07-21-2010, 01:39 PM
[cool][#0000ff]During the summer there are two problems with catching a lot of walleyes during the day...water temps and the power squadron. Wallies don't like a lot of noise and they go deeper in warm water. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]That generally translates to the fishing being better from dusk to dawn. Once the light levels drop and the lake gets quieter...and cooler at night...the fish move shallower to feed on small perch and whatever else they can find to eat. In fact, you will probably only catch the larger fish after dark since that is only when they feed at all. Rare to catch a walleye much over 20 inches during bright daylight hours.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Dragging bottom bouncers and crawlers is the traditional method for fishing walleyes on most lakes...including DC. But the guys who catch the most after dark often troll or cast BIG lures...plastic swim baits or cranks. And they fish them in pretty skinny water at times.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It really pays to know the lake well, during different water levels. You should know where there are shallow flats next to deeper water...or at least where schools of perch or other baitfish hang out. That is where the toothy critters will show up for a late dinner.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The last two years the full moon in early July has been one of the most productive times of the whole year for lots of large walleyes. But, they will continue to feed actively after dark until the water cools and the wild bunch goes home after Labor Day. Then the daytime fishing picks up and lots of old goobers pick up some bodacious wallies fishing off the shore around the island and soaking whole crawlers.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]NOBODY catches walleyes every trip out. Some do better than others. Those who are most consistent are those who have put in the time and kept good fishing logs. As with all fish and fishing you have to first find the fish on any given day...and then figure out what it takes to make them bite. Walleyes are some of the most difficult fish to catch sometimes just because they are commonly just resting and digesting a previous large meal. Unlike other species walleyes are not constantly on the prowl for food. They may only feed once in any give 48 hour period. They eat big and then snooze it off...kinda like some of us after a Thanksgiving dinner.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]You gotta be good and you gotta be lucky. Good and lucky.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]That generally translates to the fishing being better from dusk to dawn. Once the light levels drop and the lake gets quieter...and cooler at night...the fish move shallower to feed on small perch and whatever else they can find to eat. In fact, you will probably only catch the larger fish after dark since that is only when they feed at all. Rare to catch a walleye much over 20 inches during bright daylight hours.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Dragging bottom bouncers and crawlers is the traditional method for fishing walleyes on most lakes...including DC. But the guys who catch the most after dark often troll or cast BIG lures...plastic swim baits or cranks. And they fish them in pretty skinny water at times.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It really pays to know the lake well, during different water levels. You should know where there are shallow flats next to deeper water...or at least where schools of perch or other baitfish hang out. That is where the toothy critters will show up for a late dinner.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The last two years the full moon in early July has been one of the most productive times of the whole year for lots of large walleyes. But, they will continue to feed actively after dark until the water cools and the wild bunch goes home after Labor Day. Then the daytime fishing picks up and lots of old goobers pick up some bodacious wallies fishing off the shore around the island and soaking whole crawlers.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]NOBODY catches walleyes every trip out. Some do better than others. Those who are most consistent are those who have put in the time and kept good fishing logs. As with all fish and fishing you have to first find the fish on any given day...and then figure out what it takes to make them bite. Walleyes are some of the most difficult fish to catch sometimes just because they are commonly just resting and digesting a previous large meal. Unlike other species walleyes are not constantly on the prowl for food. They may only feed once in any give 48 hour period. They eat big and then snooze it off...kinda like some of us after a Thanksgiving dinner.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]You gotta be good and you gotta be lucky. Good and lucky.[/#0000ff]
[signature]