A couple of quick questions from a fairly new muskie fisherman.

Does anyone have any lure recommendations for spring, summer and fall? Are there unwritten rules about the size of baits someone should use in the spring, summer or fall? Someone once told me to use smaller baits in the spring and gradually get bigger as the year goes on. Would you say that is an accurate statement?

Does color really change as the year goes on? I will probably be fishing White Bear Lake a lot this season, any recommendations for this body of water? Does the bite change as the year goes on? Hot colors change as the weather changes?

Any help would be appreciated!!!

MetroSki,
Over the years there has been a tendency to use smaller baits early in the season. My thery behind this, is that most of the "early" written word on early season muskies was being written by guides that were fishing walleyes and other species and were contacting post spawn muskies.Also, theoretically, the size of the prey(baitfish) is smaller earlier, kind of a "match the hatch" deal. That being said, I'll typically start the season with regular size baits. Some lakes have some idiosyncrasies and goofy patterns as well. The lake you mentioned is a great example. The fish there like big baits. Sure, they eat plenty of small stuff too, but with all the available food, it's nice to stand out from the crowd so to speak. Colors? have done well there on naturals as well as bright/gaudy colors. Seasonal progression for me has more to do with the speed and action of the baits I'm throwing.Each year is different and there are no rules, but you can use water temps as a guide. Don't overlook topwaters early and late either.Fish the weedlines and humps at night with black/nickel blades. 10's , spinnerbait(single Raddog), doesn't matter. The water there is clear and it gets ungodly amounts of pleasure boating, so it's tailor made for night stalking. Be careful and have fun.Hope this helps. Steve

I would have to agree with Steve, 100 percent.

Match the hatch with the spring hatch baitfish and you're sure to see more action.

I was always a big lure guy (8" and up) until I started being outfished early in the season by guys throwing small bucktails and 6" jakes.

As far as colors go, there are so many diferent recomendations by top notch pros, I try to keep it natural in clear water and bright in stained lakes. Works for me, hope it works for you too.