Water temperatures on area lakes continue their climb towards 80.0 degrees F, vegetation is dying off, algae blooms are becoming more prevalent and recreational boat traffic is increasing. Time to put down the walleye gear until fall, right? 100% wrong! July and August, at least in this part of the state, are traditionally some of the better months for chasing after the state fish.
Speed and Noise!
Trolling crankbaits is a great search tactic but is very speed-dependent during other times of the year. However, in the summer, during periods of elevated water temperatures, try trolling with a twist; speed-trolling. From spring to date, the walleyes have been fed very well by their food source and subsequently aren't as eager to latch on to a slower presentation which commonly is coupled with live bait. Next time you're out on the water, try trolling crankbaits at 3.0+ mph in an area where you know there are fish. #4 Salmo Hornets work great in this application. Another solid search tactic this time of year is bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses or stick/minnow-style crank baits. Trolling speed is dependent on weight of bottom bouncer but regardless of what combination you choose, ground can be covered. Generally speaking, you need ~1.2+ mph to get effective "spin" on a crawler harness but if you choose to trail a crankbait behind a bottom bouncer, you can go faster and/or slower. In both cases, the above presentations have been called "search tactics". Be assured, though, that if you make initial contact while looking and fish continue to respond, don't go away from what's working. In addition to trolling, another rock solid tactic for warm water walleyes is pitching Rat-L-Traps or other "noise makers" to the what is now weed stubble. Remember where you caught 'eyes in the weeds ~1 - 4 weeks ago? Go right back to those locations and rattle 'em in!
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