Opening Week Canadian Shield Muskies

[MuskyBrian]

Going up to Canada the 19th for the Musky opener. Having followed the weather, things seems a bit chilly and behind the normal patterns ( especially compared to last year.)
Does anyone have any tips for this early in the year on a colder spring then normal? I was thinking target new weed growth and maybe downsizing the baits and slowing down the retrieval?

[KING]

Sounds to me like your on the right track.

For me on LOTW typically finding the fresh new cabbage is key early. Last year with lower water, cabbage was not always found in areas it normally was. A lot of sandy bays that were normally good had little weed growth. Two years ago though with higher water we seemed to have much better cabbage early. So hopefully even though we have had cool water, the higher water will have helped weed development.

Generally if the water temp is less than 60°F, I concentrate nearer spawning areas. Above 60°F fish are often in a transition out of spawing areas on secondary points and such. Sometimes they are just cruising in no mans land. My guess is around the 19th the fish will be in a transition pattern.

Not sure if that helped, but kind of works for me.