Temp for Trolling?

Ok guys I’m new to trolling the 3-ways with cranks and was wondering what everyone uses to determin when to start? Is there a certain water temp? And also is there a certain speed to troll up stream and down stream for cold water conditions?

Thanks

Len

I would start right now. Troll up stream and very slow. Have enough weight on and line out to keep it at no more than 45 degee angle.

Just to add, zig zag and S curves as you work your way upstream. And if done right, you can angle your move downstream too. Never too cold for the water temps.

Hey bill what do you think of leadcore line, is it good or not????

I’m not a big leadcore user. It is one of my things to do more of this year. In fact I hope to try many different things this year. I add a fireline leader to the end where it connects to the lure. On Lake Pepin there are some diehard leadcore trollers who day after day catch alot of fish. Its a dynamite way to catch fish once you learn how to do properly.James and Dave G.could give you alot more info on it than I can. Hey Guys, how about giving him the answers hes looking for as I’m not a big user of leadcore. Thanks.

Falling Rock,

You can troll 3-ways and stickbaits anytime of the year. We caught fish doing it the 2nd/3rd week of January this year. The way I look at it is the colder the water like it is now the slower the troll. Upstream speed for me now is looking at 12-18″ diameter trees on the shoreline and moving so slowly that you can barely notice your moving upstream. I do most trolling with cranks on 3-ways going upstream. Down stream trolling can work and when it has for me was always post-spawn with warmer water and pulling the cranks flatline slightly faster than the flow speed. Some days it works some days it don’t. I have not noticed any water temp that says “nows the time” for 3-ways and cranks. Lately I’ve done better trolling floaters and minnows than I have on cranks both in numbers and size of fish. I seem to be one of the few and usually the only guy trolling at this time of the year and I believe that most of the time I catch less in numbers than the jiggers but better in size. Besides–trolling 3-ways is warmer than jigging anyway. Brian/TGIF

I like to troll cranks when the water hits 50 degs.Seems like the fish are a little more willing to hit a crank. 3 waying ,there is no bad time,but the colder the water the slower you go for sure. I also use looking at the trees as a speed indicator in cold water,barely moving. John

We have placed high in spring river tournaments pulling cranks in early April. The key is to pull them slooowly up stream.

Tuck

Lead line is indeed a popular way to fish on Lake Pepin. My father used to swear by it and I have caught some of my biggest walleye and Northern on lead line trolling. On Lake Pepin the key is to find the deep ridges that the locals call the “horseshoes”, usually from about 19′ to 30′. The walleye dive down deep when the weather turns HOT. Have caught big walleyes literally all day on a lead line set up. Even though they are deep and during midday, they still a hot colored shaprap or wally diver. Hope that helps!!

Len if you have time the next couple of days,(my next guide trip is Friday), come on up a few miles and jump in the boat. I will be pulling threeways for a big part of the next two days. Lawrence