If you ask ten people what their secret is for catching fish on the opener you’re likely to hear ten completely different replies. Everyone has their own ideas as to what strategy or technique seems to work best for catching walleyes on opening weekend. Here’s just a sampling of what some anglers feel will be the sure-fire fishing technique likely to pay big dividends this coming weekend:
Babe Winkelman
I’d pick a lake with a sand and gravel bottom and fish in water 12 to 18 feet deep. Minnows are my usual bait on the opener. But I never leave the dock without leeches and ‘crawlers.
On Saturday, I’d start with a big fat ‘crawler outside a weedline. I’d use a Lindy Rig and nothing else; no spinners, at least not to begin with….
Al Linder
If I had to catch walleyes on opening day in Minnesota, and oftentimes I do, my technique would be straightforward.
I’d choose a small jig, an eighth-ounce or lighter, and a small minnow, something on the order of a large crappie minnow. I might use a plain jig or, perhaps better, a Fuzzy Grub, something with a little plastic on it and a little fuzz, which can be good attractants….
Tim Lesmeister
…Past history can be a guide in choosing an opening-day lake. Certain bodies of water tend to be productive for opening-day walleyes every year, and with a bit of research, these lakes will divulge their secrets.
Whatever your criteria for picking the lake you’ll be on for the opener, it won’t hurt to keep your fingers crossed and hope you’re in the right place at the right time….
Paul Nelson
Anglers should keep a close eye out for green weeds, even if they don’t see it until they snag some on their jigs. Any area with new healthy green weed growth is a potential key area for most species of fish, especially while the green weeds are in short supply.
Minnow populations are at a low point for the season right before the new hatches begin. Hungry predator species like walleyes will look for any plentiful food source they can find.
Spawning shiner minnows are often the key forage for walleyes in the spring, so it makes sense that one of the best baits for walleyes early in the season is a jig and shiner minnow.
Aaron McQuoid [comments mostly in relation to fishing Mille Lacs Lake]
“The daytime bite will be somewhere in 13 to 17 feet of water,” McQuoid said on the rock reefs. “Toward evening 8:30 to 9 p.m. move up into 6 to 8 feet of water. That will be a good bet on the south end.”
A slip bobber and a leech will be the most effective way to pursue those fish on the reefs.
The north end sand in 15 to 19 feet of water will also be good. “The northeast corner will be a typical hot spot again,” McQuoid added.
An egg sinker behind a swivel with a 4 to 8 foot 6 pound mono leader attached to the swivel is the preferred rig for fishing the sand.
Certainly all of this is good advice. Truth is when it comes to walleyes on the opener sometimes they can be unpredictable both where you find them and what presentation of bait you should use. The key is to be flexible in your approach to catching them. Have an assortment of bait and don’t be afraid to try a few techniques out of the norm if they aren’t biting otherwise. A big part of the challenge fishing for walleye, especially early season, can be this fish’s uncanny ability to do the unexpected. Be adaptable in your fishing methods to capitalize on their often finicky existence.
As I finish up this blog post I am only a few minutes away from departing for the lake. Forecast: Looks like it will be a cold, wet, miserable weekend once again. This is so typical for the Minnesota Fishing Opener. This year, however, it might be a little worse than most [fingers crossed this won’t happen]. In any case, good luck on the lake…and keep those lines tight! I’ll be back on Monday to hopefully post some pictures and to describe the weekend’s results. Now, if you’re not heading to the lake…be sure to check the blog on Sunday as I do have another podcast scheduled to post.
2006 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.
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