Any Walleye Opener tips?

[Ryan T]

Been coming up every year with a friend who has a houseboat slip on Leech for the past 8 years, mostly during the lean years so we didn't have the best results except at the bar. Looking to be a little more serious this year since the walleye fishing has picked back up and was wondering if anyone had tips? Don't need any spots or anything just technics, baits, colors ect.

Thanks

[murness]

We had some luck last year, searching for fish by trolling sr-7 or sr-8 silver or perch colored shad raps, also slow trolling bottom bouncers with spinners (about1.5 mph) and Gulp. When you find fish vertical jigging, green or white jigs with minnows.

There were some slow times last year, but we manged to get our limits daily. We are comming up May 20th this year, let us know how the Opener goes, good luck!

[Murph!]

The most successful presentation in the early walleye season has been a jig tipped with a shiner minnow. The fish will be fairly shallow on wind swept shorelines. Drifting is a good option. You will see boats on most of the popular spots, get in line on the drift. Be courteous and go with the flow. When at the end of the drift motor around the other boats back into position to make another pass. Please do not motor through the fishing area, the fish can be spooked by boats cruising over them in shallow water.

I like a jig with some green or perch color. Silver and gold can be good on bright days. White will also take some fish. Use the lightest jig you can to still have bottom contact.

Trolling crank baits or spinners is another option if you aren't contacting fish by drifting. Cover water till fish are found, then work them with the jig minnow combo.