Help improve my chances

[bisonmn]

I have never really fished for walleye in the past and I thought I would give it a go this year. I wasn't planning on heading out for opener but a 3:30AM firefighter page had me out of bed and I figured I was up and it was after 12:00 so off I went. I fish from a 17' canoe and this limits my abilities somewhat but I hope keep the odds in my favor as much as possible. Here is what I did this morning and I would appreciate any pointers that would help me get a bite next time

I fished Diamond lake in Rogers. This isn't a great lake for much of anything. It did get 2,500,000 walleye fry stocked in it in 2004 and I know neighbors that have pulled eyes out of it. In fact a DNR patrol pulled up as I was getting ready to shove off and he indicated that I should be able to land something worth eating but nothing to brag about.

I have a depth/fish finder but its a inexpensive one and other then basic structure and depth it doesn't do much for finding fish. More of a lake bottom finder then a fish finder. Diamond is a basic 8' flat bottom, no structure, lake. I launched on the SE side of the lake with the wind blowing from

NE. I paddled to the north shore and the wind blew me to the w side of the north shore. I dropped anchor about 20' from the north shore and cast in a fan pattern south. I ran through a dozen casts and then switched baits attempting to find a bite or some indication of what migh work. All the baits I used where lindy rigs with various berkley gulp plastics. Some where white spinners with a black/red shad. White spinner with white twisty tail, pumpkin seed worm on a bare hook, bright yellow shad on a hook with a float, red twisty tail with a read jig head. I tried to vary the bait and color and I ran through each one of them 12-15 casts around my canoe. I then pulled up the anchor casted another 10-12 times as I drifted across the lake, dropped anchor and did the same thing again. I did this across the lake and I think I got one nibble but that was about it.

Anything that may have improved my odds? I am new to walleye so my presentations may have been completly wrong too. I was back home again after a few hours so didn't spend a whole lot of time fishing this trip but I would think if I was presenting right I could of gotten into something.

Any art to retrieving the cast? Different speeds, stop and start, etc?

[Rost]

Bison-

First, don't get frustrated. Walleyes can be the toughest fish to catch at times. Even some of the best walleye guys ocassionally leave the lake scratching their head.

Since you are relatively inexperienced fishing walleyes, I would recommend you read a book that has helped me learn a ton about catching eyes and understand their seasonal patterns. It's called "Walleye" written by Dick Sternberg (a renowned fish bioligist). You can pick this book up in any Walmart sporting goods section for about $20.

This book will teach you about walleye habits, seasonal patterns, walleye biology, fishing techniques for certain situations, lake classification, ice fishing, how weather affects fish, equipment needed, and much more! It's straight forward and easy to understand. In my opinion, it's one of the best published walleye books out there. It definately will give you a concrete base of walleye knowledge.

Good Luck!

[bisonmn]

Thanks Rost and don't worry I am not frustrated. As a walleye rookie I know I have many days of skunkdom in my future.

[Chad Halvorson]

I would recommend getting an underwater camera if you can, FIND them Walleyes first. Then, start dragging crawler harness rigs or Minnows in that area. An X67 Lowrance is i great affordable sonar and you could use it in the winter, around $300 now maybe less.

I would think fishing for Eyes out of a canoe would be tough too, but should work

Good Luck!

[Team Otter]

Rost definitely gave you a good piece of advice in purchasing the book mentioned. May I also suggest attending walleye seminars in your area, watching fishing shows, and going to sports shows. Information abounds!

Good luck and be patient.

[james_walleye]

I learn a heck of alot of stuff just from this HSOforum. You can get alot of homework done right here. You can learn alot about the lakes in your area and you can learn an awful lot about presentations. Maybe even hook up with a couple FMers for a few outings. I've learned alot of nice little new twists and tricks from people here and i try too give back some little tricks i know in return.

[bisonmn]

I am definitely going to get the book. I do not wish to pick up a camera since I have enough gear I haul in and out of my canoe with each launch. I am realistic in knowing that I can't troll from my canoe (without adding a motor) nor can I paddle around a huge lake all day. I will keep forging ahead with the hope of landing a few walleye this summer and going after some of the more canoe friendly species to keep my boy happy.

[PerchJerker]

You can troll from a canoe, I've done it quite a bit. Use crankbaits, a great starting point is shad raps or husky jerks. Throw the bait out behind the canoe, engage the bail on your reel, and paddle slowly. Set the rod on the floor where it's braced by either your feet/knees or a crossbrace in the canoe. As soon as the rod tip starts jumping around lay your paddle down and start fighting the fish.

If you want you could even mount a rod holder to the canoe.

You could also drift live bait rigs with your canoe. Slip sinker and leech rigs, or crawlers on spinner harnesses, even a jig and minnow, would work well. You generally need to be holding the rod for this kind of fishing so drifting would be better than paddling. A small drift sock would help control your speed when drifting.

Good luck.

[BobT]

I don't know what is in your budget but I would like to suggest that you consider hiring one of the many guides out there. They are usually more than willing to help give you a start. What techniques to use, how to "feel" the bite, types of baits and when to use them, etc. In one outing with a good guide you can gain a lot of hands-on experience you can't learn from a book.

Bob

[harvey lee]

All very good info above.Another thing you can do is get to know the bait and tackle store owners.They can give you a wealth of knowledge on lakes,location and baits or lures used.

Stop by thier shop,introduce yourself and buy a few things and that will go a long ways.

[CorynTracySellHomes]

On a lake like Diamond, with very little structure, I would drop a Shad Rap, set it back 75' and paddle paddle paddle! With a lake like that with very little structure the fish tend to just roam the basin.

A way to up your odds and have more fun is to bring your canoe to a river. Drop in at Monticello, and arrange to have someone pick you up a couple miles down stream. Rivers are much easier to fish than a windswept lake, and once you learn to read a river, you can greatly increase your odds! Good luck to you!!

Cory Frantzick