Where to Start

[scrubby1]

I am getting into walleye fishing, and have a hard time picking spots out on the lake.  How do you guys pick a spot to fish?  I have a lowrance elite5  that is not very good or I don't know how to use it.  So wondering what you look for on a contour map and how you determine your spots to fish.

 

Thanks

[ANYFISH2]

Really depends on the lake.

 

On small stocked lakes with defined weedlines, I would start at the outside weedline and work deeper during the bulk of the day.  moving back to tight to weeds in the evenings.

 

Look for steep drops and and any small underwater points or humps.  

 

If you can read your depth finders bottom color and undersrand the difference between hard and soft bottoms, search for the transitions between them.  these bottom differences attract and hold fish.

 

Water clarity can play a big role in when the fish tend to bite the best.

 

clear water=better low light bites

 

dark or stained water=better daylight bites.

 

Of course there are always exceptions.

 

Bait choices are also important.

I am a live bait person so here are my general opinion.

 

spring( may-early June) smaller minnows. shiners, fatheads, rainbows, and small suckers.

 

early summer(June)

leeches!

 

summer(July-August)

leeches and crawlers.  I feel speed this time of year plays a role.  You CAN go too slow!  Dont be afraid to move a little faster.

 

fall(Sept-ice up)

medium to large minnows.

Pike suckers and redtails shine.

shallow(8-15ft) can be great.