EARLY SEASON 'EYES

 By Bob Jensen
 
    Throughout the Midwest, walleye anglers are busy spooling new line onto reels, charging boat batteries, and checking lure supplies to see what needs to be replaced. In some areas anglers are on the water catching walleyes. Walleye season is either here or near in many areas of the Midwest.

There are a variety of ways to catch early season walleyes. Typically, the earlier in the year, the slower you will want your lure presentation to be. Jigs, live-bait rigs, and slip-bobber set-ups will all be very productive. Even crankbaits, which are often thought of as being a warm weather bait, will fool walleyes. The real key to catching walleyes now, or at any other time, is to find them. 

Most of the walleyes will be shallow this time of year. They are in the spawning mode, and most of the spawning takes place in shallow water. Areas with gravel on the bottom are usually best, especially if there is some current. 

Mid to late afternoon frequently provides the best action, but anglers should be on the water whenever the opportunity presents itself. On clear bodies of water the action can be best at night, while lakes with stained water can provide action during the day. 

Jigs tipped with minnows are probably the most-used presentation for walleyes in the spring. It's just really tough to beat a sixteenth or eighth ounce Fire-ball jig tipped with a minnow this time of year. 

Many anglers, however, are finding that a jig tipped with a two or three-inch Power Grub is every bit as effective as the minnow, and the Grubs are a lot easier to work with. Also, the Grubs come in a variety of colors, whereas minnows only come in one color.

In areas where it is permissible and practical, it works well to use two lines. When fishing from a boat, anchor and cast the jig. Put another line out that has a slip-bobber/hook/split-shot rig. Set the bobber so the hook will be within six to twelve inches of the bottom. Be sure to experiment with the bobber setting. Sometimes the fish want the bait very close to the bottom, other times they want it up a little bit. 

Any time is a great time to be on the water, but right now can be especially nice. Action can be good, and, if you hit the weather right, you might be fishing in your shirtsleeves. That is especially welcome after a long, chilly winter. 

If you want to keep a few walleyes for a meal, be sure to keep the smaller ones. They are usually most abundant, and the larger ones will usually be the females. Release them so they can create lots more walleyes for us to enjoy on warm spring days in the future.