Countdown to opener: East Jefferson and German Lakes

One of my favorite area shore-fishing haunts is Beaver Dam Road, which runs betwixt East Jefferson and German Lakes.

There's an access to East Jefferson with plenty of space to fish, and the shorelines are accessible on both sides of the road. Both lakes feature fine populations of panfish, bass, walleye and northern ... but, unless you visit on a weekday afternoon, you're likely to find a gaggle of folks chasing them from the bank.

A pair of waders, however, can get you into a much different - and I think, more successful - fishing scenario.

On the German side, a little distance from the shore is a large patch of tall reeds. In May and June, I've had a lot of luck catching northern pike by chucking buzzbaits -- I prefer double-bladed models like these for their added stability and buoyancy -- through the middle of the stick-ups for explosive strikes. Waders come in handy because you'll be able to move around to the outside edge where the fish are more likely to hold.

(Always be careful handling northern pike in waders. If I hook up a fish, I usually start slowly backing toward shallower water in order to handle the fish a little easier. If that's not possible, keep the rod tip very high so the fish won't wrap around your legs, and use a gill hold to grip the fish while removing the hook.)

Another good tactic for fishing northern in the stick-ups is to use a jerkbait. There are a variety of sizes and models, but I prefer 3'' to 5'' floating or suspending baits (as opposed to sinking). Throw them near the windblown edges of the stickups, or on edges near deeper water, and give them a wide, sweeping jerk with your rod. Let the bait sit for a few moments (longer in colder water) and repeat.

On the East Jefferson side, a pair of waders will lead you toward a series of progressively deeper shelves that lead to about 12-16 feet of water. Cast your favorite walleye setup -- as a walleye minimalist, I usually use just a simple jig with a leech -- out past the shelf and work slowly back. I landed my biggest shoreline walleye (about 25'') doing just the same.

Be advised, however, that wader-wandering in waters unfamiliar often leads to miserable - and soggy - rides home. Be careful where you step, and be sure to pack a reel that offers a good casting distance.

Feel free to leave a comment on your own shore-fishing haunt - we'd love to hear from you!
Fish on!