Spring Walleye

[Walleye_9]

Hi guys im new to walleye central and walleye fishing. Finally bought my own boat this year and am new to walleye fishing I have been a couple times but never in the spring right after ice thaw and after. If anyone has any tips to help me out I would appreciate it im from south central nebraska. So any tips would be helpful thanks and good fishing

[Morton]

Welcome to the supposed sanity of chasing walleyes.
Try going to the Nebraska Walleye Association for starters. http://www.nebraskawalleye.com/

I have built on line relationships with several Nebraska guys through WC and they all seem to be really straight shooters and willing to help.

Have fun and be safe on the water.

Morton

[duckbutter]

The above suggestion is outstanding---learn from locals that are more familiar with your area, its waters, etc. A couple of suggestions for what I call cold water season walleyes include the following. Slow presentations in cold water almost always work better. The fish are still sluggish until the water warms up. Look for the warmer water early in the year; ie shallower areas and on the downwind sides of lakes and reservoirs. Lastly, I catch many walleyes in the early season trolling with spinners or subtle stick baits (floating rapalas, husky jerks, etc) trolled very shallow. When you are in shallow water trolling, use in line planer boards if you have them, and don't be afraid to send them out 100 or 150 feet. Absent using boards, get your baits as far back from your boat as you can, and zig zag your trolling pattern such that your baits travel in spots where your boat hasn't been. Walleyes can be pretty spooky in shallow water. Lastly, I can't emphasize slow. If you think you are going to slow, then slow down some more. I have caught many walleyes at speeds as slow as .3mph. Good luck, and tight lines.

[Keith Walters]

Hi _9,

Sometimes in lakes that you know walleye are plentiful, you can't scope them with your sonar. If you didn't know better, you would say there are no fish in the lake. This is usually because they are too shallow to "see", they could be close to shore or suspended high in the water column. Enjoy your new passion.

Keith

[caffeineforall]

Post an add in the Share a Seat forum, I'm sure someone with some experience would be willing to tag along on your boat to show you the ropes and shorten the learning curve for ya.

[maxxum]

_9,

I like the advise above. I would also try to find rocks, about softball size. This is where walleye spawn. Look in creeks, and rivers that flow into and out of the lake or reservoir. Pitch small jigs start with 1/8 th oz tipped with a minnow. If the current is strong go a little heavier. If you are loosing jigs to the rocks try smaller jigs or a twister tail. Fish these areas until the water warms to 50 degrees. The males will be the most active. Fish all the water from one foot to 15 ft. You may not see them on the sonar.

Good Luck!

[Walleye_9]

Thanks for all the info guys this is quite a learning process but its alot of fun. Sounds like alot of guys around here do alot of vertical jigging and cast and retrieve what are some good rod and reel selections and line selections thanks guys