Forget trolling—sniping is often more effective for landing big walleye and lake trout. Here’s how to do it

Not that long ago, if I were looking for a school of lake trout or walleye, the odds were good I’d troll to find them. And once I found the fish, I’d weave around them if they were spread out, stopping to cast only if they were concentrated. How quickly things have changed. Over the past few years, my trolling frequency has dropped like a lead downrigger cannonball. Instead, I now spot, stalk and snipe the fish. Why? Not only is this technique much more efficient and effective, it’s also a lot more fun.