Help for a beginner

[uwleagle]

I used to do a bit of Muskie fishing with very little success, and have not done any for several years. Dad and I are going to take a break from walleye fishing this weekend and try for a musky. We will be fishing a small lake with stained water. During this time of year what water depth and structure in the lake should we look at targeting? Also any specific lures that we should be using?

[smeese]

What lake?

[mainbutter]

If you have pike gear, it'll do especially if you have some larger stuff.

#5 blade bucktail inline spinners are a good bet. I like mepps musky killers, and recently purchased a blue fox vibrax tandem bucktail that looks like an awesome bait in the water, but I couldn't scare up a single pike or musky on any lure the single day I've had to use it so far.

[uwleagle]

Amsden Dam in South Dakota. (think its the only lake in South Dakota where its actually worth it to fish for Muskys). I actually have a decent amount of Musky stuff. Just didnt know if I should concentrate on using spinners, cranks, top waters, or just try everything. And really not sure where to find the fish?

[mainbutter]

I don't know much about SD and haven't ever heard of that lake before, but nothing gets me more excited than submerged rocky points out in the lake and away from shore, stereotypical prop-eater rocks. If your lake has anything like that, that's where I'd start. Otherwise, it's off to Sharp dropoffs, outside of the weed edge, and staging points outside of where bait fish and prey inhabit. I normally don't fish deep for muskies, nothing deeper than 20 feet or so usually, but if there's structure that comes up in deep water, I'll hit it.

This time of year I definitely throw everything. With the exception of topwaters that I only use in mornings and evenings, I spend the whole day switching lures and spending just about equal time with mag dawgs, big blades, phantoms, and big crankbaits (usually a jake or a triple D).

[uwleagle]

mainbutter thanks for the advice. Here is a link to a map of the lake http://www.neglwatersheds.org/images/SD_GF-P-Amsden.pdf . It is a small reservious that has two very small creeks feeding into it. Looks like their is one island and a few steep drop offs along the shore lines. Looking forward to trying it out this weekend.

[401TE]

Depending what the water temps are I'd start by those shallow bays on the east side and work west from there. That's likely where you'll find the warmest water temps and the most active muskies early. If the water temps are above 67 or 68 in the main lake, anything is fair game but I like the looks of the underwater points on the south shoreline and that slow dropping break (if there are weeds growing on it) in the center of the north shore. I'd check that island out, too, especially the northwest corner where it looks like there is an underwater point. If the water temps are low, I'd be looking for the greenest, best weed growth you can find. Might be worth a drive around the lake before you even start fishing (or if you're not seeing any fish) to see if you can find good weeds or mark baitfish. If that lake is as small as it looks you can probably check everything in a day no problem.

[fishermusk]

I have fished the lake before, early spring before the season is open here.

The area by the spillway was always a pretty good spot, and heading north from there. I think there is a point there with rocks. Top water lures always got some action. 8" Jakes usually was good for some fallows as well. I never caught any there but always enjoyed fishing it. If I am not mistaken that is where the state record is from. Good Luck.

[Rebel9921]

Just my opinion... but I would focus on the western half of the lake... The island being an obvious choice... but you would want to get a better map if you can, to look for secondary spots too...

The shoreline NNE of the Island looks sweet... I'd definitely hit that... along with the shoreline NEE of the island that leads East then North... steep dropoffs on those two shorelines definitely would hold muskies... Also the bay thats west of the island leading up to the underwater bar... leading up to the twin inverted bar on the south shore... on those inverted bars, I would be casting in the shallow water out to the deep water on both sides... and on the bar coming out of the bay on the SSW, I would go slow and cover every inch in that area... I wouldnt risk it but I'll bet that you'll probably see few muskies sunning themselves in the spillway... They probably wont go for your lures... but no harm in trying...

Now my secondary spots, when all have failed would be the gentle slope of a drop off directly east of the island... along with the slope directly west of the island leading into the bay... I would hit that too... chances are that there may be several undocumented underwater humps thats not mapped... Muskies would definitely hold there...

As for the southeast bay... Im pretty sure it'll be the same as the Spillway... kinda shallow but just never know what monsters it may hold... look for defining structures such as rocks, patches of cabbage, fallen timbers, etc etc... I know you said the water is stained, but keep a close eye on your sonar/GPS... it'll tell you whole lot more if you pay attention to it... the east arm might hold few surprises if it has structures...

Hope this helps... Good luck!!!