This web site is dedicated to Jack “Walleye” Bates, Wanted in 7 counties for selling counterfeit licenses.

Current whereabouts, unknown.

Bates is armed with multiple ink pads and is extremely talkative.

Approach at your own Risk!

Early Summer Walleye…

So, now that we’re getting into summer and the water is warming into the 60’s, walleyes are hungry and aggressive. And they’re not necessarily feeding at a particular depth, but bottom to top, throughout the water column. There are two major spring/early summer events to consider. First, once the water hits a certain temperature, the algae begins to bloom, attracting minnows to feed on the nutrients blooms provide. Minnows are a walleye favorite, of course, so they will follow them up to the shallower depths along the shore to feast on the baitfish. Snap jigging at a slow troll is often a great way to go. Popping the jig up quickly and then letting it drop slowly toward the floor can appear to a walleye as an easy meal trying to escape.

An additional feeding opportunity at this time of year is the bug hatch. Every spring, mayflies and other larvae and flies are hatching and walleye will gorge themselves on them. Again, this feeding can occur anywhere in the water column because walleye will actually root through soft bottoms searching for nymphs or come right up to the surface to suck them up. Many fishermen figure that when the hatch is on, walleyes are filled to the gills with hatchlings and have no interest in chasing after anglers’ presentations. That’s not entirely true, however. Considering that walleyes are focused on small prey, running smaller spinners, butterfly blades and jigs trailing a leech or half a crawler along the outer edges of insect clouds can be very successful.

Of course, techniques and strategies like the above are only starting points and, with a little research, you’ll find a lot of great ideas for spring and summer success.

Best Spring Walleye Baits

The Rapala Jigging Rap has been around for nearly 50 years and represents the gold standard among anglers. Its sleek, minnow profile and crazy circular swimming motion mimics a wounded baitfish that can ignite strikes from suspended walleyes. The bill at the back-end allows for the rap’s movement on both the rise and fall. Rapala also offers jigging raps with a UV finish, great in low light or stained water. Depending on your line weight and water conditions, you can have a lot of success with sizes #5, #7, or #9.

With its lipless, deep belly profile, the Rapala Ultra Light Rippin’ Rap crankbait is designed to dive and rip with the best of them. Flat, skinny sides allow the Rapala Ultra Light Rippin’ Rap to flutter on the drop with a hard-vibrating action that’s accented with a loud, BB rattle system. Other features include textured scales and gills with deep-set 3D holographic eyes. Adding to this crankbait’s deadly disposition are fast-piercing VMC® black nickel hooks.

Used in Sweden for more than 100 years, the Bay de Noc Swedish Pimple jigging spoon delivers exceptional results on saltwater and freshwater fish. A tried-and-true ice fishing legend for decades, and the first to incorporate a flicker blade as standard equipment; just use a sharp vertical jig motion to execute an erratic injured baitfish action. Flashy and responsive, the Pimple is effective whether fished plain or tipped with bait.