Lizards/Waterdogs/Mudpuppies

I was just thinking…

I know there is a good population of mudpuppies in Pool 4, or at least enough for an angler to snag one once in a while. I have to think a walleye would eat one. Has anyone tried plastic mudpuppy imitators on the ol’ Miss? Had success?

I’m especially interested in the size of the bait if anyone has experienced success with lizards or similar. Some of the mudpuppies I’ve seen were awfully big, but nothing a 10# ‘eye couldn’t choke down…

On this topic, I’m also interested in sucess with craw imitators (more realistic ones that doos) … basically, I’m curious about success with plastics other than ringworms, doos, and grubs. And do guys here think that super doos imitate crayfish or minnows or something else? I know some guys catch fish with plain, old tubes, but I’m not one that has tried them.

Lots of questions, I know. Thanks!

John

John,
I know that back in the 70’s and early 80’s that waterdogs was a highly used bait for both bass and walleyes on the river. I also keep a assorted package of lizzards in my tackle bag just for walleyes in the fall time. In the fall most reptiles start to make a transition into the mud to sack out in the winter time, during tis time walleyes pick up on the seasonal migration on the salamanders, frogs and things of this nature. I hope this helps.
Aaron K.

Hi, Interesting post. You know what I have not caught a mudpuppie in pool 4 since the late ’60’s. However, I have used a plastic willow cat “mad tom” with a jig head on it and have caught walleye with it. I bought them at “Hooked On Fishing in Rochester north on Hyway #63. Interesting post!

Thanks for the responses, guys!

I have seen a bunch of mudpuppies caught, but haven’t caught one myself. I have also heard about (by reading it here) frogs coming out of the mud in the Spring and walleyes targeting them. Big, slow bait like that HAS to attact big gamefish…

I guess nobody fishes with plastic amphibians , or it’s a big secret! I’m guessing the former…