Walleye Mentor

[Chris Musick]

Recently , being about 3 years ago, I sat out to be able to catch all types of fish in my range of lakes and rivers. I set out each day w 2 types of fish in mind and am usually successful. However, I can not set out for walleye and obtain the elusive creature. I don't have a boat so I always have to research a bit where to go be it on shore or a dock.  Basically I'm writing this post to find someone who might consider their self a good teacher, or mentor if you will. I'd bring my own equipment so I'd be a tag along or company. 

Hope this hits close to home w someone and I thank you for your replies in advance.

[dan hufferd]

I feel your pain. I had to do a lot of reading, this is the best site to find the local info on walleye. If you spend the time to check summer and fall posts for Stockton you will find all the info you need to get started. There are several guys here who are really good at it.

This is a great time to be reading about it because the bite is slow, at least for me.

Good Luck, don't give up, we are all still learning.

Dan

[MOPanfisher]

Chris, I couldn't catch a summer walleye on a bet, but in the spring, right now for another few weeks take yourself over to the dam area at Stockton.  Cloudy & rainy is perfect, fish either end of the dam, east end has fewer people usually but you have to willing and able to walk the riprap a ways to get out where the fish are, west end anywhere from the spillway down to below the COE office, fight your way through the brush and start throwing a clown suspending rogue.  throw it as far as you can, give it a couple of quick hard pulls to get a little depth on it, and then s-l-o-w-l-y reel it back in.  when you feel it start hitting the rocks lift up your rod and work it back past the shallows.  hits will usually happen right at the shallow/deep break.  When you get tired of throwing the rogue, pick up second rod rigged with a big hook 1/8 oz. jig head and a plastic body of your choosing, paddle tail, curly tail your choice in a fairly bright color, throw it as far as you can.  Give it a 5 count, then start working it back till it hits rocks, lift rod and work it back in.  Again hits seem to happen right at the break or sometimes in the shallows.  right after dark when its tough to see to re-tie seems to be the best, and likely you will loose a jig or two, possibly even a rogue but not often.  Hip boots or waders are handy as they let you wade out a little way to clear the brush, a hat type light is also handy.  Since its lake you can fish as late as you want or all night long.  Other options are to find a river with an access and a good hole of water, wait for a rain to add a little flow and color and throw jigs at them, but there is a time limit on rivers, I think 30 minutes after sunset but not sure.  Can't catchem if you don't get out there.

[dan hufferd]

I am thankful that info too, I will be trying this for sure. I think each walleye is a treasure large or small. I am still looking for the big fatty though. thanks MOpanfisher for the info and thanks Chris for the post. 

[Boobie]

Dan, by the looks of a few few of your videos you are no slouch for being a walleye dude!!!!!

[Chris Musick]

Thanks for all of the info.!!

MoPanfisher, thanks for taking the time to explain all of that! I'm hoping to go Friday or Saturday night!

[dan hufferd]

I just got lucky, but thanks. It sure is fun to try new things.

[Harps]

On 3/9/2016 at 7:54 AM, MOPanfisher said:

....... but there is a time limit on rivers, I think 30 minutes after sunset but not sure.  Can't catchem if you don't get out there.

Go info MoPan, but there's no time limit on fishing the rivers. You can fish all night if you want, but be careful of that once the snakes are out as the Cottonmouths are primarily nocturnal.

[MOPanfisher]

Just don't get caught.  This is a cut and paste from the MDC website.

From February 20 through April 14, walleye and sauger can be taken and possessed only between 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 after sunset. This restriction applies to all streams, except the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

[bfishn]

21 minutes ago, Harps said:

... there's no time limit on fishing the rivers. You can fish all night if you want...

Au contraire;

"

 (3) Seasons: Throughout the year, except that from February 20 through April 14 walleye and sauger may be taken and possessed only between one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to

one-half (1/2) hour after sunset in the Swan Creek Arm of Bull Shoals Lake above Highway 160 and in the unimpounded portions of all streams except the Mississippi and Missouri

rivers. Walleye and sauger may not be possessed on waters or banks thereof during closed seasons or closed hours