Post-spawn muskie fishing involves downsizing and slowing retrieves, as fish recover from deeper holes. Dwayne Hickey, a Collins River expert, recommends working banks and systematically making multiple casts. Fishing skinny river waters requires patience, stretching multiple times, and accurate casting to find muskies.
Muskie - Fishing Post Spawn on the Collins River
(00:27:55)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
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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Dwayne Hickey, a passionate outdoorsman and a renowned musky fishing guide, hails from the picturesque McMinnville, Tennessee. His reverence for nature and the environment he calls home are evident in his deep appreciation of the divine beauty around him. Born into a life of hunting, fishing, and sports, Hickey’s dedication to the great outdoors is matched only by his devotion to God, family, and country.
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