Canadian Walleye Trips
This time of the year seems to be the time to cross the border and hunt Canadian walleye. Its a unique type of fishing not usually practiced here in Michigan, mostly due to the lack of numerous quality inland walleye lakes. That’s not to say there are some good exceptions to that statement, its mostly a local bite with local pressure though.
The techniques practiced in catching our northern neighbor’s walleye population is still widely practiced in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Finesse, downsize and keeping it simple are the rules. Gone are the 20 lb test, for the most part gone are the divers and spoons. Leave the #5 or #6 colorado blades at home, get back to the basics.
Medium light and lite action rods rule, even though you will have a reason to bring some medium action rods with you as well. The fancy rigs are replaced by a hook and split shot, working a slip bobber takes the place of trolling (not entirely) and 1/8 or 1/4 oz jigs are your casting favorites. Floating jigheads are popular, rigged like a bass fisherman’s carolina rig, by using a small egg or split shot sinkers.
Pack up your arsenal of plastics; paddle and curley tails, minnow bodies and leeches all make the trip. For the most part minnows are non factors, unless brought in salted. You can bring in crawlers, but must be packed in artificial bedding.
I will have some tips coming up with some techniques in the next few days.