Summary:

    Author: Dwayne Hickey
    Location: Collins River, Tennessee
    Experience: Grew up muskie fishing on the river, decades of experience
    Video Parts:
        First half: Initial stage of post spawn in April
        Second half: Later post spawn in early May
    River Features: Shallow, deep waters, gravel, weed, steep banks, gentle banks, feeder creeks, springs, mud, timber
    Post Spawn Behavior:
        Muskie move to shallows from deeper waters
        Males move first, followed by females
        Period of recuperation for muskies
        Recommended Lures: Spinner baits and minnow style lures
    Fishing Strategy:
        Target shallows
        Make pinpoint casts
        Be open to different presentations
        Precision is key

Post Spawn Muskie Fishing on the Collins River

Dwayne Hickey, a seasoned angler, shares his expertise on targeting post spawn muskie in the Collins River, Tennessee. Growing up on the river, Dwayne's profound understanding of its fishing patterns throughout the year is evident. His decades-long experience is reflected in his straightforward approach to fishing this river.

Video Breakdown

This muskie fishing tutorial is divided into two segments:

Initial Post Spawn Period (April): The first half of the video showcases this phase.
Later Post Spawn Period (Early May): The latter half delves into how the fishing scenario changes during this time.

This structure ensures viewers grasp the evolution of fishing during the post spawn muskie period.

Collins River: A Diverse Habitat

The section of the Collins River where Dwayne resides is truly unique. It boasts:

Varied depths: from shallow to deep waters.
A mix of terrains: gravel, weed, steep banks, gentle banks, feeder creeks, springs, mud, and abundant timber.
A plethora of bait, making it a rich ecosystem and a consistently yielding musky habitat.

Post Spawn Behavior

During the post spawn period, muskies transition from the deeper waters to the shallows. Initially, the males venture out, possibly weary from the spawning activities. Over time, female muskies begin patrolling the shallows. This phase is crucial for their recovery, and they often opt for smaller, easily accessible baits. Dwayne's tip? Downsize your lures. Slow-rolling spinner baits and minnow-style lures are recommended.

Dwayne's Key Strategies

Target the Shallows: Prioritize the shallower regions over the deeper ones.
Be Thorough: Dedicate time to explore the banks in the shallower parts of the river. Make precise casts and repeat them.
Diversify Your Approach: While Dwayne prefers spinner baits and minnow baits, be versatile. Experiment with different lures, and don't hesitate to revisit promising spots. Precision is key.

Simplicity is Key

Dwayne's muskie fishing approach is uncomplicated. He doesn't believe in overloading the boat with numerous lures. His vast experience speaks for itself. Pay heed to his advice, and you'll likely see improved results on the Collins River.

FAQ

Why is the post spawn period important for muskie fishing?

The post spawn period is crucial as muskies move from deeper waters to the shallows. This period is one of recuperation for the fish, making them more likely to go after smaller, easier-to-grab baits.

What are the main features of the Collins River?

The Collins River has a mix of shallow and deep waters, gravel, weed, steep and gentle banks, feeder creeks, springs, mud, and a lot of timber. This variety creates a rich ecosystem ideal for muskie.

What lures does Dwayne recommend during the post spawn period?

Dwayne suggests using spinner baits and minnow style lures, especially in the shallows. However, he also encourages trying different presentations and using jigs in deeper water areas with wood.

How should one approach fishing in the Collins River?
Precision is key. It's essential to make pinpoint casts, especially in the shallower stretches of the river. If the lures aren't placed close to the fish, they might not be interested.