go to presentation

[hotlips13]

i rented a cabin on a lake for the girlfriend and i and we only have 1 day to find some walleyes....the particular lake we are going to is very clear, aparently able to see close to 18 feet down. given the current weather situation, fairly cold for this time of year, and the clarity of the lake i was wondering what some of you would do to find walleyes....more specifically, your go to presentation for a lake you have never been to and the limited amount of time to find fish

i should have posted this earlier but didn't think about it....looking forward to some of the responses...thanks for any tips

[EYEBALLRICK]

YOU COULD GET THE BEST ADVICE IF WE KNEW THE LAKE--IT,S NOT LIKE WE ARE GOING TO SHOW UP

GET ALL THE HELP YOU CAN AND ENJOY THE THRILL OF FISHING WITH YOU LADY FRIEND

GOOD LUCK

[hotlips13]

i posted the lake in the brainerd area, lake shamineau.....got some helpful hints but i was just trying to get general info, i.e. depths, minnows v. leeches, crankbaits, speeds, etc.

[PerchJerker]

I don't know that lake, but a super-clear lake at this time of year ....... to me the go-to would be trolling crankbaits shallow after dark. I don't know if that's really what you're looking to do with your GF, but that might be your best bet to get on fish.

Since super-clear lakes can be such a challenge, especially if you only have 1 day and no prior knowledge of the lake, maybe using a more multi-species approach to get some action would be better? Something like looking for panfish in the weeds or near docks, and who knows what else you might catch doing that.

[fishermatt]

During the day, Lindy rig with a 1/2 oz sinker, 6-8 ft leader, and either a minnow, leech, or crawler, most likely fishing 25-30 maybe down to 40 feet deep.

Use electronics to find fish, if you see 2 or more fish within 20 feet of each other throw a marker shallower then fish those fish for 1/2 hour. If no bites going real slow, make a couple passes a bit faster, if no bites start searching again.

[Team Otter]

Troll shallow crank baits at night or pitch big plastics to cover during the day.

[taw]

Without question go to a bottom bouncer/spinner combo (4-5 ft long) with a nightcrawler, leech or Gulp nightcrawler. Pull the rig on or around the weedline at 0.5 - 1.5 mph. You can cover lots of water and will attract all species of fish, particularly walleyes. Play with the blade color, darker colors on darker days, shiny colors on bright days. Use anywhere from 3/4 to 2 oz bottom bouncers depending on depth and speed.

[SDbowhunter]

Lindy Rigging, or spinners is a go to for me all times of the year.

With the cold waters I have been doing alot of jigging on break lines we will typically park the boat in 5-10 feet of water and pitch jigs deep and bounce or pulling them back. Varying the retrieve untill we get a bite. Usually SLOW!!! After 20 cast or so and no bites the colors will change. If I find a color that works I may expirement with jig size. This method has been more effective on overcast days and in the evenings.

Bring Shiners, Fatheads, Crawlers, and leaches. Having a little of everything will help you pinpoint what they are feeding on. I dont buy into gulp much. (I just never had much luck with it. I know plenty will disagree here)

Look at a lake map and try to pick out 4 or 5 spots you think will be good. Talk to resort owners and bait stores they may be able to give you a tip.

Since it is a clear lake florocarbon leaders may make all of the difference along with long line spinners or lindy rigging.