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By Russ Warye, Outdoor Writer Summer walleye patterns start to emerge by the 3rd and 4th weeks of June, although they can be later, depending on the season. What this means is that fish start to move towards main bay and main lake humps, rock reefs and long, tapering points. It is a predictable pattern that Witch Bay Camp regulars have come to appreciate. Fish typically hold in a depth zone that ranges from 16 to 26 feet on reefs, humps and points that top out at 14 to 20 feet. Shoreline points on the main lake basins can be terrific as fish move up and down the point (from first light to sunset) in a fairly reliable pattern. The presence of forage determines fish location. If perch are not present (sometimes crayfish, beginning in late July) the fish will be elsewhere. Jigging, bottom bouncing, and crankbaits are the important presentations of July and August. Quality depthfinders are important tools for locating structure, fish and forage. The active depths will vary from day to day, again depending on the usual variables - forage location, sunlight intensity, cloud cover, fronts, and wind. Look over structure with the depthfinder, looking for a corner or a depth zone that is holding forage and fish. Tapering points are always important. Bottom bouncing is the significant tool for finding fish during this period. It allows for covering water, if a concentration of fish cannot be found with the depthfinder. Weights should range from ¾ to 2 ounces, although most of the times many will find that 1 ½-ounces are good selections. Snells, weights and Quick Change clevis components are available at camp, if you are unsure of the equipment. The standard Witch Bay snell is a three-hook snell, approximately 30 inches in length. Spinner blades range from #3's to 5's with hammered nickel, gold, chartreuse, orange, and red offering a range of colors. Jig sizes in summer range from 1/8 to 3/8 in size with the standard rule always applied - use the lightest jig that makes reliable bottom contact. A couple of generalizations apply - 1/16 for down to 12-foot depths, 1/8 for 12 to 24, and ¼ for 24 to 35 feet. Of course, wind is a significant factor, offering forcing us to reach for a larger size to make the all-important bottom contact. Nightcrawlers and leeches are the bait of choice, although plastics - Twisters, grubs, finesse worms - will have their moments, especially in the evening or on dark days. Casting crankbaits in the Shad Rap tradition is an important Witch Bay Camp tradition, pioneered by the Tennant party from Iowa. Shad Raps in the 7 and 8 sizes can yield the trophy fish when large round boulders are targeted on shoreline and reef areas. The usual colors are important - yellow perch, minnow finishes, and crayfish. Casting crankbaits is not a numbers game�but a trophy presentation.
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