Spring is here, and the water’s calling! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, spring is prime time to chase perch and walleye. At CastingQueens.com, we’re all about empowering women to hit the water with confidence. Here are five expert tips for each species to help you reel in a great catch this season.

Perch Fishing: 5 Tips to Hook ‘Em in Spring

Perch are feisty and delicious, making them a favorite for spring anglers. Here’s how to land a mess of them:

1. Target Shallow Waters Early
   In spring, perch move to shallow areas (5-15 feet) to spawn. Look for weed beds, rocky shorelines, or submerged structures near bays. Early morning is best when they’re most active.
2. Use Small Jigs with Live Bait
   A 1/16 to 1/8 oz jig tipped with a minnow, worm, or waxworm is a perch magnet. Yellow or chartreuse jigs work well in murky spring waters. Keep it subtle—perch love a slow, twitching retrieve.
3. Fish Near the Bottom
   Perch hug the bottom, especially in cooler spring temps. Drop your bait to the lakebed and bounce it gently to stir up curiosity. A slip bobber rig can also help you stay in the strike zone.
4. Look for Schools
   Perch travel in packs, so where there’s one, there’s more. Use a fish finder to locate schools or watch for surface ripples in calm waters. Once you hook one, keep casting to the same spot.
5. Go Light with Your Gear
   A light spinning rod (4-6 lb test line) gives you better control and sensitivity for perch’s delicate bites. Fluorocarbon leaders are great for clear spring water—they’re nearly invisible to fish.

Walleye Fishing: 5 Tips to Score Big in Spring

Walleye are the queens of stealth, but with these tips, you’ll be ready to outsmart them this spring:

1. Focus on River Mouths and Inlets
   Spring walleye migrate to spawn in rivers or near lake inlets. Fish at dusk or dawn near current breaks, gravel bars, or rocky points where they stage before moving upstream.
2. Slow Troll with Crankbaits
   A shallow-running crankbait (like a Rapala Shad Rap) in natural colors—perch, shad, or firetiger—mimics walleye prey. Troll slowly (1-2 mph) along drop-offs or shorelines to cover water.
3. Try a Jig and Minnow Combo
   A 1/4 to 3/8 oz jig with a fathead minnow is deadly for spring walleye. Cast to structure, let it sink, and work it back with short hops. Keep contact with the bottom for best results.
4. Fish Low-Light Conditions
   Walleye have sensitive eyes and bite best during dawn, dusk, or cloudy days. Night fishing near shallow flats can also be productive—bring a headlamp and glow-in-the-dark lures for extra edge.
5. Match the Hatch with Soft Plastics
   When walleye are picky, a 3-4 inch soft plastic swimbait or twister tail on a jighead can seal the deal. Choose colors that mimic local forage (white, green, or black) and experiment with retrieve speeds.

Gear Up and Get Out There!

Spring fishing for perch and walleye is all about timing, location, and finesse. Pack your rod, grab your favorite lures, and hit the water with these tips in mind. At Casting Queens, we know you’ve got what it takes to land a trophy—or at least a great story. Share your catches and tips with our community at CastingQueens.com, and let’s make this spring one to remember!

Tight lines, ladies! 🎣