Alexandria – July Walleye Report

The walleye fishing the past couple weeks has been pretty consistent for size and numbers. The location of these fish on the other hand, has been all over. One day they’re in 12-14fow suspended in the weeds and the next they are in 20-24fow tight to the bottom. The fish have been moving so much that I rarely catch fish in the same spot two days in row. Each day has been like nearly starting over. You have to search numerous spots shallow and deep to find the fish.

Once you find the fish, now you need to decide the best way to approach the fish you’ve located. When I find fish shallow around rock and cabbage, they are almost always suspended. In this situation, I like to fish one of two ways. The first is a 1/32oz green jig tipped with a lively leech under a Pro series float. The second is to troll #5 or #7 crank baits through the area. One of these two tactics will always produce fish for me.

If I happen to find fish in a little deeper water, on the outside weed edge, I rely on my electronics and boat control more than ever. These fish are generally closer to the bottom and prefer a slower presentation, so I like to use Lindy rigs in this situation. I use a 5-7′ long leader made out of 6lb line, 1/2oz No-Snagg sinker and a number 6 hook with a lively leech or crawler. The reason I use such a heavy weight is to stay close to the boat and on the fish.

The most important thing I’ll ever tell you is if you’re not reading fish… move, and keep moving until you find numbers of fish. It’s hard to have the confidence to keep driving around if you don’t locate fish in the first 20-30 minutes, but it’s the most important part in having a successful day on the water. Like my Dad always told me, “you can’t catch em if they’re not there”.