What's the best method?

[tonyjor]

I've been out almost every Friday this season and although it has been a very different season, I still find myself searching in the same way. I get to whatever lake I'm trying and set out for a spot on the map. Once I reach this spot, I drill 10 holes staggered all over it, from 6 to 20 fow, usually. I then check each hole for depth and to see if any fish are down there. I've never graphed a fish, so I don't know if I'm picking the wrong spots or if my drilling scares all the fish away and I'm not waiting with the graph long enough to see them come back, if they do. I have caught fish on almost every outing so far, but the bite has been minimal. I don't move too often, but when I do, it's the same story. On a typical day, from 7 am til noonish, I catch from zero to four fish, usually northerns or sunnies. What should I be looking for during this time of year, specifically this last weekend of walleye season coming up, to get on a pod of eyes. Mid-lake humps? Bars? Weedlines? Steep breaks or flats? I havn't seen a walleye all season and I only have one chance left until May. Thanks for any input and I would like to know, what's your method when looking for eyes?

[knoppers]

the new regs say we have two weekends left to go. season goes till the last sunday in the month. but it may not matter since they have not been biting anyhow. I have been hitting good crappies in the 20-30 foot range, and the little northerns have aslo been there, with no walleyes. I have been trying for walleyes in central part of the state with no luck. I am looking forward to late ice for large gills now, if it ever warms up

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Your search methods and areas sound good.

Every lake is different so it is hard to really tell you exactly how, when, or where you should be fishing.

Are the weeds still green where you are fishing shallow? If so there should be panfish and probably walleyes there.

If the weeds are dead you will probably need to move into deep water.

Check your lake map to find the deepest water on the lake.

Deep water close to a shallow bay, weedbed, or rock pile is best.

If you are seeking panfish, drill the required 20 to 30 holes over the area and then start searching with your flasher to see if you can locate any suspended fish. I usually will not even fish a hole that does not show a fish or two in it.

Once you locate a few suspended panfish drop a line down to them to see if they will bite. If they just come in and look, but do not bite, you will have to start changing types of baits, lures, colors, and presentations until you figure out what works best. Generally this time of the year you will have to really downsize lures and baits!

Walleyes are a different story.

They also should be in the deepest holes or right on the edges of it.

Try small jigs with small minnows and also tip-ups or dead sticking with smaller baits.

If the lake you are fishing is really clear or has a lot of fishing pressure the best walleye bite is probably just at daybreak and at sunset or during the dark.

Walleyes will probably not show up on your flasher unless they come up off of the bottom after your jigs or set lines.

They like to lay flat on the bottom when they are not really on a feeding spree.

Good Fishing!

Cliff