Using Lake Maps

[mnwild14]

I usually print out lake maps when ever I am going to a lake to fish for walleyes. But I am wondering what exactly you look for on the map. I have some ideas, but is there a good book out there, or something that explains what to look for during the different stages of the year? Or could someone give me some pointers. Even taking a actual map that we could compare. Here are my current thoughts of what to look for.
Spring - Early summer - Unsure shallow bays 10' or less, Shallow reefs say less than 12',Inlets.
Summer -- Reefs topping at about 15-20' with near by deep water say 40', do the shallower reefs still produce? long points at the 15' range.
Fall -- Deeper reef topping at say 20-30' with sharper sides.

Any thoughts suggestions or where to find more information?

[Guest]

The best book I've ever read is the 4 book series from In-Fisherman for walleyes. Book 1 is for the basics on walleyes, Book 2 is on locations, Book 3 on presentation.

Book 2 taught me how to find walleyes. It is by far, the absolute best info I've every read. Go to Cabela's or any good book store, or purchase a Walleye Insider mag and get the info from there.

Again, I could burn all the other books I have in regards to finding walleyes. This book puts it all into one......

G-

------------------
Let 'em go so they can grow!!!

[Borch]

What I look for irregarless of the time of year is feed flats. Especially those that butt up to deep water. Then I look for any irregularities on these flats(Points, cuts, sharp drops, gravel, rock, reefs, cabbage...). Day time will usually find me on the edge.

Any place that has current will often be good. But will be packed with fisherman during early season.

The shallow structure will be good all season long under certain circumstances. These being night fishing and windy days with the waves crashing into the shallow structure(especially on cloudy days).

I also fish deep humps, bars and reefs. But usually after the other patterns have not produced consistently.

------------------
I bad day of fishing??? I honestly don't know what you're talking about!

[Ranckenstuff]

Structure Structure Structure, any structure within a walleyes swimmin range will hold fish at some point of the year.(Increasing odds if deep water is near)

Often times while structure hunting you find structure and it produces nothing, do not rule this out, fish use certain locations for certain reasons at certain points in time.

I am on a shield lake, and when the fishing is slow, I do exactly that, look for structure. Guys have been fishing my lake a long time and don't even know about the reefs I got up my sleeve, oh yeah and there are starting to produce!!!

[Guest]

Get a good depth finder like the Vexilar Edge and find the bait-fish in the lake on the areas mentioned above. Walleyes wont be using any type of structure unless there is enough food to keep them there. Don't overlook weed-beds if your lake has them.

------------------
Mille Lacs Guide Service
651-271-5459
www.millelacsguideservice.com

[WaveWacker]

Kind of related to what Derek posted and a click further then just looking at a lake make. Pay attention to the weather, in particular the wind in relation to the structure on your maps. If a piece of structure has been getting the hit by the same direction wind for consistant days then use your electronics to see if the baitfish have piled up on it to feed. The fish won't be far behind