Edward Medard Reservoir

With warmer weather beginning to impact Southwest Florida, many anglers will switch over to fishing for bluegill (bream) and redear sunfish (shellcracker). Fish with crickets, grass shrimp, and red wigglers under a cork around shoreline structure (overhanging trees) and Kissimmee grass. These species will begin to enter pre-spawn patterns beginning in May and can provide great action and table fare for lucky anglers. Opportunities for Black Crappie should remain excellent until late April when water temperatures climb and force fish into deeper water. In April, drifting live shiners under a cork or trolling with Hal flies and small spinners along grassy vegetation can yield bites from late-season specs. Once water temperatures climb heading into May, anglers fishing live baits, small jigs and spinners in open water areas over humps, drop-offs, and the rock piles can find success. Catfish are plentiful and can be caught year-round using chicken livers, frozen shrimp, night crawlers, or any commercial stink baits fished on the bottom. Catfish are found in abundance in the many hidden coves and channels found on Medard. Although the Florida Bass spawn is ending and fish will begin to leave their bedding areas, anglers targeting bass can find success fishing drop offs and rock piles with big artificial worms and “creature” bait style plastics in red shad, Junebug, or black and blue colors. Post-spawn bass will be looking to quickly put on weight after a stressful spawning season so don’t be afraid to fish large baits. While bass fishing, anglers should be on the lookout for tagged fish. Tags are yellow and located on the back (dorsal) of the fish. If you catch a tagged fish, remember to cut the tag off. You will need it to collect your $100 reward! Good luck and good fishing!