Spring has Sprung

New seasons mark new beginnings and it is an exciting time to be an outdoorsman...  Then again, when isn't it an exciting time to be an outdoorsman or woman.  Like any other turn of the seasons anticispation is high and so is the level of confidence.  

With the ice off all the area lakes and the spring panfish season in full swing I was able to get out and check a few bites.  I managed a day on Lake Minnetonka and a day on Lake Waconia.  Both of them proved to be good outings with lots of panfish coming over the side of the boat.  The water temps on Lake Waconia ranged in the 52-57 range and Lake Minnetonka was 47-59 prior to this big cold front we had this week.  I suspect it has dropped a bit with the high winds and cool temps.  Even snowed a few times this week.  Obvioulsy this time of year the shallow provides the warmest water and many times the first area fish will go to get active.  I did find plenty of active crappies in the 6-10 fow on Lake Waconia.  It seems most everyone has found that bite.  ;)  

Up next myself and a few of the guys will spend some days trying to harvest a turkey or two in WI.  We hope to be able to bring you a new episode of Harvest Chronicles following next weeks hunts.  The spring turkey season is quickly become a tradition for many of us at the farm and a sign of passage that the long cold days are behind us for a few months.  

Right after we wrap turkey season I will be heading to the world class fishery of Sturgeon Bay WI to chase the giant smallmouth around.  This will be my 4th year in a row I have ventured out there in May and I have come to learn that this is a trip I will never miss.  Some of the most amazing smallmouth fishing and also fierce competiton as as many as 150 teams will be battling for the title of champion.  This year I again will be fishing with good friend Dustin Byfuglien since his hopes for a 2nd stanley cup were recenlty erased by the Anaheim Ducks.  Regardless, Winnipeg had a fantastic year and it was good to see them make the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs.  

Next time you hear from you I hope it is because I have taken a big ol WI gobbler down with the Mathews!  Now get out and stretch the string.