With the mid July temps soaring, and water temps rising, fish have begun to transition to their typical mid summer patterns. It seemed like we would never get to this point only a couple months ago, but like it or not its here. This blog is going to concentrate on one specific tactic we have been using to put keeper fish in the boat during these dog days of summer, the Slip Bobber approach.
Basically, we like to keep it simple. The key is to find fresh, green cabbage in shallow water where bait fish are holding and water temps are cooler. Many times this is a spot you would figure these areas look like something that would be a good location to throw a bucktail for a Muskie, or even see a Muskie hanging out. Areas within the area to key on would be any transition, depth change, or school of bait fish. Many times the fish will not be IN the cabbage, but holding just outside on a transition area, waiting to ambush. Most places that have held fish are larger and longer stretches of cabbage. These seem to hold more bait fish, and in return hold more walleyes.
Tackle consists of a simple
Wing-It slip bobber, plain hook with a split shot, or small jig head. Either of these tipped with a leech of medium size works well. The nice thing about weed fish, is you don't need the super duper ultra jumbo leeches in order to coax a walleye into biting. A simple medium leech will do the trick, and also allow for the fish to take the bait much quicker. On calm days I prefer a plain hook, which allows the leech to swim around and give the bait some action that normally a wave would provide for you.
Often times seeking out these places is a lot of trial and error, but finding your new honey hole in the middle of nowhere can be pretty rewarding. If you don't find fish in the first five to ten minutes, move 50 yds and try a new area within the spot. Spot lock on our
Minn Kota I pilot's have been a huge bonus for this tactic, allowing us to stay mobile while staying put. Using the anchor feature pointed in towards the wind, it will hold the boat in one spot, then allowing with a push of the button to move small distances at a time. This eliminates the need to drop an anchor, or two and save time while actively fishing.
Slip Bobber fishing has stood the test of time. There is nothing quite like watching a bobber sink below the surface on a early summer morning. This is a great approach for introducing young kids to walleye fishing. Who knows, it may just be your next best approach to tricking those sometimes finicky "summertime" walleyes into your livewell!
The traditional fall jig and minnow bite is in full swing on Leech Lake. Look to wind driven points such as Pine, Hardwoods and Ottertail to put keeper fish in the boat. For bigger fish, try checking the humps and shoreline breaks in Waker Bay in 21-27 feet with bigger minnows. Perch are starting to show themselves as well. The Walker Narrows, Sand Point and Grand View Flats are all kicking out perch as well as a few walleyes throughout the day.
