Tullibees

[MidCoast]

What should an angler use to catch them and what should one look for to find these fishes on Lake Winnibigoshish? How is the Tullibee population out there?

[Greg Clusiau]

Pretty good population of them, as I see them no matter where I'm fishing, as long as it's deep enough. Just for starters, find a steep breakline and check out the 28-29' depths. Best baits for us are small panfish jigs, tipped with waxworms, maggots, or very small minnow pieces.

They could be at any depth, from right on bottom to just under the ice. Many times they'll appear half-way down. You have to get down to them quickly before they leave. If you miss them, don't worry, they'll be back soon, as they are always on the move. Also might want to try an "attractor" spoon or bait to get them to notice you. Then use the small stuff or be ready with it in another hole nearby.

[tcbrookston]

Smoked a few yast year. Some of the best smoked fish I have ever had..

[jeff127]

I have great luck using a nils hali. A couple maggots or the tail of a minnow on the hook will get them every time.

jeff

[Jarrod32]

We've caught quite a few over the past few years. We have had success in the deeper water (35' plus, if not 40'). Watch your flasher...if you get a mark in the middle somewhere, it is likely a tullibee. We see the tullibee come in anywhere from 20' to 32' down over the deeper water. Work your jig aroun 26' or so, and just move your jig to the right depth as soon as you see the mark on your flasher. We've used standard perch jigs tipped with some bait to catch them...we've also had luck with small jigging raps.