are known for epic battles. Top artificial bait choices include jigs, soft plastics, tubes, and prop and stickbaits. May/June also often means electrifying top-water action. And speaking of electricity, imagine tangling with a 40 plus inch, post-spawn Northern Pike or Muskie, now that’s the way to kick off the season!
Whatever your target species, Delaney Lake Lodge will be raising the odds of bagging trophies this season by extending their guided fishing days one-half hour. This year anglers will return to the lodge at 5:15 p.m., just in time for bragging, relaxing, and getting stoked for the next day.
Opening day on Delaney Lake and the English River system is May 19th, so gear up and get ready for fishing days you’ll never forget!
