Newbie on Pool 4 Question – Walleye/Sauger

Finally getting the chance to go down to Pool 4 this weekend and was going to pick fisherman’s brains for a little advice. Given the time of year, would it be better to put in at Everets and head up to the dam or focus my attention on the Head of Lakes area in Pepin? Any reccomendations on lures this time of year or depth? i.e. Jig and Minnow, Jig and Plastic, Hair Jigs, rigging, crankbaits. I am certainly not looking for anyone’s secret spot or technique; I just don’t want to be fishing south of where all the fish are.

Everything I’ve heard in the last week is that the head of the lake and Bay City Flats have been kicking out good numbers and the occasional big fish. Pulling crankbaits, jigging hair and fishing Denver rigs have all been producing.

Watched the video and did not see any speed mentioned. Have never used the Denver or Dubuque rig. What speed are you looking at to troll? The last three week I have been flat lining at about 2.2-2.6. I would assume significantly Slower ???

Dean on Denver rig

I only made it out to P4 once last year and we used Denver rigs. I’m a believer.

^^ Me too. I’ll deny fishing for walleyes, but the guys that use them are bringing home the bacon.

Brian Klawitter wrote:

^^ Me too. I’ll deny fishing for walleyes, but the guys that use them are bringing home the bacon.

You mean Spam, right ?

Great information. Looks like Sunday will be the day. If you see a 16′ green pro V and I look like I don’t know what I am doing, this will be me. This denver rig has me intrigued. What are the trolling speeds on it? Also, are people tipping their hair jigs with minnows? Good luck to everyone this weekend.

speed plan on 2-3mph and hair is your call. I personally do not tip them or I use the tail end of a ringworm for some action but that is it.

Typically, 2mph is a good place to start! I was just out this past weekend and chart pepper paddle tail and JSR 5 firetiger at 1.7 mph was the ticket for me. The Denver rig is a awesome search tool to cover some ground. With the falling water temps, we should be prepared to get the Dubuque rigs ready very soon!

No minnows on pitching bucktail , River Rat Man-Law !!!! :]

Good Luck & have fun!

Also, what I have just read is you are moving to a larger weight to take a smaller crank down deep in combination with dragging and jigging. With the Dubuque rig do still have a jig and plastic or is it a bell sinker? Also, is this presented in a drift and jig approach or are you still motor trolling? If motor trolling, what speed with a Dubuque rig? Is the switch to a Dubuque Rig triggered more by a depth/location issue or is it a switch to a required slower/vertical presentation issue? Any suggestions of weight and lure type for a Dubuque rig?

Thank you for the heads-up … No minnows on pitching bucktail , River Rat Man-Law !!!! :]

Nathan Grahl wrote:

Also, what I have just read is you are moving to a larger weight to take a smaller crank down deep in combination with dragging and jigging. With the Dubuque rig do still have a jig and plastic or is it a bell sinker? Also, is this presented in a drift and jig approach or are you still motor trolling? If motor trolling, what speed with a Dubuque rig? Is the switch to a Dubuque Rig triggered more by a depth/location issue or is it a switch to a required slower/vertical presentation issue? Any suggestions of weight and lure type for a Dubuque rig?

Thank you for the heads-up … No minnows on pitching bucktail , River Rat Man-Law !!!! :]

Quick answer is Yes ! LOL
With all the rigs, half of the fun is experimenting and trying new things! Fall set-ups are typically far more subtle than the high dirty water of pre/ post spawn rigging set ups.

For now, I would suggest starting with a orange 1/2 oz dropper jig & paddle tail or bucktail jig, straight hook with a minnow. Slow strolling,.3 -.5 mph upstream and or vertical is a great place to start and the fish & your electronics will help you fill in the gaps! Have fun catching & learning ! :]