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 The walleye, once only a Northwoods delicacy,
is now abundant in many of the reservoirs of our southern and western
states. It’s become one of our most sought after game fish.
A “keeper” walleye will weigh 1-3 pounds, depending
on where it’s caught. A 6-8 pounder is
“braggin” size, and anything bigger can be called a
trophy. Walleyes spawn just after “ice-out” when
water temperatures reach 45-50 degrees. Following spawning, males feed
heavily. Females, however, rest for about two weeks, then go on a
feeding binge. This is the best time to land a wall-hanger.
Walleye, by nature, are night feeders but don’t be lulled
into thinking this is the only time to fish them. Water color has a
definite effect on the feeding habits of the walleye. Many lakes are
dark water lakes. High noon is a good time to fish for walleyes in
these waters. Keep in mind, too, that walleye are gentle feeders. They
hit light. Use a s-l-o-w retrieve.
The #3 copper Mepps Aglia Streamer can be deadly when fishing lake
inlets and gravel bars. Underwater copper takes on the color of a
nightcrawler, especially following a heavy rain. Gold is an excellent
choice on overcast days. On especially bright days, a genuine silver
plated blade is a must.
Don’t use nickel or chrome. Genuine silver plating reflects
“white,” while chrome or nickel reflect
“black.”
 Walleyes will wait at lake inlets for the
river current to bring them
food. When fishing from a boat, anchor on either side of the channel
and cast into it. Following a heavy rain, the current in these channels
speeds up. When this happens, switch to a #2 or #3 Mepps
Aglia Streamer, a #2 Syclops, 1/4 oz. Little Wolf spoon or a 1/4 ounce
Mepps SpinFlex.
Walleyes are basically
bottom feeders, but don’t ignore those
fish that suspend over drop-offs in deep lakes. Some of the best summer
walleye fishing is provided by suspended fish. A great way to go after these fish is to
troll for them with a #1 or #2 Mepps Syclops Lite. Vary your trolling
speed and try fishing with several different colors until you hit on a
successful combination. Also, you might want to try a 1/4 to 5/8 ounce
Mepps SpinFlex. The
SpinFlex works its way over and around structure. Tip it with a
nightcrawler, minnow or a Mister Twister Curly Tail Grub.
Count the SpinFlex down varying your retrieve until you start catching
fish.
 River fishing requires a different approach.
Seek out deep holes that
contain large rocks or sunken logs. Big walleye are consistently taken
from these holes. It’s here the SpinFlex really shines. Also,
Mepps Aglia Streamers in sizes #2 and #3 are ideally suited for river
bank fishing. Look for a likely holding area and position yourself
slightly behind it. Cast upstream as far as possible. Let the spinner
fall back into the holding area following the natural flow of the
current. Twitch the spinner lightly as you begin a slow retrieve.
Walleyes may love big rocks and gravel bars, but, this late evening
predator also likes to prowl the weeds. Don’t ignore
weed-beds near lake inlets at any time of the year, especially in the
evening.
Mepps Combos, are extremely effective
under these conditions. In the hour preceding sunset begin fishing a #4
Black Fury Combo, or a 1/4 ounce black Timber Doodle. You may also want to try a
3/8 ounce firetiger SpinFlex tipped with a small minnow.
Anchor out from the weeds and work the area well. Don’t lose
patience. Walleyes are a schooling fish and can move in at any time.
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