What’s the key to fishing pressured musky success? It’s simple.
Spend a lot of time casting on good spots. Be on those spots during the right weather and moon conditions. And a little luck isn’t bad either.
In normal years many hardcore musky anglers venture into Canada to hunt these elusive beasts in the pristine waters of Sunset Country on lakes like Eagle, Lake of the Woods, Lac Seul, and Cedar. 
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic this last year, the border was closed to the dismay of many musky commandoes.
In turn, US musky waters experienced more fishing pressure than ever. Lakes like Lake Vermilion, Leech Lake, Green Bay, and Lake St Clair were inundated with anglers who would normally be in Canada.
Jeremy Smith and Jake Wallace break down the state of musky fishing today, in light of all the heavy pressure on our lakes.
In this article, we will be discussing some tips and strategies for fishing pressured muskies. Muskies can be elusive and challenging to catch, especially when there is high fishing pressure and bright, stable weather conditions. However, with the right techniques and equipment, it is still possible to have success on the water.
The Importance of Figure Eights and L’s
When it comes to musky fishing, it is crucial to always do your figure eights and L’s. This is especially true when you are putting in long hours on the water. Muskies can strike at any time, and you don’t want to miss an opportunity because you got lazy or forgot to do your figure eight. Paying attention and staying focused can make all the difference in landing that trophy fish.
Choosing the Right Rod and Reel
Having the right equipment is essential for musky fishing. One rod that has proven to be versatile and effective is the St. Croix nine-foot medium-heavy power rod. This rod provides a lot of length for figure eights and can handle a variety of musky baits. It is paired with the Daiwa Lexa HD reel, which features a power crank that allows for increased bait action. Using a power crank can help attract more fish and improve your chances of success on the water.
Don’t Overlook Traditional Baits
While technology has brought about advancements in musky baits and equipment, it’s important not to overlook traditional baits that have stood the test of time. Spinnerbaits and single-bladed bucktails are often overlooked by anglers, but they can still be highly effective in catching muskies. These baits offer versatility and can be fished vertically, deeper, or through heavy cover. Don’t be afraid to try out these old-school baits and see if they make a difference in your fishing success.
Finding Muskies in Early Fall
In early fall, finding muskies is not much different from finding them during the summer months. However, one key element to look for is vertical standing cover on key structural elements. As the water temperature drops and weed cover starts to diminish, vertical cover becomes crucial for muskies. Look for weed species like coontail, bladderwort, milfoil, and deer tongue that grow in depths ranging from four to 25 feet. When you find vertical cover, you’re likely to find muskies in the area.
The Impact of Fishing Pressure
Fishing pressure can have a significant impact on musky fishing. With more anglers participating in the sport, the number of active fish in a lake is often shared among multiple boats. This means that catching multiple fish in a day, as was common in the past, has become more challenging. It’s important to understand that catching one or two fish in a day is still a significant achievement, given the increased fishing pressure. Being on the water during peak periods, such as sunrise, sunset, and moonrise, can greatly increase your chances of success.
Fishing for pressured muskies can be challenging, but with the right techniques and equipment, it is still possible to have success on the water. Remember to always do your figure eights and L’s, choose the right rod and reel, and consider using traditional baits that have proven to be effective. Look for vertical standing cover in early fall and be aware of the impact of fishing pressure on musky behavior.
