For early-season walleye, try these (literal) hot spots, tactics and baits

There’s no easy way to put it—early-season walleye fishing can be tough. That’s because walleye tend to be finicky and hard to catch when the water temperature is still below 15°C. They’re cold-blooded creatures, after all, so their level of activity is tied directly to the water temperature. The good news is, there are still ways to get these reluctant springtime fish on the line. The key is to find the warmest water in the system you’re fishing, which is where the walleye will be the most active. Here’s how to find those literal hot spots, along with the best presentations for stirring up some action…