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Walleye Fishing Simplified

by Kevin Patton

Walleye pro Rick LaCourse discussed some of the basics of walleye fishing at the Midstate Fish and Feather Expo held recently in Bloomington.

There's a mystique surrounding walleye fishing that keeps some bass and crappie fishermen from pursuing the species, but according to one professional angler, walleyes are only interested in the same two things as other species, spawning and eating.

Using Port Clinton on Lake Erie as an example, professional walleye tournament pro Rick LaCourse simplified the seasonal movements of walleyes.

"Ninety percent of the walleyes there spawn in the Western Basin of the lake," says LaCourse, "and then they pull out of the shallows to the drops and ledges after the spawn." He maintains that beginning in May, walleyes in Lake Erie move out to the Central Basin of the lake to forage until next year's spawn.

"Walleyes are not hard to catch, but they can be hard to find. Don't give the fish credit for thinking though," says LaCourse.

Locating Walleyes

LaCourse lets two things dictate where he starts looking for fish. The time of year and where fish are in relation to the spawn, in addition to the forage base, determine where he starts fishing for walleyes. For instance, if bluegills are the main forage, he looks for weedy areas.

He also believes that walleyes often school by size to decrease their competition for food, with larger fish moving away from the crowds of smaller fish.

He recommends fishing windy areas where bait is stacked up. He noted that if you don't mark either fish or bait on your depth finder, you can't catch walleyes there and should move to another area.

As a tournament fisherman, LaCourse uses bait shops as a source for local lake information, as well as noticing what other anglers are doing. By observing how others are moving their boats, holding their rods, and even staining their clothing, he gets clues about how others are catching fish. Anglers wearing jeans stained with slimy, silver scales are using minnows, while those with dirt stains are using nightcrawlers.

Crankbaits for Walleyes

"You can catch walleyes on crankbaits year around," says LaCourse, "but the faster presentation of these baits often works better in warmer water."

He believes that crankbait color doesn't matter and that confidence in your bait is the biggest factor in fishing success. LaCourse simplifies his color choices by using natural colors in clear water, bright colors in dirty water, and chrome colors in a variety of situations.

"The flash pattern of your chrome crankbaits is important," said LaCourse, "and you can have too much flash as well as too little."

LaCourse emphasizes that crankbait action is the biggest difference in crankbaits because you are trying to create a reaction to the bait. He uses a slow-action Rapala in cold water and a wide-action Hot 'N Tot in warm water.

Water Temperature Considerations

Beginning at ice-out, during the third week of March on Lake Erie, when the water temperature is 36 degree LaCourse uses a jig/minnow or jig/plastic combination and a very slow presentation.

Once the surface water temperature reaches the 40-44 degree range, LaCourse fishes slowly with spinners and a worm harness, keeping his bait in the upper 12-15 of the water column. He feels the active fish will be located there while inactive walleyes will be on the lake bottom.

As season progresses and water temperatures increase, LaCourse begins to use baits with faster presentations such as crankbaits.

Triggering Walleye Bites

LaCourse insists that walleye bites can be so subtle that often when you pick the bait up, the fish is already on your lure.

"Walleyes take baits when there is a change in the action," says LaCourse, "and you can trigger strikes with the speed and presentation of your bait."

"It doesn't work to force-feed the fish what they don't want just because it worked your last time out," say LaCourse.

Tips like putting air in your nightcrawler or adding a red or chartreuse bead in front of your bottom-bouncing, live-bait rig can make a difference.

"It's not rocket science," he says, "but often you only need a small adjustment."

LaCourse concluded his seminar by saying that the Illinois River area at Spring Valley is the best sauger fishery in the country and suggested that area anglers give it a try.