Walters in small rivers?

[EBass]

Do they act the same as walters in big rivers? Deep holes and eddy areas and sand flats? I never go for them but plan on spending the whole day on a small river and woundered what should I try. As you can tell by my "handle" Im a bass fisherman or atleast try to be, but the waldo is a great fish to. Any tips that someone would share??

Thanks
EBass

[Jim W]

EBASS,

For it's rating the Zumbro river is the best walleye river in the state! Rarely fished!

The Cannon is a river worth an effort too.

Water depth available and forage base available for walleye is a little different, so focus areas lend to changed approach.

Fishing streams and smallrivers would actually increase your skill in finding walleye in larger rivers.

They will act in the same way, utilizing drag currents while using up as little energy as possible to feed.

Water temps are something to make use of when locating smaller river walleye. If it is high, try concentrating on higher oxygen spots. Riffles, or current breaks down and off of rapids and the holes that follow.

Being a Bass fisherman, don't neglect fishing cover in the smaller river as well. The walleye can be found in what could be considered "Bass spots". Timber, log jams, undercuts.
As with the larger rivers don't be afraid to fish shallow and don't get hung up on tradtional walleye tactics.

SHallow running stick baits, husky jerks as well as spinners can bring walleyes in!

NEVER forget your plastics! Twister tails, ringworms etc.

WIth smaller confines the only way I would fish live bait on a smaller river would be to vertical jig. Otherwise, snags might create
unwanted frustration!

Good luck Ebass, make sure you post your findings!

Keep the rods bendin'!!!

Jim W

[EBass]

Thanks Jim W,

I'll try pulling cranks and switch up my bass jigs and put on a curly tail. This is if we can't get the bass to cooperate. But I plan on putting a lot of hours on the water tomorrow. Oh yeah, I always post my results even if it's not much.

Now that I have a little Jon boat I want to explore all over.

Q about the Zumbro - I have a 25H is that legal or is it canoe only? I saw that Ron Schara outdoor bound episode and he was on the Zumbo but floating down in a canoe type rig.

[Jim W]

E,

It's legal as far as I know, but not sure I would advise it. SPots might call for lifting in shallow runs. Might become a little cumbersome, heaving and hefting a 25 horser all day??

From my understanding, Ron is now in with the River edge custom canoe company. Nothing like a little "free" press eh?

Keep the rods benidn'!!!

Jim W

[mistermom]

The Wantonwan (sp?) and Blue Earth are good choices in SW MN. The Rum is a good near metro choice as is the Crow. I'm still waiting to get out with my sportboat and do some small river fishin'. Its a hoot in the fall.

mm

[can it be luck?]

Nothing much left to say that Jim hasn't said already. Although I do fish the Wisconsin River, which is large. In summer and fall usually early and late in the day when calm, I motor up the river and look for fish activity in the shallows 1-3 FOW. Bass and walleye will literaly herd up Baitfish and YOY gamefish into the shallow water makeing them easier to catch. Minnows flying out of the water and fish shooting by like torpedos, exciteing and fast to say the least! Like Jim said, live bait can be tough and frustrateing to fish under these conditions. I do however use live bait and fish similar to trout fishing. Go light, match the weight needed to get the proper drift(split shot and hook), use thin wire hooks which bend out, keep the rod tip high to ride over the snags. Snags are inevitable, but the thin wire hooks allow you to pull free from snags and bend them back. Your hooks strength may be compromised by this bending so change them when needed. can it be luck?