There are many areas that will produce spring Muskies with jigs. The common denominator is food. If there are other fish in the area such as walleyes, bass, or pan fish, it will undoubtedly be a spring Musky hotspot. Newly emerging weeds are big producers of bass, pike, and walleyes in the springtime. Jigging the weeds has become a ritual for thousands of Midwest anglers. Many "accidental" musky catches occur in this situation. But it’s not the only place to bag a spring ‘lunge.

Warm sloughs, bays, and creeks that are situated on the north end of a lake can be super spring musky hotspots. Quite often these bays have stumps or fallen logs in them. Floating bogs are also quite common; however, dead grass, lily pads, and some shallow weeds can also exist in these areas. These areas provide spawning habitat for most pan fish species in the spring. This will obviously draw Muskies, too. These same areas are most often the key musky spawning ground, as well. After they’ve finished spawning, which generally occurs shortly after ice out, they’ll hang around for quite some time if ample food is present.

Rock is another spring magnet for Muskies. Shallow rocks are especially productive. They’ll provide habitat for walleyes, smallmouth bass, and crappies. Large groups of crayfish abound shallow rocks in the spring, too. This all adds up to a smorgasbord for Mr. Musky! Sunny days provide seemingly magical action for Muskies in shallow rocks. Don’t neglect rocks in the spring. They can be dynamite. You might also want to try a jig specifically developed for Pike and Musky like the Musky Hare jig pictured here. They are available from Jackson Lures for about $10.00.

The jig & minnow has always been a deadly weapon on spring Muskies. It’s only recently that anglers have quit calling it "accidental". Believe it or not, many of today’s musky anglers are relying heavily on jigs for Muskies. You’d be wise to do the same.