According to the Wisconsin DNR, optimum water temps for musky spawning is 55 degrees. Typically spawning locations are shallow bays in 1-3 feet of water, with a mucky or wood covered bottom. The fish do not attend to the eggs once released, and in about 10 days those eggs will hatch. Generally musky have finished spawning prior to Memorial day in the Wisconsin and Minnesota areas.
Spring musky seeks out shallow water which is warmer than surrounding water. Other species of fish have also concentrated into the shallow warm water to spawn, providing the musky with an abundant food supply. Depending on seasonal conditions the musky may be in the area spawning themselves. 2008 should have a late spawn, due to the late ice out and lack of warm weather in most northern areas of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Once the spawn is completed, musky stay in the shallow areas feeding on crappies, bluegills, ciscos, and other fish. They may also seek out deep water areas adjacent to the shallow areas, typically within several hundred yards. Weed covered flats near moving water is also a key area to try. Four to seven foot depths are ideal target points. As the spring winds push the warmer top water across the lake, look to the windblown bays for warmest water on the lake first.
Bait selection is critical at this junction of the season. Small baits in the 3-5 inch range are ideal. Use silver blades on bright days and gold/florescent blades on overcast days. Spoons, buck tails or swim baits are excellent choices during this time of the season.
Weather changes are constant with Spring. Watching the weather forecast, understanding the current conditions, and preparing for forecasted changes, can give you insight of what to expect on the water each day.
Finally, the last key feature is to fish slow, but high in the water column. Musky almost always feed up. Their eyes are positioned into their head so they are almost always looking up. Fishing too deep will be counterproductive. Fishing too fast can also be a detrimental to success. Appropriate speed of retrieval should be just fast enough to ensure the blades are moving on the lure.
Just remember “S” stands for Spring. Slow, Shallow, and Small are your keys to Spring Musky success.
ranges through out most of the United States and are a highly sought after fish. They have a close relative in the White Perch which gets commonly confused with white bass. 
Late March, April and early May can be exciting times for walleye fisherman in the upper Midwest. Personally, I believe the spring spawning run holds the greatest odds of any time of the year to land an ‘eye in the 10+ pound category, especially in one of the Great Lakes tributaries. Early season walleye fishing can be spectacular or very frustrating, so here are some tips to make it a trophy year. 
Dates: Feb 9th to Feb 24, 2008 or until the preset harvest number has been reached.
monofilament line. At the end of the mono, tie on a stainless steel barrel swivel to prevent twisting of the line. Make sure the swivel is small enough to pass through the guides on your pole. The swivel will also act as a weed catcher and will prevent some of the weeds from making a track all the way to the hooks of the crankbait.
