Walleye

There is so much written about fishing walleye on the lakes and reservoirs that many anglers have forgotten that walleye are actually a river fish species and are very at home living in the current of thousands of North American river systems.

by Jason Mitchell

Weeds hold walleyes all summer long but aquatic vegetation can become even more appealing in the fall when water temperatures drop.  While many productive patterns can emerge, what can be so appealing about weed fish come fall is that there is often a level of stability.  

This time of year, the lakes are typically full of natural bait, like bugs, minnows and larvae. With an abundance of food, it is easy for walleyes to become lazy when looking for a meal. As a result, we often have to provoke a bite by being aggressive with our fishing presentation.

Walleyes in August aren’t always eager to bite, but if you hit them with a one-two punch, chances are you will find success!

During this time of year on many bodies of water, the walleyes are relating to structure. This includes both sunken islands and deeper drop-offs.

By Jason Mitchell:    Historically, trolling structure come mid-summer was “big picture thinking” in that we chose long contours and consistent break lines where we could put our fishing lures behind the boat and go.  Because of the amount of line behind the boat, we needed room to work for trolling to be effective.  Large flats and or

By Jason Mitchell

The locations we often find walleye on both natural lakes and reservoirs can be very conductive for live bait rigging.  Perhaps one of the most popular presentations through much of the summer in many parts of the Midwest, live bait rigs can be fished several different ways.  This season, we encourage you to push what you thought you could do with a simple live bait rig.  Adding a few more tricks up your sleeve can mean more walleyes.

According to multi-species Minnesota fishing guide, Brian “Bro” Brosdahl (brosguideservice.com) a live minnow on a jig, a float set-up, or a bait rig will catch walleye when nothing else will. Traditional tactics? You betcha.

by Jason Mitchell

At one time, stopping at the local bait shop on the way to a favorite fishing hole to pick up minnows and worms was just part of the day. Now, instead of stopping for live bait, anglers have been picking up awesome artificial bait at local bait shops and retailers like Bass Pro Shops.

by Jason Mitchell