Yes, this cold snap disrupted what had been a fantastic spring, but the fish know this is spring and will recover and be back biting by the time this goes to print. 

How good of a spring has it been? There's a 3 hour - 1 fish limit - bass tournament every Tuesday evening at different locations around Waterloo and Cedar Falls. On May 12th 34 people entered at Big Woods Lake and 22 legal size fish were weighed in. Waterloo’s Mike Wilson topped the field with a very nice largemouth bass weighing 5lb.13oz.  Congratulations Mike! 

The Walleyes are still biting on the Cedar River with many fish being caught as shallow as two feet using a 4 inch ring worm on a lead head. I've not heard of a great Crappie bite anywhere yet but this should be happening soon. Check in at the local tackle shops for the latest fishing reports or to let them know what you've been catching. 

This column is called the great outdoors and there are things other than fishing happening outside right now. Mushroom hunting was going strong before the cold snap and should come back right away for about another week or so. There are plenty of Morels being found on public land so you don't have to know someone with private land. Morels can grow about anywhere but seem to thrive in numbers around dead or dieing elm trees. 

Mushroom hunting can be a deliciously rewarding way to enjoy the outdoors but if you are not sure what a morel looks like please find someone who does or look them up online or even at the public library before you eat them. 

As soon as the mushroom hunting is done it will be time to start looking for wild asparagus. If you turn your nose up at this vegetable because you have tried the canned stuff, do yourself a favor and go out and get some fresh spears - they are fantastic. Asparagus is usually less work to find than mushrooms since one normally “road hunts” for it. Drive very slowly down gravel roads looking in the ditch. When you do find asparagus pay close attention to your location so you can go back to that spot in the future. Look to pick the spears when they are from 6 to 10 inches high. Don't pick a spot clean. This will ensure some of the plants go to seed next year. 

Reduce the everyday stress of life by spending a warm spring day outside fishing, hunting mushrooms, looking for wild asparagus or even planting a garden. This will be good for you physically and mentally as well. Until next time enjoy the great outdoors and keep your lure wet!