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June 25, 2009

Rain fall continues to be quite timely for this area, although more wouldn't hurt but there was still plenty of opportunity to get out and fish this past week. And the walleyes are definitely biting. The nice thing about the walleye fishing right now is that they're not too fussy in terms of presentation. However, what is important is to be making adjustments to the presentation until making contact. There are some walleyes that continue to relate to both emergent and submergent vegetation. You can go right after those fish with crank or swim baits or you can slide off what's often a definitive edge and fish crawler harnesses behind bottom bouncers or even slip bobbers and leeches. The ultra-shallow bite that was holding steady for the past few weeks tapered off a bit but there are still fish using areas that are heavily concentrated with baitfish or any other food source. Be sure to consider wind direction for this bite. Pitching and casting crankbaits and beetle spins to 1 - 4' of water has been most productive. The most active fish right now, though, are those hanging near the skinny water in 4 - 6' of water. Trolling small profile crankbaits like #4 Salmo Hornets at 2.5+ mph is and will continue to be a "go-to" presentation. The fish are just crushing this presentation if given different looks of trolling speed and/or lure direction. Your trolling pattern should not be a straight; mix it up! The deeper bite is still worth a look if things aren't working elsewhere but be sure you're fishing slow. When deeper (i.e. 12+'), focus on transition areas and/or rocks. 18 - 24' of water is a good depth range for starting your search.

One thing that's definitely nice about this area is that it seems the pan fish are always biting somewhere and this past week was no different. The spawn is wrapping up for both crappies and bluegills but apparently they've needed little time to recover. When targeting crappies and 'gills, search both large and small flats near gravel and sand to mud transitions or on outside weedlines. Some of the better presentations this past week continue to be tube jigs and hair jigs but don't be afraid to go after the better quality fish just as if you were fishing walleyes in deeper water. Also, it's getting to be that time of year, where some of the better quality pan fish in the area lakes will start suspending right under the water's surface over main lake and secondary basins. Look for this pattern to really take off come mid-July and into August...

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