I am looking to get out during spring break which is from march 21 to the end of the month. Which lake is better, Lasalle or Heidecke Lake? for either, is a guide or boat necessary or could I do just as well on shore? Which species is the most worth targeting? thanks a lot for any help

I've only had the chance to fish LaSalle thus far. But as for the species that I would target there, start with hybrid strippers. They put up a hell of a fight. You'll also catch a million small channel catfish, but the strippers are where it's at. I've also caught largemouth and smallmouth bass, blue cats, and sheephead. As for fishing out there, you're better off if you can get onto a boat, but you'll still catch fish from shore.

When does Heidecke open? I thought it was April 1st.

I have no clue when it opens. perhaps i am limited to lasalle. what bait would you use for stripers?

I've had luck with chicken livers on treble hooks. I've heard of tying string around the liver to keep it on the hook, but I typically just put the hook through the liver as many times as possible. Also, I've caught them on crankbaits when trolling, but pretty much only when they're running after bait high in the water column.

if the lasalle opener is during that time,go to that.

Heidecke opens April 1st.I have found Heidecke fishing to be very tuff the first month or until the water hits 58-60 degrees.Lasalle on the other hand has the best fishing of the year the first month.You have to wait for H to warm up and fish Lasalle before it warms up.

thanks 4 the help!