Is the fishing this spring typical?, New boater/fisherman question

[Trudging]

Hello all.

As I have previously mentioned, This is my first spring on lake fishing. This weekend alone I have logged about 24 hours fishing mostly for Lake Trout. I have yet to catch anything and am starting to wonder
If this spring is typical or are the fish not biting well? It's entirely possible and maybe even likely that I'm in the wrong areas. I do see a ton of bait fish often as "bait ball" schools at various depths.

[Grandpa Jim]

Personally, I think we're as much as three weeks behind what might be considered normal at this time of year. I know this may sound a bit ridiculous, but you might want to ignore the high bait concentrations for an outing or two and work very close to (or right on) the bottom. Simcoe trout have an incredible forage base so there's really no need for them to expend energy tracking down quickly trolled lures. You simply can't go too slow as long as your spoon is light enough to wobble and flash a little. If you're anchored and jigging, obviously a different story.

[AlconaKevin]

I agree..

This year we are a few weeks behind "typical" conditions.

The weed growth is way behind, so do not fish based on the date but the conditions.

i was seeing a quite a few low risers this weekend, which is really more typical of winter, earl;y spring fishing.

[Trudging]

Thanks for your thoughts guys. I have been reading up as much as I can but a nudge in the right direction sure helps

[Mike D]

I was told the bass have barely started spawning yet, could be disastrous with opener next weekend

[Huntandfish]

Bass are very hardy, I am sure that there will be very little effect on population, I am no expert and not trying to argue but it seems like everyone are treating bass like a fragile species, I would be more worried about the guys like sea bass spoke of weeks ago keeping them out of season and no enforcement to speak of!

[ptmpete]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzv3tEAbMgM

[Huntandfish]

Ok I forgot about the gobies but there are bass master sponsored clubs holding tournaments on sat on a few lakes so i am wondering why they are not waiting? You would figure they are in the know! I'll be out as far as I know on Sunday if the weather holds up.

[baldeagle]

your video makes an awesome point....i hope everyone on this board watches it and passes the message along to others ....thanks for posting it ....

[ptmpete]

hope the "bass masters" show that they Do care about the fish for more then just the weight in .............