cold water trolling

[illinois angler]

Like to head to a small lake and try trolling crankbaits. I think the water temps will be 40-45 degrees. My question is , what is the best will to get a crankbait down deeper. A three way, a bottom bouncer, or just a weight? what length of leader should I use ? I've never fished in cold water before. Thanks for the replies

[thump55]

If you want to get your bait within a foot or so of the bottom (and keep it there) , a 3- way is the way to go. Alot depends on the depth you are trying to reach. Go SLOW, and use enough weight to keep your line at about 45 degrees. 2-2.5 feet of line on sinker section with a 6' leader to a shallow T-stick will get you right there. Bounce the sinker occasionally to make sure its just off the bottom. If the water is clear, you can try snap weights with longer leaders. Good luck-

Dave S

[Hawgboy]

3 WAY OR LEADCORE/ GOOD FOR ILL. river

[SUPERTROLLER]

How deep do you want to go? A 3-way probably is more universal but not the answer if you're not targeting the very bottom of the water column. Same goes for a bouncer. Added weight can be added from split shots or snap weights or you can use Leadcore line. Leadcore will work great if you need to just run deeper than the lure itself would normally run over very deep water. In cold water though, you are not necessarily fishing deep water since Walleye are not now seeking out cooler water than that found away from the summer heated shallow areas. Shallow water can now be the warmer water once again if the sun has been shining on it all day. If your lake has turned over now though, the warmest densest water will be around 38* and be right on the bottom. This will also hold the most oxygen and therefore is a baitfish and predator magnet.

[mark campeau]

i recently returned from fishing quinte fish were suspendid from 35 to 45 feet in 65 ft of water. water temp was 42 degrees i trolled rapala taildancers deep divers. let out 50 ft of 12lb mono then used a four ounce snap weight. then let out a total of 150 ft of line had excellent results trolling speed of 1.8 mph. i use this method regularly with better than average results in the fall. you have to adjust weight acording to depth of fish .
mark