April 2026

Switzer Picks Up the Win in Tough, Changing Spring Conditions

By Paul Switzer

The Maple Bassmasters held their second event of the 2026 season on April 19th at the Cal Sag Channel, where anglers were met with a full range of early spring conditions.

Morning temperatures started in the high 30s and warmed into the 50s by the afternoon, with water temps ranging from 54 to 58 degrees. The day began calm, but winds quickly picked up out of the west, making boat control difficult. Rain and hail during the final hour capped off a day that kept everyone adjusting from start to finish.

After a couple of runner-up finishes in his previous events on the Cal Sag, Paul Switzer put together a winning bag this time, finishing with five fish for 13.93 lbs. His limit was anchored by a 3 lb 7 oz smallmouth, which also earned Big Bass honors.

Switzer said “It was nice to finally win one after finishing second in my last two Maple tournaments here. Granted, there’s no shame in finishing behind Luke Jasper and Brian Barthelt who are a couple of the best fishermen in the area.”

Switzer caught 13 keepers throughout the day and was able to fill a limit early, allowing him to spend more time looking for upgrades as conditions shifted.

“It was a rare day fishing when nothing went wrong and I fished 100% clean. Never lost a fish, broke my line, or lost a lure. I doubt this will continue!”

Fishing out of his new Basscat Cougar, Switzer relied on a dropshot to secure a limit, then upgraded with a 3 lb 7 oz smallmouth on a Keitech swimbait and a 3 lb 6 oz smallmouth on an unnamed crankbait in the last hour of the day. Being able to mix in both finesse and moving baits ended up being important with how quickly conditions were changing.

All his fish came from Lake Calumet off a rocky dropoff, windblown shorelines, and points leading into deeper water.

 

Chasing the Lead

Brian Barthelt, always a contender on the Cal Sag, finished 2nd with 5 fish for 10.73 lbs, catching his fish on a homemade chatterbait along with a finesse Ned rig presentation. Barthelt finished 2nd the previous day in the Cal Sag Anglers derby with over 16 lbs.

Barthelt summed things up pretty well afterward:

“We need to find a way to put a hex on Paul’s new boat. This can’t continue.”

Ed Lopez took 3rd with 5 fish for 10.45 lbs, working a white chatterbait at a 45-degree angle to the bank and slow-rolling it back. He also mixed in a Ned rig and found fish relating to the bank, with some appearing to be moving into spawning areas.

Joe Barthelt finished 4th with 5 fish for 9.92 lbs, dragging a green pumpkin Chigger Craw on a 3/16th oz sinker and staying consistent throughout the day.

Rounding out the top five, Dave Beucher had a strong showing in his first event with the club, finishing as the highest placing co-angler.

 

The Pattern

Even with changing weather, a few trends stood out:

• Fish were holding along rock and transition banks near deeper water
• Wind made a difference in positioning fish and triggering bites
• Both finesse and moving baits produced, often in the same areas

It was a day where being able to adjust—and not force one approach—made the difference.

Full Results Snapshot

The standings show a fairly tight field behind the leaders, with several solid limits and a number of anglers just missing one or two key bites. It was the kind of tournament where small mistakes added up quickly.

The win moves Switzer up early in the Angler of the Year and Mr. Bass standings, though with a full schedule ahead, those races are still wide open.

Up Next: Mississippi River (La Crosse, WI)

The next stop for the Maple Bassmasters is the Mississippi River out of La Crosse. The legendary fishery is known for its mix of backwaters, current, and vegetation.

In early May, anglers can expect a mix of prespawn and spawning fish. Protected backwaters will likely hold fish moving up, while current seams, eddies, and main river structure can also play a role depending on water levels.

It’s a place where patterns can change quickly, and being able to adjust to conditions will be key.

2026 Schedule (What’s Ahead)

• May 3 – Mississippi River (La Crosse)
• May 17 – Kalamazoo River
• June 7 – Lake Wisconsin
• June 20 – Lake Delavan
• June 28 – Green Lake
• July 25–26 – Sister Bay (Door County)
• Aug 16 – Spring Lake (MI)
• Aug 23 – Lake Michigan (East Chicago)

• Aug 29–30 – Lake of Egypt (State Practice)
• Sept 20 – St. Joe River
• Sept 26–27 – Classic (TBD)

Join the Club

The Maple Bassmasters continue to welcome both boaters and co-anglers for the 2026 season. With a full tournament schedule, Angler of the Year race, and opportunities to qualify for the Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation State Championship, it offers a good mix of competition, camaraderie, learning, and time on the water.

The next club meeting will be held Tuesday, April 28 at Papa Passero’s in Westmont, IL. More information can also be found at:

https://maplebassmasters.com/