With the Minnesota Fishing Opener now only two days away, let’s turn to strategy and technique for taking Minnesota’s State Fish – the walleye. But let’s not forget that the walleye is not the only season that opens this Saturday. In fact, the Northern Pike season also opens on most of the State’s waters and sometimes when the walleyes seem to have a case of lock-jaw catching a few northerns can break up the monotony.
Okay, but before we get going let me say this about fishing strategy for the opener. I relate it somewhat to using a “pickup line” to try to get a date with a woman. If you find the right girl nearly any corny comment used might turn out to be successful. Likewise with fishing strategy for the opener. You can use almost any technique and you might discover success. That doesn’t mean, however, that a strategy that strays too far from the norm is going to work in most circumstances.
So, we start out with proven strategies that are time-tested. Perhaps one of the most successful techniques is simply using a lead jig in various color configurations and sizes. It’s best to use the smallest jig weight available based on the wind and size of the line spooled. You need to be able to “feel” the jig bouncing off the bottom – ‘cause that’s where the walleye tend to be. Shiners, fathead minnows or leeches are all impaled on the hook until the right menu offering is found.
If the sonar shows some promise for walleye hanging on or near the bottom, anglers can vertical jig fish in an area while anchored. Another option is to drift fish and slowly work the jig along the bottom. There’s yet another technique sometimes called “rip-jigging” that moves the jig in an erratic and somewhat faster action along the bottom. Remember, in most cases the jig is simply a device to deliver the bait to the fish…while allowing the fisherman to have some control and knowledge (thru feel) about what is going on below.
Another proven variation to jigging is using a Lindy Rig. Again, this rigging delivers the bait down to the lake bottom where the walleye are generally located. The unique thing about the Lindy Rig is how the set-up sometimes has a buoyant element that usually floats the bait several inches above the bottom. The Lindy Rig also generally gives the soft-mouthed fish a chance to inhale the hook deeper for a better hookset.
Of course, if you’re convinced that live bait is not doing the trick…a savvy fisherman most certainly can try casting Rapala’s into the shallows. As a rule of thumb walleye tend to be in shallower water during the opener. But this depends on several factors of which the fisherman needs to be mindful.
First, on relatively sunny, calm days the walleye will likely be in deep water. However, a fisherman must also pay close attention to the clock. Nighttime or early morning/dusk hours can quickly change things. Overcast days with a nice walleye chop (a term used to describe rolling waves that break up the sun’s direct rays on the lake surface) can mean good fishing at almost any time during the day.
Personally, I will be using an assortment of jigs in various colors early on mostly because I like the ability to feel what is going on down at the bottom of the lake. At some point I will also likely use some Mepps spinners to see if I can entice any northern into an explosive bite.
The thing about the Opener is you just never know what is going to happen in terms of weather—and that is most certainly the case this year. I’m hearing there is a high-wind warning already for the lakes for the Opener, so this does not always bode well. Moreover, the temps in Northern Minnesota are predicted to be very cold on Saturday…so we’ll see what happens.
So often being successful on the Opener is simply being in the right place at the right time. In most cases, using techniques and equipment that are proven fish-getters are always your best bet for the Opener. It also pays to keep your expectations in check because of all the weeks during the open season…the Opener can present itself as one of the most challenging times to call yourself a walleye fisherman. So…Good luck…and keep your rod tips up and your lines tight.
© 2005 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.



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