Spring a highlight for local anglers

MAT-SU — Arguably some of the best still-water fishing in the Mat-Su takes place in the spring.

Like clockwork with the longer days and slightly warmer temps comes the nagging instinct to break out the fishing poles. Timing is crucial as some of the highest catch rates occur when our lakes are only partially open. Melting ice edges when fished with patience and a variety of lures and flies can provide exhilarating success and help to set the pace for a summer of hook-sets, tight-lines and sore arms.

The amount of time it takes for our local lakes to transition from ice fishing to open water varies greatly each year. Factors that affect the speed of the melt are the obvious warmer temperatures and wind, but some years overly excited boaters with spring fever are a huge factor in the ice shifting, breaking and faster melt.

Catching the lakes in this transition is important because once the ice is gone there tends to be a lull in fishing — or should I say catching, until water clarity once again improves.

This unpredictable melt also challenges some of the most seasoned fishermen into finding what the fish are biting. Many factors affect this so-called “bite,” such as water temperature, water clarity, spawning cycles, hatches and lighting requiring chess-like strategy. Each fisherman has his or her own ideas of what works best, but generally speaking, we will try a couple of things that have worked for us in the past.

Our first rule of catching is don’t rule anything out. If it has a hook, bring it along and try a couple casts. If the water clarity is poor but it’s a sunny day, throw something shiny in the drink. If it’s a bright day with great water clarity, try a more grub-like jig. One of my favorite things about springtime fishing is that all the rules you meticulously tested out last summer will at some point fail you.

This time of year also offers unique ways to present lures and flies. Sometimes you will have success casting and retrieving, other times fish will prefer a still bobber presentation. Try using the ice to your advantage by casting on top of it and then tugging lightly until it naturally falls into the water and sinks slowly. Changing your technique can mean the success or failure of any lure.

Once the ice is completely out, choose lures or flies that imitate what fish are feeding on. Pay attention to what’s flying and swimming around, and again throw a wide variety of bait.

Also this time of year, take into account that our native stocks are spawning therefore catch and careful releasing of these fish will ensure healthy future populations.

When all of this is said and certainly done, one thing is for sure — spring isn’t just for organizing our tackle boxes anymore.

Jehnifer and Butch Ehmann are local fishing enthusiasts who live in Palmer.