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Even if the weather today does not even closely resemble what we all want to see on the "Walleye Opener" it is time to make sure that all of our gear is checked out and in perfect working condition for the big day.

It is also time to make sure that we have a game plan for that all importent day! Your chances of success will be greatly improved if you just take a few minutes to assess the predicted weather and lake conditions for this opener. The late spring and cold weather this year will almost guarantee that the walleye spawn will be delayed by a week or two. This will mean that the walleyes probably will not be in many of the traditional opener spots that you fish. The colder weather will also probably mean a much more lathargic bite.

The best way to compensate for this is to slow down your presentations in most cases. The exception to this rule is if you like to troll crank baits. I have usually had better luck during cold water periods by actually trolling cranks faster then normal! The speed will get many instinct hits if the walleye has to make a snap decision to "eat" as the crank baits zips past it!

If you will be using live bait like me the key to getting more fish is to "SLOW DOWN"! I like to start with a jig/minnow presentation. Use as light a jig as you can use and still keep your bait right on the bottom. And I do mean right on the bottom! SLOWLY drag your presentation a foot or two and then let it set for a couple of seconds and then repeat the process. Each time that you lift your rod to drag the jig forward be sure to feel for any extra weight. If you feel anything "extra" there, lift a little more and set that hook if the weight increases even a little!

If a jig/minnow is not getting walleyes I then will switch to a Liny type bait rig. I usually will have a 3/8 oz. eggsinker,then a 2' to 3' 8# test mono leader with a size #4 Gamagatsu bait hook attached to that. Either nose hook or tail hook a rainbow chub or fathead chub minnow to this rig. Fish this rig the same way that you fished the jig/minnow rig. Either of these presentation can be used effectively by slow trolling, drifting, or casting from an anchored boat or from shore.

I hope that these pointers will help put some walleyes in your boat and also into the frying pan for that always great, "OPENER" fish fry! Have a great opener and be safe out on the water!

Good Fishing!

Cliff
Cliff's Guide Service
218-753-2005

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Cold Springs Inc
(218) 757-3191
8156 Hwy 53
ORR MN 55771-8032

Lucky Seven General Store
(218) 666-9984
11 Hwy 53 S
COOK MN 55723

Lucky Seven Outdoor Sports
(218) 741-1629
Hoover Rd
VIRGINIA MN

Moosebirds
(218) 666-2627
3068 Vermilion Dr
COOK MN 55723-8839

Ely Minnow & Tackle Shop
218 365 3251
1829 E Sheridan St
Ely, MN 55731
Hours: 5 a.m to 10 p.m.
May 1st to October 15

Northwoods Bait & Tackle
(218) 666-2639
Hwy 53
COOK MN 55723 See Map