Walleye

Walleye, the wayward wanderer sought after by hundreds, if not millions of anglers every year. How many actually get them? Sure, there are those days when you just hit a hot spot when the walleye are ON. You brag that day up for years. You even start teaching others how to do it.

The pro's and the avid anglers have just as much problem as you do finding these creatures. Whats the difference? LOCATION. Yes I could get into hundreds of different formula's and "spells," but, if the the fish you are after aren't there...forget it.

Where do you look? Volumes have been written on this. Unfortunately, the fish have never read these books. More then once we have been on the water and said "Textbook location." to find nothing but Northern pike and suckers! Fish don't read books! Remember that!

Location
Find walleyes concentrated around the mouth of inlet stream. Firm bottom areas like sand, rock, gravel or combinations. Large flats close to the main lake basin. Troughs between sunken islands and shore. Shallow rocky shore lines exposed to wind. Gradual tapering points. shallow and deep reefs. Irregular breaklines. Long weedy points. Steep dropping points and reeds. Weather has alot to do with location. Always try the windward side of a point. Shade side on sunny days and go golfing when there is lightning or a storm brewing. (No matter how many "Just 15 more minutes" your partner says!)
Depth Finders
Key into those transition areas by knowing what you see on your finder. Find those long flat beds of bait paradise and locate those fish covered slopes in the wind. Know your Finder and it won't let you down.

Trolling
The best "fish finder" you'll ever buy. Use a long line method to locate active fish.
Most important method to us has got to be the spinner rig. This is simply a 6-8 foot (Longer is better but hard to manage) long rig containing beads, floats, spinners and hooks. Normally tipped with a live worm or leech. Balance is key in these rigs. The more beads, the lower it goes.
Rapala and other brands all have lures with the ability to troll at different levels. Each having it's own use and time to use.
Casting
Once fish has been taken on the troll. Stop and cast.
Once again Rapala's and their imitations, Casting spoons, Kastmasters, Slip Bobbers tipped with live bait. Cast in weed pockets and over steep slopes and long flats near main basin. Patience is a must, let the fish tell you what they want.
Jigging
Lightest jig you can get away with with the lightest line you can use. Sometimes the Northerns with cut you off, but still worth retying. Try to sit over the spot where your trolling contacted a bite. Vary the lift drop and don't forget the shake!
Tip with Live worm or leech or plastic impregnated tail.
Remember, these fish have to eat..thats what they do. If you see bait fish.....there are predators somewhere around them! Find the active fish...and you control the fish bite. Not mother nature!