For a few weeks, there were a handful of “known walleye bites” occurring on the big lake. Over time, 3 or 4 of these community spots had provided most of the action and most of the fish harvested too. Now, our guests and fellow anglers are finding it easier to be more creative on both Lake Winnie and Cutfoot Sioux.
Phillip Sigfrinius with hefty Lake Winnie Walleye
Walleye migrations toward mid-lake structure have begun. In the early stages, shoreline related structure such the steep breaklines and long fingers that lead into the lake’s deepest water are the best producers. Some of the free-standing humps and bars are producing fish too, provided that they are located near shore, or near one of the prominent shoreline related bars.
Fish location varies from spot to spot, but generally, inside turns and soft points on the structures are holding the most fish. Long, straight stretches are producing few if any walleyes. The steep, straightaways do offer some opportunity for northern pike though. If you’re scanning the breakline with your electronics and spot singles on your screen, it’s likely that pike are the fish you’re observing.
Key depths vary from spot to spot also, but for the best action, 16 to 22 feet is the most reliable. You’ll spot fish deeper too, but these are typically less aggressive than their shallower counterparts. In most instances, the fish located in deeper water tend to be smaller too, especially when found in large schools. It seems that fish from the very strong, 2019-year class are banded together and are using the deeper water for either protection, of to capitalize on specialized feeding opportunities.
The 2019-year class, now 12-1/2 to 13-1/2-inch fish, if protected from harvest, will likely provide another great season in 2023. That’s another good reason, in our opinion, to hold off on targeting them until they have a chance to mature. The strong class of 2018 is well represented, and anglers have plenty of opportunity to harvest these fish which are now ranging in size from 15 to 17 inches. In our 2022 Fishing Season Outlook, we noted that Grand Rapids Area Fisheries Supervisor Dave Weitzel, told us that some of these 2018 fish may even reach the protected slot range, 18 to 23 inches, late this fall.
Surface water temperatures are warming, 65 degrees is a common reading on Winnie, 67 degrees can easily be found on Cutfoot. So, while jig and minnow combinations remain productive, anglers are getting more creative with walleye presentations now too. Lindy Rigging with lively leeches or larger size shiner minnows is effective. Slip bobbers, used to suspend a leech or ½ night crawler are also effective and there are a few anglers experimenting with spinners.
In shallow areas and back bays, vegetation is emerging quickly. Patches of eelgrass and cabbage have turned green and are beginning to produce a mixed bag of species. Perch, small pike, and walleye are most plentiful, but there are crappies sprinkled in now as well. Apparently, crappie spawning is either completed already, or possibly permanently disrupted by recent unsettled weather. Either way, the cabbage patch pattern will strengthen in upcoming days.
Last week we wrote, “Panfish anglers, expecting to find fish on shallow water spawning beds have been disappointed so far. But with water temperatures teetering on the verge of ideal range, it could change soon.” The change is occurring and both panfish and bass are showing up in shallow water. Targeting them responsibly is important, scientifically proven, protecting the lake’s largest sunfish will help assure healthy populations in the future.
Northern pike located in shallow water are primarily small right now. Anglers wishing to pursue larger pike should search the edges of steep breaking bars. On Saturday, one of the local guides reported catching numerous pike using Lindy Rigs tipped with larger minnows. “Big shiners, medium sucker minnows or large rainbows will all work. Use a fluorocarbon leader, 14-to-20-pound test, to protect against bite-offs,” he says.
Bowen Lodge Guide, Jared Saufferer
High water and cool temperatures have meant clear water, particularly on the big lake. Sunshine and calm seas combine to make fishing difficult during mid-day. When the forecast calls for sunshine, wake up early and fish the sunrise bite. If you’d rather sleep in, then pursue those fish inhabiting cabbage patches during the day, then move out to the open water walleye spots during the evening. When cloudy, breezy conditions arrive, your daytime opportunities will broaden significantly.