Fact of the matter is, that many different tactics and techniques work.
You can use jigs, which is certainly one of the most commonly used methods with great success. You can tip the jig with a worm, leech or live minnows and fish just off the bottom.
When you are on fish and they are active, you can catch a boatload.
Crank baits can also be an excellent tool to catch suspended walleye. These baits can be trolled or cast and in some situations be very effective. Night fishing, trolling shallow water reefs can produce incredible action. I have often trolled husky jerks, shad raps and spinners at two in the morning by the light of the full moon. The big "eyes" move on to the flats and will not hesitate to smash the lure with much vigor.
My partner Ken Rey and I have taken 30 to 40 walleye per hour with this method. One evening last year we had seven triple-headers in two hours.
Spinner fishing with live bait can also be a top choice. Gold or silver patterns work well early in the year for post-spawn walleye. By using a three-eighths-of-an-ounce weight and trolling very slowly, this can certainly put fish in the boat.
A similar technique that is worth its weight in gold is a bottom bouncer. This system allows controlled depth presentation. By using live bait or cranks you can present your offering in the strike zone. I often use a bouncer and a crank for lake trout. By trolling slowly at 50 to 60 feet with a Rapala husky jerk the results can be surprising.
My good buddy Conrad Preisler uses a bouncer and a leech. With a lead of six to eight feet and a small No. 6 hook, Conrad presents his offering, moving very slowly ensuring that he maintains contact with the bottom. I have seen Conrad catch many 26- to 30-inch walleye in the middle of summer.
The bite is sometimes soft, so you must drop the tip of the rod before your hook is set.
This technique can be fished with worms, leeches and minnows, yet produces when other methods fail.
Of course, as you know, my favourite method is the Lindy rig. This system, when fished properly, will produce big fish on any body of water.
Look for details on the results of Gary Roach Pro Am in the next few weeks.
Thanks for the e-mails folks. I will answer as many as I can while time permits.
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Update:
L.O.T.W. -- Bass are on fire. Walleye are tough but can be had.
Falcon -- some big pike activity
Lac Du Bonnet -- must work for walleye
Nutimuk -- some huge sturgeon reported
Lake of the Prairies -- WOW! What an algae bloom! Walleye can be had. Some big pike also.
Clear Lake -- walleye good. Big pike steady.
Until next week, keep your line tight!