Bass fishing in April
The bass fishing on lake Winnie at the end of April will definitely depend on the water temperature. The good news is that regardless of the temps, fish can be caught with the right approach. I have fished Winnie in the spring for more than 20 years, as my bass club usually opens our season there with a tourney on the second weekend in May. The ice *should* be out by then, if history can predict such things.
As stated before, the water temp will definitely dictate where and how you should fish as well as whether you'd prefer fishing for largemouth or smallmouth bass. If you don't have a preference, I'd suggest targeting smallmouth. As I think they are easier to figure out at that time of the year.
First, get a good topo map of Winnie (Bizer and Duncan Press both offer good ones) to scout out locations near where you are staying (fun winter stuff!). Look for rocky/sandy areas near deeper water. Navigation markers are a good starting point.
Now... water temps. Below 50 degrees... think deep drop-offs next to spawning flats. Fish blade baits in 15 to 30 ft of water. Once the water warms into the 50's, the smallies will start coming up to spawn and you should fish suspending jerkbaits in 4-20 feet. Once the water gets into the high 50's-low 60's, the fish will move up onto the flats to spawn. Soft baits like senkos or plastic worms will work very well in 3-10 feet of water.
Of course there are a million ways to catch fish and you should fish what you're comfortable with... but the info above will give you little head start on where to get a smallie or two.
When the time comes, I'll try to remember to come back here and report any first hand information I may have.
Best Regards,
Gusman
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