MARCH
Sand Lake
Pine County
Crappies tend to move a lot during periods of open water, but in the winter, when they're suspended over the deepest water, they're easy to find because they sit tight over the deepest spots in the lake. There are many crappies in Sand Lake and some big ones show up regularly. March is a great time to find them because there is plenty of deep water in both basins.

Pine Mountain Lake
Cass County
Just west of Backus sits 1,500-acre Pine Mountain Lake, a body of water that gives anglers plenty of opportunities for every species during the year, and in March, it's perch that put smiles on everyone's faces. Set up near the bulrushes in 7 to 10 feet of water and make sure you not only have some small minnows along, but some maggots too. Perch to 13 inches are a regular catch on this lake.

Prior Lake
Scott County
Prior Lake is full of islands and bays, and some of the arms that break off the main basins can be very good for crappies. Look for those that are deep. Some examples are the north arm of the center basin, which is 60 feet deep. Find these and you find crappies.

APRIL
Big Stone Lake
Big Stone County
In mid-April, the border waters of Minnesota and South Dakota open for walleyes, and anglers head out in droves to Big Stone Lake. For those who can't wait for the inland opener, it's a great option. Slow-troll spinner setups with leeches or drag jigs tipped with minnows. Walleyes are spread out all over and the techniques that cover some ground work best.

Pleasant Lake
Cass County
As soon as the ice is off Pleasant, hit the deep water in front of the small bays and fingers and anchor up. Fish small slip-bobbers with ice jigs and maggots, just like you were doing a few weeks earlier when the water was hard. The big bluegills move up to the mouths of these bays and make for easy pickings to those that understand they're there.

Otter Tail Lake
Otter Tail County
On Otter Tail, the perch will be moving up to the edge of the shallow sand flats and there are some big fish there for the taking. Sit over the schools of perch with a slip-bobber and jig and settle in for some great fishing.

MAY
Leech Lake
Cass County
Leech Lake has made a strong comeback for walleyes and has proved itself over the last couple of years as a great opening day destination. Key on the long points with a live-bait rig and leech during the low-light periods. For a good midday bite, use that same setup on the big sand flats. There will be plenty of boats around, so use that marker buoy sparingly.

Lake Winnibigoshish
Cass/Itasca Counties
Winnie has a stellar reputation as a great option for opener and it deserves it. If the big lake is becoming kicked up by the wind, tuck into the Cutfoot Sioux where all those post-spawn walleyes will be sitting on the first dropoff. On the main lake, it's the points that will be productive.

Red Lake
Beltrami County
Boats load up at the river mouths on Red Lake on opener, but there are many walleyes cruising the shallow sand as well. If you're not anchored up with a slip-bobber where the rivers run, pull a spinner rig with a leech over 8 to 10 feet of water and pick off the fish that are spread out over that featureless bottom.