new to walleyes

[thrownflies]

Waz up dudes and dudettes? This will be my first MN walleye opener. I'll be fishing the Park Rapids/Nevis area the first few weeks of eye season. Could you give me some ideas for lakes, baits, techniques and types of structure to focus on for the early season? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[paceman]

You might have better luck in the Park Rapids area Forum....

[RiverBassGuy]

Jig and a Minnow! but seriously there's a million factors to consider. Earlier in the season you will want something with a relatively slow presentation such as a lindy rig, jig 'n minnow, spinner rig, or shallow trolling at speeds around .75-1.5mph. You may want to check out the thread regarding night fishing for walleyes. Depending on the lake that is one of the most productive ways to catch eyes early in the season. Good luck

[hhguide]

Just Find a break with a jig and a minnow or a lindy rig that either has an inside corner or outside point! find the weed edge and fish away do be afraid to move up shallow either.

[Team Otter]

Long, Big Mantrap and Potato are all strong choices and there are many others too. As suggested, you could also post this question in this Park Rapids Forum. As for location and presentation, focus on steep shoreline breaks or large flats in 5 - 15' of water. You want to be able to cover these types of areas both quickly and slowly, so be set up to be able to fish with a Lindy Rig-type set-up tipped with a leech or a jig and minnow. Keep it simple and search until you get bit. The fish, in most cases, will be schooled.

[Cicada]

If the ice goes out as late as it looks like it might, try to find the areas the walleyes spawn and work between those areas and the first break. I have a feeling they will be pretty shallow this year.

Another thing I do early is lindy rig with a pretty short snell. I usually go with a foot and a half leader. So, I'm in effect jigging with a slip sinker.

As stated before, the night bite might be as good as anything. If you can find a spot that has baitfish in it, hit it hard with a shallow running crankbait and go slow. I've had the best luck if I can see some baitfish and try to match it, size wise. That means small this time of year.

Good luck and post results.