THE WIND AND THE WALLEYE
Make summer fishing a breeze with these six expert tactics for blustery days
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#6 WORK THE MURK
When winds become very high or last for extended periods of time, the water can get so dirty that even the walleye can’t see well. When this happens, the fish stop feeding in their usual spots and move to parts of the lake that are less murky.
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Provided it’s not too windy to navigate safely, your best fishing strategy in this situation is to move deeper or to adjacent areas not as affected by the waves. A buddy once told me that when he can’t see the prop on his big motor, there’s no sense fishing for walleye because they won’t see your baits.
Since then, I’ve used that little trick to find suitable fishing areas when my preferred parts of the lake have gotten too churned up.From a few hours to sometimes a day or two after the wind has stopped, the murky water will gradually clear.
When this happens, walleye will often move back, since the still slightly stained water will give them more of an advantage over their prey than the clearer water would. Even if the lake is now pancake flat, don’t hesitate to pitch jigs into the shallow water or close to shore and slowly drag them back to your boat. The wind might be gone, but its after-effects will still be in your favour.
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Saskatchewan contributor Mike Hungle is often gone with the wind, fishing for walleye.
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SAFETY IN THE WAVES
Navigating a boat in large waves can test your boating skills. If possible, try travelling on the sheltered side of the lake. If you have to run in the waves, try to avoid smashing into them. Instead, slow down enough that the bow lifts with the waves and gently falls into the troughs. And rather than steer directly into oncoming waves, navigate through them at a 35- to 45-degree angle. That way, the boat will rise and fall on its long axis, making for smoother ups and downs. Also adjust your trim to find a position that avoids punching the bow into waves, while at the same time keeping the boat in control. Securely stow all your gear, too, so it doesn’t get damaged or injure passengers from bouncing around. As a final precaution, always wear your PFD and stay tethered to the engine’s kill switch.