Fishing Guides
How-to guides for catching more fish on the lakes in our guide: species, seasons and skills.
Top 5 lakes by angler reports
The lakes with the most recent reports and chat from anglers, newest first within a tie.
Walleye 101: Timing, Jigs and Trolling
Walleye are the most targeted fish on the lakes in this guide. They're light-sensitive, structure-loving and most active when the light is low. Get the timing right and the rest gets a lot easier.
SpeciesCrappie Through the Seasons
Crappie school up and move with the seasons. Find the school and you can fill a bucket. Lose it and the bite goes quiet. Here's where they'll be each season.
SpeciesSmallmouth Bass on Rocky Lakes
Smallmouth are pound for pound the hardest fighters in fresh water. They love rock, clear water and current. Once you find one, there are usually more nearby.
SeasonsFall Turnover: What It Is and How to Fish It
Every fall the bite on many lakes seems to die for a week or two. That's usually turnover. Knowing what's happening under the surface helps you keep catching fish.
SkillsReading a Lake Map: Finding Fish-Holding Structure
Most fish on a lake live on a small fraction of the water. A map helps you skip the dead water and fish the spots that hold fish.
SeasonsIce Fishing Basics and Safety
Ice fishing opens up water you can't easily reach by boat, and some of the best perch, walleye and panfish action of the year. Safety comes first.