walleye spawn

[Rick Johnston]

Back in western Kansas where I grew up, we caught walleye in the rip rap of the face of the dam. Seems like that was about right now. The fish were spawning at that time and the bite was good.

Here in Wyoming (lakes of GrayRocks and Glendo) the fishing never seems to get very good until around late May and after the water temperatures have warmed up to 54 and up. Fishing before that, early May or April is usually poor.

So the question is....... The bite here in Wyoming is after the spawn. Any fishing before the middle to late May is usually not very good.

Being out on a boat in Wyoming this time of year can be a bit "cool". However, if I'm comparing the bite to what I experienced in Kansas; shouldn't one be fishing the rocks/spawning area now?

So the poor fishing before the usual good bite is some type of slow period after the spawn until the water warms up?

Thanks for any comments. Rick

[Neal/Co]

Rick:

I have fished Glendo several times after a cold front or during Post Spawn. Those Post spawn fish
(water temps from 48 to 54 degrees are very difficult to catch. We had our best luck trolling cranks at night during this period. During the day we picked up about 1/2 dozen fish on jig & minnows. Look for main and secondary points in about 20 feet of water. They would only strike our jigs if we dragged them. Another option is to fish Pathfinder Res. If the walleyes don't cooperate this time period offer excellent fishing for big trout.