Early season tactics - Walleye

[ryanmitchell]

Heading up in a couple weeks to mighty Mille. With the late ice out, what approach are you taking and where are you focusing?

1. North Sandy areas

2. Southern rocky areas

3. Flats? (are fish there early in the season?)

1. Crankbait trolling?

2. Rigging or spinning the flats (tops, tips, sides or just off)

3. Bobbers (flats, reefs?)

Thinking about a gameplan, and having the most faith in the flats, we were planning on lindy rigging some minnows, no spinners. Maybe try trolling the shallows, and also deeper between the flats.

I would not think that leeches would be very effective this early in the season. That could change in 2 weeks, but i think a normal cold weather jigging approach would work as well.

Any thoughts?

[waterwolff]

Sounds like you got it.

The lake should be amp-ping up nicely for your trip. Depending on the weather the next 2 weeks water temps should be in the mid 50's or better.

Leech's will be used by most. Don't know the dates you are coming up but the night ban is on till the 10th.

[greenbackslayer]

Seems to me you have a good understanding on what your doing. I would definitely stay away from spinners though. Water is too cold yet. I am a believer that some walleyes never leave the flats. I know alot of people who go out and fish the flats on opener (a normal opener not this year) and catch a ton of big fish but will never get a keeper. I think fish are literally scattered everywhere right now. Dont forget about trying jigs with plastics near the weed beds. That right now atleast is the hot ticket.

[ryanmitchell]

Thanks for the feedback. When you talk plastics, you talking like grubs or twister tails, or headless swimbaits?

Anyone ever go out to the flats and jig, with like a 1/8th or 1/4 ounce jig, or mostly rigging? If you are jigging do you stick to the shallower water or southern rocky areas?

We are heading up Wednesday the 5th, staying till the 9th. We are staying on the west side, near Garrison, north of Wigwam bay. Hoping to fish the structure south of us like Sherman's point, and Seguche point. Maybe shoot out to 4 mile flat, up to Myr Mar reef and garrison reef and a number of flats.

[Mo Gator]

Ryan, a lindy rigged leech on the sand will be a great method 2 weeks from now, and the pigs will be out on the mud spots you mentioned. It will be a great time to be on the pond. I wouldn't worry about the water being too cold by then.

[ryanmitchell]

Thanks Mo Gator

That is good to know that we can you either lindy rig option, minnow or leech. We will have three dudes in the boat so we can try both until one bait shines thru.

The mud spots I mentioned? The flats in general, or the northeast reefs or the points near our camp?

[SCONASOTAN]

Hey Ryan, when you get it figured out, let me know. I am heading up after you get back.

Sounds like you have things pretty well handled. I am betting that fish will be early season form in the north sands and transition areas of gravel. shoreline reefs I am sure will also be holding fish as well as shoreline weedlines.

good luck

[Stick in Mud]

Seems to me you have a good understanding on what your doing. I would definitely stay away from spinners though. Water is too cold yet. I am a believer that some walleyes never leave the flats. I know alot of people who go out and fish the flats on opener (a normal opener not this year) and catch a ton of big fish but will never get a keeper. I think fish are literally scattered everywhere right now. Dont forget about trying jigs with plastics near the weed beds. That right now atleast is the hot ticket.

I whacked 'em on the flats last weekend. They're always out there.

[Mo Gator]

Thanks Mo Gator

That is good to know that we can you either lindy rig option, minnow or leech. We will have three dudes in the boat so we can try both until one bait shines thru.

The mud spots I mentioned? The flats in general, or the northeast reefs or the points near our camp?

Sorry, I didn't read your post closely enough, I thought you had mentioned Sherman and Seguchie Flats. I think the week you are fishing is going to be that time of the year when the fish are everywhere... I wouldn't worry about not being able to find active fish.

[ryanmitchell]

I was looking over a hot spots map last night. I did not realize that there is so many good spots just South of where we are staying. Looks like good weeds in Vineland and Wigwam bays. IF the weeds are up, could be good mucky or pike hunting. Vineland bay might be the sand spot you are referring to for dragging a lindy leech.

How long are your snells for Mille lacs in general, and does it matter what time of year. With the cooler water warming, do you use longer snells (8-10 feet), or figure they are starved and regular length (5-6 feet), are fine?

[greenbackslayer]

Start out with 8 to 10 like you were saying but if you go deeper and fish the mud dont be scared to go 12-14. The longer the better out in the mud and on the flats. Can make netting them tuff but it makes the difference. I promise you.

[ryanmitchell]

Really?!! That seems ridiculous. I have heard plenty from others, that is the case. Seems like overall the fishing would be tough though. Setting hook, and landing. Hooking to rod between runs. Would have to wrap around cork handle quote a few times and pin it. Or just take it off and wind it back on holder of choice.

With three dudes in the boat though, it will be worth trying different lengths. Long snell sounds like a good thing to put on a little walleye planer board. Though that may add more complexity!

[Ole #1]

Really?!! That seems ridiculous. I have heard plenty from others, that is the case. Seems like overall the fishing would be tough though. Setting hook, and landing. Hooking to rod between runs. Would have to wrap around cork handle quote a few times and pin it. Or just take it off and wind it back on holder of choice.

With three dudes in the boat though, it will be worth trying different lengths. Long snell sounds like a good thing to put on a little walleye planer board. Though that may add more complexity!

Landing the fish with a long snell is the only part that might be tricky. No difference in setting the hook or anything else. What I do is wrap the line around the reel handle, then take the hook and hook one of the eyes towards the top of the rod. I wouldn't use a planer board to drag a lindy, but that's just me.

[Old Dewjabber]

Landing the fish with a long snell is the only part that might be tricky. No difference in setting the hook or anything else. What I do is wrap the line around the reel handle, then take the hook and hook one of the eyes towards the top of the rod. I wouldn't use a planer board to drag a lindy, but that's just me.

That's how I do it also. Netting is not that bad either with a longer rod and net.