Pro Fishing Tip of the Week: As weather shifts, you should, too

Looking at the forecast for the upcoming week in the Upper Midwest, the most recent cold snap is about to break, and it’s almost time to be a hole-hopper once again. The fish will be on the move, and so should you.

My advice: drill many holes and keep hopping from one to another. When you find fish at one spot, sit on the hole until the bite slows, then jump to a new hole.

By hopping around, you’ll catch the aggressive fish in each hole before they move, and this will maximize your catch rate.

MORE FISHING COVERAGE FROM OUTDOOR NEWS:

Here’s what’s on tap for the biggest national bass tournaments in 2025

Mike Schoonveld: ‘The Fish Thief’ is a must-see for any avid Great Lakes angler

Want to try Pennsylvania’s trout waters on the ice? Here’s how to do it

While hole-hopping, I rarely use live bait. A 1⁄32-ounce jig and small plastics will do the trick in attracting and catching the aggressive fish. Have fun out there!

Gregg Schroeder

Years of guiding experience: 40

Favorite lake: Minnetonka

Favorite fish to catch: Muskies and pike

Gregg Schroeder is owner of Schroeder’s Guiding Service (952) 442-3474. Lake Minnetonka guiding and fish house rentals can be reserved online at www.schroedersguidingservice.com