Targeting Walleyes

[gwiff100]

Disclaimers:

-Central and south central MN

-Water Clarity is clear

-some time in prairie pot hole lakes sometimes lake with structure

Why does it seem i can fish the same lake in the summer and in the winter and fish the same spots, but in the winter i can only find the eyes during primetime (obviously the best time to fish) However, during the open water seasons i can usually find fish in the same spot during the day...

just looking for some pointers on where/how to target these popular fish during the day.

[Jason Hamilton]

Though I will defer more specific knowledge to folks fishing MN, I'll try to help.

Walleye movement patterns in the winter will differ from summer due to water temps, oxygen levels and prey species movements. This slide onto prime structure at prime time is well documented.

I would suggest trying the flats off the structure (deeper) during the day. As soon as the morning bite is dying down, start drilling holes out from where you last contacted fish. These 5, 10 or 20 yard moves should help you track the school's movements and give you an idea of where to target them next time. On the flats try loud, aggressive presentations that will expand your area of attraction to pull fish into you.

Good luck

[Pete Maina]

Hi,

Great stuff offered Jason. Winter is definitely a different ballgame. Really, the only other thing that I would add is that the fish make the rules first and foremost; certainly too things change. For instance: this ice season for me in northern Wisconsin - on a variety of lakes - the fish are deeper (at least fish I can get to bite). Areas where edges or shallower weeds have produced in the past produce nothing, and a shallower movement at sunset isn't as significant.

Again, Jason's suggestions are great. I'd suggest too though, that at times - even great presentation/patterning efforts can still be met with a middle fin, due to a lot of factors and the fishes' reactions to it. I'm not certain how many different fisheries you are trying by your description, but move around if it seems you can't figure it out, because at times you can't ... yet they have a better mood elsewhere.

[Shane Z]

gwiff100-

I wouldn't stray to far from the area you are catching the walleyes during "prime time". As the winter months move on, most vegetation will recede, probably bringing much of the bait fish with it. Don't hesitate to try shallow during the day. Many times walleyes will hug the edges of vegetation to help increase visibility. I am fishing a VERY clear lake and all year I have been fishing in 12 ft of water. Right now, I'm finding that walleyes are becoming quite sluggish and disinterested in early season techniques. Although jigging still works, I would set a tip up or two around some known weed beds. Don't hesitate to put one in really shallow. Try a fluorocarbon leader and put a few split shots roughly 3-4 inches above the bait.

Hope this helps

[Jason Hamilton]

Yes good points Pete, weather patterns and other variables that effect fish ,effect different lakes or sometimes areas differently.

Walleye will tell you how and where they want to bite. Our biggest challenge as anglers is to "listen" to subtle clues and put all the pieces in order....this is often not as simple as typing the sentence.

[Pete Maina]

Ha ha ... certainly never as simple as typing a sentence That said, Shane has some great points too; certainly try all the options structurally. I've caught walleyes in as little as 3 feet of water in the winter ... so far this winter in my local area, it hasn't worked, but it has before and it will again. I just wish I knew exactly where and when