Where to fish??

[outwrage]

As an inexperienced walleye fisherman, I was hoping to glean a few pearls of wisdom from the experts. I have three local areas to fish and was wondering how and when to approach these waters.

Lake 1- a 150 acre impoundment with some timber, average depth of ~10-15 ft and stocked with walleye. The water appers to have a little more color to it.

Lake 2 - a 100 acre impoundment with lots of timber and rocks and an average depth of closer to 20ft. stocked with saugeye. This lake seems that it can become fairly clear, but has been stained w/ high water lately.

River - A lock and dam system

Any ideas on approaching each of these would be great. I am thinking this weekend to hit Lake 2 hard with a jig/minnow, but wonder if lake 1 would be better and warming sooner. But, the river would probably yeild the biggest/most fish.

I know there is a lot here, but like I said, I am new to this having been more of a bass/crappie guy.

Thanks!!

[karpbuster]

As an inexperienced walleye fisherman, I was hoping to glean a few pearls of wisdom from the experts. I have three local areas to fish and was wondering how and when to approach these waters.

Lake 1- a 150 acre impoundment with some timber, average depth of ~10-15 ft and stocked with walleye. The water appers to have a little more color to it.

Lake 2 - a 100 acre impoundment with lots of timber and rocks and an average depth of closer to 20ft. stocked with saugeye. This lake seems that it can become fairly clear, but has been stained w/ high water lately.

River - A lock and dam system

Any ideas on approaching each of these would be great. I am thinking this weekend to hit Lake 2 hard with a jig/minnow, but wonder if lake 1 would be better and warming sooner. But, the river would probably yeild the biggest/most fish.

I know there is a lot here, but like I said, I am new to this having been more of a bass/crappie guy.

Thanks!!
The small lakes should be fun to try lots of stuff. I have to tell you, it depends. Keep a log of what you do, time, date, conditions, water temp, clarity, fast/slow moving lures. You can fish from the bottom of the lake up, so start somewhere and vary what you do. In spring cold water slower presentations with added flash (add a blade to jig head) is good, sometimes. Look for points, humps, islands that run or drop off into deep water. When you recognize places that attract forage, you will find fish. If I am totally stumped I will just troll different lures that run different depths and wobble, etc. You have to try different colors too. Harder for the fish to see, clarity or low light evening morning darker lures. Match the forage or just create a reaction bite, jerk baits, fast cranks. All this stuff takes time and practice, which is the really fun part.

Keeping the log will help you plan future trips. Good luck with the practice. The jig and minnow is a great lure to try. :)

karpbuster

[eyeballs]

I would fish the river first as soon as you can. Pitch jigs to rocky banks near slough mouths or troll cranks in 6 to 12 feet. Move upstream at a slow pace, hovering when you come over something interesting. Vertical jig and drift up near the locks where it may be crowded. Could this be the Kaskaskia river?

If the river is high and muddy with lots of debris it will be tougher for you. Lake number 1 is a prime candidate as well. 50 acres isn't much more water, especially when you look at this lake is shallow and stained water. It will warm up quicker and the walleyes will probably be more active during the day. You should be able to clean up by pitching jigs and curly tail grubs to the rip rap fish are using for spawning. Pitch around the dam, or any other area that offers extensive rock from the shoreline to the depths. Favor the Northern shores if anything. Otherwise slow troll some cranks a bit deeper 6-10 feet smacking rocks every 4 or 5 feet. Keep it slow this time of year.

Lake number 2 sounds prime for night fishing the rip rap by shore casting stickbaits if it's a clearer water body. Otherwise it sounds like a good vertical jigging lake for daytime. Areas that offer massive amounts of rock all through the depths should be good fish attracters for this time of year. Spring walleyes rock! Lots of other options but this should get you started, let us know how it goes...