Walleye

[WHARFRAT]

Ok, so I caught this 28" walleye this weekend, and caught one almost identical a year ago within 50 yards of each other. I'm not in the habit of keeping large fish, so both of them are back swimming. Which brings me to this. About a month ago, we were out fishing and the shad were going crazy around this bluff wall. Not like if white bass were busting them, but they were definitely being chased. In about 10 minutes time, I caught 5 nice walleye. Perfect eater size, between 13 1/2 and 14 1/2". And we had to throw them back. That's the part of the 15" min size limit that I hate. This year alone I've "accidentally" caught about a dozen eaters under 15"s. I wonder if we'll ever see a slot limit, like they do up north. It is encouraging to see more and more walleye being caught. Last year, we caught 7 or 8 and none were under 19". This year, besides my dozen or so, my boat has landed just under 20, and the 28 incher and my wife had one just over 15 inches. I guess, I'm just saying, I'd love to see a slot limit.

[MOsmallies]

I've caught three in the past year... 17", 19" and 20".... I'd be all for a slot limit as well. How much did that 28" weigh?

[fishinwrench]

I'm not clear on what the problem is with LO walleye but overall catch rates on this lake are terribly low, even by guys that specialize and actually target them during what is considered peak times.

In all my years here I only know of one occasion where a couple guys set out to catch a mess of walleye and succeeded.

Personally I only catch enough of them to occasionally remind me that they are in here. So until the success rate on catching them improves drastically I think the current regulations are exactly where they should be.

[WHARFRAT]

I didn't weigh the fish, just measured her. I would guess between 7 and 8????? Not really sure.

I always think about targeting them, but I never do. I've caught quite a few under the 54 bridge, wonder if dragging a bottom bouncer would be the ticket?

A couple yrs ago, I was once getting parts for my trolling motor and there was a couple of guys talking about catching a bunch on shad raps in ha ha tonka cove. The store owner chimed in and said that he always catches a bunch this time of year, right before sunrise and right after sunset. So gullible me, had to try..... Never a bite. All mine have been caught pullin crank baits or vertical jigging for crappie. But, I have seen and heard of more walleye being caught this year. Especially on my end of the lake.

[nomolites]

I have fished the lake for 40 years and only recently targeted walleye; they are elusive but there is a good population of fish. For me they are tough to pattern - most of the time they are deeper or shallower than I think. Slowly I am learning to look in the right places and refining my presentations to catch enough to keep me after them-I do love the challenge, not to mention the filets! Most fish this year have been 20-24 inches and that seems to make sense on the lower end where successful breeding or stocking is nil. What works other places does not translate well to LOZ for me - fishing with bait will fill your live well with catfish and drum and drive you crazy, I have done much better with artificials. If you work at it they are there, or you can just leave them for me..;-p

[rangerman]

On loz covering water is the main goal. Troll cranks and such. If you pick more than one up in a area, go back and fish with other slower techniques, such as jigging spoons or jiggin raps. I like the area below haha tonka from late August til November or so. Havent fished it much pass that point of year.