03-14-2008, 03:19 PM
03-14-2008, 04:10 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Utah Lake seems to be different every year. Some years it freezes during the winter and others it doesn't. Some years the water is way up and warmer earlier. Other years it is low and cold for a long time into the spring.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are quite a few dedicated walleye chasers on the Utah board and most of them will have different opinions about best places and techniques. And, most of them are right...at least some of the time.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have fished for Utah Lake walleyes for over 40 years. I have caught plenty, but I have been skunked more times than I care to admit. I have learned some of the basics to run through my database before each trip...and when I get on the water...but those wascally wallies can humble ya pretty good. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You gotta find 'em to catch 'em, but finding them is not a guarantee of success. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am attaching something I wrote up a couple of years ago as a place to start. Now all you have to do is devote the rest of your fishing life to learning "The Rest of The Story'.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are quite a few dedicated walleye chasers on the Utah board and most of them will have different opinions about best places and techniques. And, most of them are right...at least some of the time.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have fished for Utah Lake walleyes for over 40 years. I have caught plenty, but I have been skunked more times than I care to admit. I have learned some of the basics to run through my database before each trip...and when I get on the water...but those wascally wallies can humble ya pretty good. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You gotta find 'em to catch 'em, but finding them is not a guarantee of success. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am attaching something I wrote up a couple of years ago as a place to start. Now all you have to do is devote the rest of your fishing life to learning "The Rest of The Story'.[/#0000ff]
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03-14-2008, 04:47 PM
WOW! Great info and thank you TD. I have caught only a few Walleye, and all by accident. I can't say I have ever targeted them, but the rig I typically find them on is a simple crawler harness with some sort of attractor... it seems to work well for several species.
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03-14-2008, 05:16 PM
[black][size 3]Nice write-up TD,[/size][/black]
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[size 3]I have been a fan of walleye since my first encounter with them in the '60s, when I received a call from my father, who invited me to fish for something different at the inlet channel at Willard (before they closed it).[/size]
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[size 3]Three of us went there, and fished for the spawning fish. Most were snagged, and they were all large fish with a 6 fish limit. It took two to carry the full stringer out when we finished.[/size]
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[size 3]Those first walleye fillets were the best fish I had ever eaten, and I have been a fan since.[/size]
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[size 3]Like I have said before, Utah doesn't have a lake that could be considered a "Walleye factory" like you find in the upper mid-west or Canada.[/size]
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[size 3]I have chased those critters since my first encounter, and every time that I think that I have found a method that would be productive, it has not been consistent.[/size]
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[size 3]The most productive method that I have found has been with a bottombouncer/spinner/worm harness combo. Strangely enough, this combo has never produced well for me at Utah Lake.[/size]
[size 3]But, it has been good at Willard and Yuba.[/size]
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[size 3]On several occasions, I have found that trolling either that combo, or with a crank bait directly behind the boat in the prop wash has been productive.[/size]
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[size 3]I would like to find a consistently productive method of fishing for them.[/size]
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[size 3]I have been a fan of walleye since my first encounter with them in the '60s, when I received a call from my father, who invited me to fish for something different at the inlet channel at Willard (before they closed it).[/size]
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[size 3]Three of us went there, and fished for the spawning fish. Most were snagged, and they were all large fish with a 6 fish limit. It took two to carry the full stringer out when we finished.[/size]
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[size 3]Those first walleye fillets were the best fish I had ever eaten, and I have been a fan since.[/size]
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[size 3]Like I have said before, Utah doesn't have a lake that could be considered a "Walleye factory" like you find in the upper mid-west or Canada.[/size]
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[size 3]I have chased those critters since my first encounter, and every time that I think that I have found a method that would be productive, it has not been consistent.[/size]
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[size 3]The most productive method that I have found has been with a bottombouncer/spinner/worm harness combo. Strangely enough, this combo has never produced well for me at Utah Lake.[/size]
[size 3]But, it has been good at Willard and Yuba.[/size]
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[size 3]On several occasions, I have found that trolling either that combo, or with a crank bait directly behind the boat in the prop wash has been productive.[/size]
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[size 3]I would like to find a consistently productive method of fishing for them.[/size]
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03-14-2008, 05:41 PM
[cool][#0000ff]I always try to be careful when "holding forth" on walleyes. I never present anything as ABSOLUTE. But, like you have found, I have observed that year in and year out the crawler harness is probably the best GO TO rig for walleyes in most Utah waters.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One thing I have heard from boaters/trollers on Utah Lake is that using planer boards...to get the bait or lures out AWAY from the boat...will put more walleyes on board. Utah Lake is shallow and walleyes can be a bit spooky at times.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As with most walleye waters, I usually have my greatest catch rate from about mid May through maybe the first of July...during the post spawn feedup. Throwing big baits or lures will score some of the larger females who are putting on the feedbag to replace body weight lost during the winter and then the spawn period. Sadly, until they get some summer fat on them the big females are not the best quality eating. I much prefer to keep only the smaller males until the big fall feeding period before iceup. Then, if the white bass and carp have provided enough food through the summer, all the walleyes are fat and sassy.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One thing I have heard from boaters/trollers on Utah Lake is that using planer boards...to get the bait or lures out AWAY from the boat...will put more walleyes on board. Utah Lake is shallow and walleyes can be a bit spooky at times.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As with most walleye waters, I usually have my greatest catch rate from about mid May through maybe the first of July...during the post spawn feedup. Throwing big baits or lures will score some of the larger females who are putting on the feedbag to replace body weight lost during the winter and then the spawn period. Sadly, until they get some summer fat on them the big females are not the best quality eating. I much prefer to keep only the smaller males until the big fall feeding period before iceup. Then, if the white bass and carp have provided enough food through the summer, all the walleyes are fat and sassy.[/#0000ff]
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03-14-2008, 06:06 PM
Quote:[i]Three of us went there, and fished for the spawning fish. Most were snagged, and they were all large fish with a 6 fish limit. It took two to carry the full stringer out when we finished
[font "Lucida Console"][#ff4040][shocked]So you're saying that you snagged fish and kept them?[/#ff4040][/font][/i]
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03-14-2008, 06:25 PM
[black][size 3]I'm guilty.[/size][/black]
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[size 3]That was the first time that I think anyone in Utah had any experience with the species, and there were many "fishermen" involved in that activity that day.[/size]
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[size 3]I think that the DWR and the fishermen were all unaware of the destructive action that was in evidence during that period.[/size]
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[size 3]We all got smarter, and as you know now that area is closed to fishing during the spawn.[/size]
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[size 3]Being a catch and release fisherman (except for walleye and kokanee), I still feel guilty for my actions that cold, rainy, overcast day on Willard.[/size]
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[size 3]That was the first time that I think anyone in Utah had any experience with the species, and there were many "fishermen" involved in that activity that day.[/size]
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[size 3]I think that the DWR and the fishermen were all unaware of the destructive action that was in evidence during that period.[/size]
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[size 3]We all got smarter, and as you know now that area is closed to fishing during the spawn.[/size]
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[size 3]Being a catch and release fisherman (except for walleye and kokanee), I still feel guilty for my actions that cold, rainy, overcast day on Willard.[/size]
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03-14-2008, 06:38 PM
Saber,
That was a great response to the previous remark.
My grandfather/father told me as well, how they used to catch them at Willard. As with many things, we live and learn.
Personally, I have never caught a walleye; nor have I targeted them. I have always had an interest in trying Oneida resevoir in Idaho. maybe someday I will give it a try.
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That was a great response to the previous remark.
My grandfather/father told me as well, how they used to catch them at Willard. As with many things, we live and learn.
Personally, I have never caught a walleye; nor have I targeted them. I have always had an interest in trying Oneida resevoir in Idaho. maybe someday I will give it a try.
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03-14-2008, 06:54 PM
here in utah each body of wter is so differnt where eyes roam of course the same tactics wont be as productive. stained water fish hunt slower than clear water fish. thats why the bouncer works better in the clearer water it a fast presentation for active fish. fish can feal the thump of the blades but cant get close enouff to hit it before they loose the vibration of the blades. the twister tail is the one that will produce bites in all colored water. at dc twister tail from shore . bouncers with harnesses to locate active fish then slow down and pound them with lindy rigs. until the wind starts around 1 pm then haul but to the flats and troll rapalas about 3.5 and hang on to your rod.lol in 14 ft this is deadley. starvation is a jig and a whole crawler for the best action but harnesses and drifting sasy shads can be a hot ticket as well for bigger eyes. at yuba when they are on any eye pres works.
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03-14-2008, 07:05 PM
Saber: You were catching walleyes in the prop wash?
That's pretty unique - most walleye fisherman try to either long-line 'em or use planers to get away from the boat noise or try to very slowly drift a minnow or crawler.
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That's pretty unique - most walleye fisherman try to either long-line 'em or use planers to get away from the boat noise or try to very slowly drift a minnow or crawler.
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03-14-2008, 07:20 PM
[black][size 3]Yes, that is unusual and not consistent with the normal quiet, long line methods practiced by most walleye fishermen.[/size][/black]
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[size 3]I have used crank baits around the island at Utah Lake, trolling in shallow water, with almost a vertical line behind the boat, and again while trolling bottom bouncer/spinner/worm harness rigs close to the the rip/rap shore lines at Willard.[/size]
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[size 3]This method goes against all standard practices used by most walleye fishermen, but it has worked for me. I used it first at Willard, in an attempt to avoid snags when I first tried bottom bouncer rigs.[/size]
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[size 3]I have used crank baits around the island at Utah Lake, trolling in shallow water, with almost a vertical line behind the boat, and again while trolling bottom bouncer/spinner/worm harness rigs close to the the rip/rap shore lines at Willard.[/size]
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[size 3]This method goes against all standard practices used by most walleye fishermen, but it has worked for me. I used it first at Willard, in an attempt to avoid snags when I first tried bottom bouncer rigs.[/size]
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03-14-2008, 07:27 PM
[font "Lucida Console"][#ff4040][cool]I wasn't trying to give you a hard time for it...was just curious is all.[/#ff4040][/font]
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[font "Lucida Console"][#ff4040]I've snagged a few walleyes in my lifetime, but they were never on purpose. It's inevitable when you're fishing spawning fish..no matter how hard you try not to do it![/#ff4040][/font]
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[font "Lucida Console"][#ff4040]I've snagged a few walleyes in my lifetime, but they were never on purpose. It's inevitable when you're fishing spawning fish..no matter how hard you try not to do it![/#ff4040][/font]
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03-14-2008, 08:18 PM
[black][size 3]No worry Buddy,[/size][/black]
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[size 3]100 years ago, when I was growing up in Cache Valley, fishing the Logan and Black Smith Fork, taking a limit of browns and having them as a diet staple was common place. At that time, conservation was an unknown.[/size]
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[size 3]The fish were large and numerous, we didn't even consider them as a exhaustible resource.[/size]
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[size 3]I'm so old that I don't mind confessing my sins, and rarely take offense to honest questions and inquiries.[/size]
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[size 3]100 years ago, when I was growing up in Cache Valley, fishing the Logan and Black Smith Fork, taking a limit of browns and having them as a diet staple was common place. At that time, conservation was an unknown.[/size]
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[size 3]The fish were large and numerous, we didn't even consider them as a exhaustible resource.[/size]
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[size 3]I'm so old that I don't mind confessing my sins, and rarely take offense to honest questions and inquiries.[/size]
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03-14-2008, 09:27 PM
Walleye at Utah Lake are quite different from Walleye at Yuba or Deer Creek. Mostly because of the water clarity. I've had days at Yuba when a simple jig and worm will catch a Walleye every cast until you run out of worms. Not so much at Utah lake. Just about every Eye I've caught on a worm has been at night or real early morning in September. A worm just doesn't have enough action to get the attention of spring walleye. If you want to learn Walleye fishing at Utah lake,buy 500, 1/8 oz. long shank jigs, and an assortment of bright colored 3,4,and 5 inch curly tails, and fish the rocks. If you lose a jig every cast, you're in the right area. As soon as the ice goes off, males will be roaming around and females will be feeding heavily. A ten foot rod fished along the sides of the Provo harbor dikes has caught alot of eyes. No casting, just jigging as far as the rod will reach.Thats a good way to learn what a walleye bite feels like without losing all 500 jigs in one outing.
Crankbaits are good. Twenty years ago, everyone used Thin Fins. I think because they had a profile like a white bass. They caught fish, but if you left them in your tackle box on a hot day, they blew up. Nowadays people use all kinds of different shapes and sizes and catch fish. From tiny purple 2" long deep divers to long skinny floating raps. I don't troll much but when I do, I use planer boards and set jigs and curly tails behind them. They are cheaper to replace and work well. Some of us make our own tails. I use Yamamoto bodies and Kalin or Zoom tails. The soft water absorbing bodies cast far and an eye will hold it for a while. The big wide Kalin and zoom tails thump good and work at the slowest speeds. O.k., thats enough from me.
Gotta go see if the boat ditch is ice free.
By the way. UTWALLEYE and I have caught good numbers of eyes as early as mid Feb. So NOW is a good time to start searching.
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Crankbaits are good. Twenty years ago, everyone used Thin Fins. I think because they had a profile like a white bass. They caught fish, but if you left them in your tackle box on a hot day, they blew up. Nowadays people use all kinds of different shapes and sizes and catch fish. From tiny purple 2" long deep divers to long skinny floating raps. I don't troll much but when I do, I use planer boards and set jigs and curly tails behind them. They are cheaper to replace and work well. Some of us make our own tails. I use Yamamoto bodies and Kalin or Zoom tails. The soft water absorbing bodies cast far and an eye will hold it for a while. The big wide Kalin and zoom tails thump good and work at the slowest speeds. O.k., thats enough from me.
Gotta go see if the boat ditch is ice free.
By the way. UTWALLEYE and I have caught good numbers of eyes as early as mid Feb. So NOW is a good time to start searching.
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03-14-2008, 11:56 PM
[#ff0000]This is from the DWR website. I have just recently taken interest in fishing for Walleye as well, and I will probably attend this seminar. Anyway, hope it helps.[/#ff0000]
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[#333333]On March 18, a panel of top Utah walleye anglers will tell you how they catch walleye at these and other waters in Utah. And the information is free!
The panel is part of the 16th Annual Utah Walleye Seminar. The free seminar will be held March 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Department of Natural Resources auditorium. The auditorium is at 1594 W. North Temple in Salt Lake City.
The seminar is sponsored by Rocky Mountain Anglers and the Division of Wildlife Resources.
"All of the panel members have extensive experience fishing for walleye in Utah and surrounding states," says Ray Schelble with Rocky Mountain Anglers.
"You'll learn about the best times of year to fish for walleye and the best waters to catch them at," he says. "You'll also receive information about hot lures and techniques, including trolling, spinner rigs, jigs, crankbaits and live baits."
For more information, call the Division of Wildlife Resources at (801) 538-4700 or e-mail Rocky Mountain Anglers at [/#333333][url "mailto:info@rockymountainanglers.com"]info@rockymountainanglers.com[/url][#333333].[/#333333]
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[#333333]On March 18, a panel of top Utah walleye anglers will tell you how they catch walleye at these and other waters in Utah. And the information is free!
The panel is part of the 16th Annual Utah Walleye Seminar. The free seminar will be held March 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Department of Natural Resources auditorium. The auditorium is at 1594 W. North Temple in Salt Lake City.
The seminar is sponsored by Rocky Mountain Anglers and the Division of Wildlife Resources.
"All of the panel members have extensive experience fishing for walleye in Utah and surrounding states," says Ray Schelble with Rocky Mountain Anglers.
"You'll learn about the best times of year to fish for walleye and the best waters to catch them at," he says. "You'll also receive information about hot lures and techniques, including trolling, spinner rigs, jigs, crankbaits and live baits."
For more information, call the Division of Wildlife Resources at (801) 538-4700 or e-mail Rocky Mountain Anglers at [/#333333][url "mailto:info@rockymountainanglers.com"]info@rockymountainanglers.com[/url][#333333].[/#333333]
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03-15-2008, 12:38 AM
hey bob!!!! whats up? you still in old blue? come on buddy go break it up... i dont wana sink my new boat. not glass like the old boat. not to good for ice burging. see ya soon im sure. ken
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03-15-2008, 04:31 PM
I have caught quite a few 'eyes' that are 28"+ with some 33"+....really almost everywhere they are fished heavily Lindy rigging is the method of choice...too me a little boring but can produce some BIG fish. The 2nd most common method I see is jigging with either minnow or crawler and as was mentioned above...if you are losing jigs - you are in the right area. A bottom bouncer with worm harness and crawler is often effective in "softer" lakes where there are few rock piles and rock ledges - such as in Alcova Lake or Seminole Res outside if Casper Wyoming this is defintely a preferred method.
A note that I learned recently and is BY FAR the MOST FUN - a zara spook near dusk (or when fish hitting surface) throwing like you would for a large mouth - straight at the place where the fish hit the surface and then twitching the spook....can be topwater action that is comparable to a largemouth or better- AMAZING and FUN! This is where you really see the aggressive behavior of the walleye shine - in your favor!
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A note that I learned recently and is BY FAR the MOST FUN - a zara spook near dusk (or when fish hitting surface) throwing like you would for a large mouth - straight at the place where the fish hit the surface and then twitching the spook....can be topwater action that is comparable to a largemouth or better- AMAZING and FUN! This is where you really see the aggressive behavior of the walleye shine - in your favor!
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03-15-2008, 06:14 PM
i throw large #13 AND 18 RAPALAS FROM DUSK TO 5 AM FOR BIG EYES IN SUMMER ON FULL MOONS.![[Image: fish-on.gif]](http://www.bigfishtackle.com/images/gforum/fish-on.gif)
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