With spring heavy in the air and new life abounding May ushers in the beginning of most outdoorsmen’s seasonal routine.
The rise in temperature is beginning to bring about changes in nearly all plant and animal species. Humans, like a nest -building bird, are buzzing around taking care of last year’s debris and preparing for the upcoming season. This seasonal transition offers the outdoorsman a conglomeration of experiences to be had afield. With so much going on, it’s not hard to find something enjoyable to do in May. Outside is definitely the place to be.
The first of the month draws hunters afield to engage in battle with wily toms. Like song birds, male and female turkeys become more vocal until it reaches a peak in mid-May, and subsiding by early to mid June. Because turkeys can be distinguished by sight and sound due to their obvious variances in appearance and vocalizations, you are able to hunt without the worries if shooting a female bird. Spring is nesting time for nearly all bird species, so shooting a female turkey in May would reduce the animals ability to propagate.
Most trout fishermen have hung up the fly rod by May, while the experienced trout anglers are just beginning to prepare for the May fly hatch. May Flys and other semi-aquatic insects, which spend the majority of their lives in water begun to hatch in late April through the month of May. The ability to see your fly floating increases the odds of hooking a fish that surfaces to eat it, opposed to sinking baits. I personally feel there is something special, almost magical, to watch a fish surface and inhale your fly, especially ones you have hand-tied! Hooking and landing is fun, but not imperative in getting the blood pumping, as the image of the attack is something to experience and behold alone.
Walleye, Northern Pike, Tiger Musky and Pickerel season all start on the first Saturday of May. You are sure to find me chasing one of these toothy critters in the afternoon after hunting turkeys in the a.m. Walleye are one of my favorite species to catch. They put up quite a fight in moving water, and are one of the tastiest fish our state waters have to offer. Walleye, being from the perch family, tend to be quite aggressive, while also being picky as to what bait you offer them. I recommend trying out several types of lures known to catch Walleye at each spot you fish.
When you get a bite, continue to use that lure at the next spot to see if a pattern appears. Most of the time, if one fish bites that particular lure, it’s probably close to what they are feeding on, so others should bite it too. Although Smallmouth Bass are not in season, they tend to eat the same thing the Walleyes are eating, I typically catch equal numbers of them while fishing rivers and lakes that contain both species. You can't keep Smallmouths in May, they must be released immediately. I never keep them, anyway, as they are my favorite fish to catch, and for some reason are let go unless harmed.
Did somebody say fish fry?
