|
|
by Russ Warye, author of WALLEYE! THE TOP LAKES AND RIVERS OF NORTH AMERICA Today's walleye fishing is fantastic - the "good old days" are now! We have seen a dramatic improvement in the Woods in the last decade as the explosion of yellow perch coupled with anglers releasing fish over 18 inches is creating a superb resource. Spring fishing begins on the shallow shorelines and bays with round boulders, new vegetation and gravel points. Look to the warmer bays and coves to be more productive than main lake shorelines at least for the first few days of the season. Expect the fish to be post-spawn on the May opener and holding in these areas as they recuperate from spawning, getting ready to turn into "eating machines." In recent years, shoreline fishing has been outstanding for numbers and trophies in depths averaging 5 to 15 feet, depending on time of day, cloud cover (or lack of) and wind direction. Jig and live bait (half a crawler, whole crawler or leech) or plastic combinations are deadly, and are highly recommended at this time. Jigs and plastics have become very popular with many choosing to tip with 3-inch grubs, 4-inch finesse worms and minnow bodies (Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops styles). The traditional jig size is 1/8 ounce although the box should have 1/16, ¼ and even 3/8 sizes (for those windy days). We believe strongly in using the lightest jig that makes bottom contact, you will catch more fish! Rock reefs or humps (with boulders) within the smaller bays will be important holding zones for spring/early summer fish. Weedlines become more important, often on a day-to-day basis as the cabbage starts to grow. Fish will be in the weeds as well as occupying the outside edges. Look for the presence of minnows to be a significant clue. Casting light jigs and "horizontally" jigging with the retrieve is deadly. Again, look for shallow shoreline points, humps or weedlines, exposed to prevailing breezes. Polaroid glasses are as an important tool as the depthfinder during this May to late June period when the majority of fish are relatively shallow. Expect water temperatures in the mid-to-high 50's ranging upwards into the high 60's. The shallow water pattern tends to hold up well into June - some years longer than others. Each spring is different as weather (fronts), wind direction and forage availability are always different from year to year. Don't overlook casting crankbaits to the weedlines as well as boulders, rocks and gravel, rocky points. The Shad Rap, Wally Diver and Shadling styles are important, as are Husky Jerks, Rogues and ThunderStick types. Perch, minnow finishes (gold, silver), and silver combinations (blue/silver, green/silver, etc (are excellent colors). A word on lines: we all have opinions that range from monofilament to super lines. Generally, most recognize that Fire-Line is superior for trolling with many still preferring a quality monofilament for horizontal and vertical jigging. But use what you believe in, and have had success. Generally, I recommend 6-or 8-pound test for jigging and trolling crankbaits.
|
