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

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When it comes to early-season walleye fishing, the old saying that 10 per cent of the lake holds 100 per cent of the fish has a lot of truth. So, where is that 10 per cent? Once the walleye have left their spawning locations, but not yet moved into their summer haunts, the easiest way to find them is by seeking out those warmest parts of the lake.

So, before wetting a line, take some time to search for the warmest water you can find. A temperature difference of as little as 0.1°C or 0.2°C can make a real difference when it comes to fishing success. First, eliminate all deep-water areas, which will still be cold, and focus on water that’s less than 10 feet deep. Use your electronics to determine the water temperature, and take note of all your readings so you can return to the warmest areas once you’re ready to start fishing.

The northern and eastern sides of a lake are typically prime starting locations, since those areas receive the most sunshine. Also check shorelines with partially submerged rocks, which gather the sun’s heat and disperse the warmth to the surrounding water. Shallow bays, over dark-bottomed mud flats and sandy beaches are also good bets. And don’t forget to check out those creek and rivermouths, where warmer spring run-off water enters the system.

I keep a journal to document details of all my fishing excursions, including dates, times fished, locations, water temperatures, presentations, lure colours and the number of fish caught. As a result, I’ve developed a fairly extensive database of sorts to help me choose where to go fishing. During the early walleye season, I naturally focus on my temperature recordings to help zero in on probable hot spots.