Spring Walleye western basin style.
Many of you know more than me. Here's my two cents.
A very good start would be to view the modis great lakes true color imagery on the NOAA website. Google is helpful in finding it.
It will show you where the mud lines are in the lake.
Targeting these transition points from muddy to clear hold significant amounts of fish. This, in combination with a change of depth in or near shore is very effective. Sometimes you must use it just to be able to actually find water clean enough to catch fish. The Maumee river puts out a lot of mud and debris this time of year, especially following a thunderstorm or heavy rainfall.
Use your SONAR.
Walleye lay their eggs in shallow areas to allow for oxygenation by waves breaking. Many will make the run up the Maumee river to spawn but the majority will spawn in the bay or reef areas. Fish are Very shallow this time of year. Large numbers of jacks normally will be found in 5-15 feet of water with humps of debris from dredging or fist sized rocks and gravel on the bottom. Walleye are very structure oriented this time of year. The reefs at Camp Perry will be a prime area. It will also be busy. North of Turtle island in Maumee bay will produce nice jacks. Little Cedar point is also a fish holding area. Deeper in the lake many will target large females by trolling crank baits or flatfish. go slow. 1.2 - 1.5 to start. Deep.
Check the weather forecast, of course.
Spring around northern Ohio can be a problem.
Pick up some hair jigs from the local bait shop for bay walleye.
No, you don't need minnows, but some use them. Some use Cicada or other vibe type jigs.
If you are new, or the waves are up, use a heavier jig. 3/4 oz. it works great for kids as they can feel the lure and are more confident in working the jig. If you are old like me, I use something lighter. 3/8 or 1/2.
Drift over the areas I described. repeatedly. To be succesful you must keep the boat over the target area. You must keep the boat over the target area. Yes i said it twice.
Try a purple hair jig with a stinger. Some times we change colors, not often. Slow snap up.
Down, as slow as it takes to keep the line tight. Repeat Many times. 1 foot off the bottom.
In a few weeks. Maybe cast the jig and 'three crank'.
(note: you cannot use a stinger inside the line between Turtle island and little Cedar point)
Be safe. Lake Erie is no joke. It can get wavy very fast.
Have fun.
Of course, it is why you are going.
