The fishing is still very good in the Alexandria area and, as of last week, it was some of the best fishing I have ever experienced. Although it does appear the heat has started to affect the walleye pattern. The fish were still holding in 12-16 feet of water amongst the cabbage weeds and aggressive all day long. Now with the surface water temps reaching the mid 80’s the fish have moved deeper and are most active in the morning and evening hours. We are officially in the dog days of summer and this is a very normal thing for them to do.
Prior to July 1st the walleye were extremely aggressive. They would bite and bite often. I had a client fighting a fish that broke his line. Then only a few minutes later another client in the boat set the hook and it was a nice walleye. As I was removing the hook I noticed it had two of the exact same jigs in his mouth. The one jig that reeled him in and the other that had broken off, talk about aggressive!
It sure is a blast when you can fish walleye and catch them as frequent and often as small sunfish. For the past couple weeks we’ve had good action on bobbers, lindy rigs, Spinners and Shad style baits. The bite has literally been so good that young kids have forgotten they brought snacks along! As you know that is no easy task, so as a guide that made me feel pretty good.
Then, last Monday I noticed the surface temps in the mid 80’s. The walleye were still biting, they just slid into deeper water, 18’ to 22’FOW and were a bit less aggressive. We could see walleye on the locator most of the evening, but they were much more timid. We would have to go over them very slow and sit right over them with a lively leech on lindy rig before they would bite. So even though the walleye bite has slowed we’ve still been getting some very nice 16”-19” fish for a tasty fish fry.
This time of year I’d recommend walleye fishing in the morning and evening hours, then enjoy the water with the kids during the day. If you find your group wanting to fish during the midday I’d recommend targeting bass, northern, sunfish or crappie. These species are all affected by the heat much less and you’ll have a much more successful afternoon on the water. Have fun!
This particular Day it started off calm and the bite was slower, then a little breeze picked up and it was fish on! And then it was “fish on” for the rest of the day
Ben Devoracek (IDO Member) and his son Zach caught a pile of fish. I think Zach had his own limit in about an hour
Gordon and his 3 sons caught close to 50 walleye and kept 12 to eat
What a perfect night on the water!
Mark and his two Grandkids ended up with nonstop action all night. It sure is great to see kids get so fired up to fish
They even helped clean a few 
I thought the walleyes were supposed to slow down when it becomes July and the temps soar in the 90’s.
You certainly prove that to be wrong! 
Great job Joe putting a lot of your clients on a lot of walleyes! 
It’s easy to see by the smiles on their faces that they were happy with their results. 
Tim and his group with a pile of fish! Thanks again for the nice write up you posted in the Alexandria forum
Keep in mind that the you need to keep moving until you read fish. Take a look at the attached pic. If I don’t see this on a regular basis I know it’s time to move. All of the above pics started with a screen shot like this. Good luck everyone!
Thanks Brad! The day bite has slowed some with this warm weather, but the morning and evening bite has still been very productive.
Once again, awesome read and pics Joe. I’d have no problem recommending a trip with you to anyone looking for a great time on the water
Consistency, consistency, consistency.
Your very good at consistently putting you clients of fish Joe!
Nice fish and report!
Atta Boy JOE! Awesome report and awesome fish! That picture of your graph is OUTSTANDING! That’s gets the blood pumping for sure!
Joe
Great consistent results, you do it year after year.
Awesome
Jack
That lake looks familiar!
Thanks Guys!
With the water temps holding in the low 80’s, the walleye fishing is still slow during the day, but the hour right before and after dark has been quite productive.
The good news is during the day time hours we’ve been able to concentrate on other species with very good results. The bass, northern and panfish have been more than willing in this heat.
That said I can’t wait for Fall fishing
Depending on the conditions I’ve been on three different lakes for walleye the past few weeks. Thanks for the comment though