The general make-up of most Northern lakes means that the best spots to fish for species such as walleye and pike can change from day to day and from time to time throughout the day. As a result, learning how each species uses the lake's structure in different circumstances will help any angler decide where to fish for specific species and choose the correct tackle for the job at hand. Moreover, by learning how each species uses lake structures in different circumstances, most common errors that result in wasted time, lost fish or failure to explore productive water can be averted. Start with the lake's working map
When reading a lake map for fish-holding sites, a series of transitions between different depth contours is much more valuable than just a list of water depth. Points, saddles, sharp breaks, and rock humps are all transitions in depth that provide fish with places to intercept moving forage. A long point can hold fish at the tip, on one side or the other, or down at the back of the point, depending upon wind and light.
Points of land that sit out in the lake are areas that tend to hold lots of fish. As for the points that are part of a larger land mass, look for those that are funneled into a deeper area. Even if a point doesn't hold any fish, the deeper area off of it can. The big exception to this rule would be a rocky point. These can hold large numbers of fish of both species, but are often a challenge to fish effectively due to the structure of the point.
The Pike must be considered in relation to cover such as weeds or flooded vegetation, and how prey will move through the lake in relation to such features and how a Pike can best set up an ambush point. The deepest water in the lake is not necessarily where the owner will want to be fishing for Pike. Match the species to the cover
Weed edges, particularly outside weed lines (where weeds end at a drop-off or hard surface) are a good place to look for both species. Walleyes are more likely to be on the outside edge of weed lines, whereas pike will be inside the weeds, in a pocket or on the edge with an open corridor for the fish to chase prey down.
This distinction in species and their respective cover types has to be taken into account when choosing lures for fishing. For walleye, a bottom-oriented presentation is best on open bottom, but once you enter into weed-covered water, you will need to select a lure that is designed to be weed resistant. Pike lures are often designed to be worked above weeds or other cover and frequently have an elevated retrieve.
The owner of fishing rods should bring sufficient tackle for fishing open bottom and cover but no need to bring a tackle shop with him. A few bottom baits, some suspending lures and shallow running lures for pike in weeds will cover most situations. The local guide has good knowledge of local forage and cover and that's what he will recommend to fishermen. Use light and inflow to choose your first move
Dim light and overcast skies often cause fish to move into shallower water and become more active. They can be willing to chase lures at typical pike and walleye presentations. Do not misunderstand though. This does not last all day. The period of favorable fishing is usually very short and affects both species in different ways.
Creeks, especially those with inflow, can have different water conditions at their mouths than the rest of the lake, especially after rain. Fish can be located at the seam where the creek water meets the lake water. Often there is current in the creek and it is carrying food. Fish may be found in different locations after changes in weather.
Rather than focusing on repeat casting in the same location or using the same type of presentation over and over, anglers should pay attention to the conditions on the water. If a particular point doesn't produce after a fair amount of time, move along the point to the other side, or try a nearby feature with lots of cover such as weeds. Let the bottom tell you when to slow down
Bottom presentations give off lots of information. Not only do you know where fish are located, but also you get to know more about the lake that you're fishing on. As I said before, a jig is a good contact bait. It's going to tell you if you're fishing over a rock or a piece of mud. It's also going to give you an idea of what type of cover you're fishing over. This information can be very valuable to a fisherman.
Once you have made contact with the bottom, make sure to keep your lure near bottom. Lift, pause and move your lure in a controlled manner in order to make your lure visible to the walleyes. Don't try to constantly bury your lure in the bottom as this will result in many lost fish due to snags. If the bottom is to snaggy, look for a spot just off of the roughest part of the bottom.
Pike can and do get caught on bottom baits but are generally best targeted with approaches designed to locate fish using to cover such as weeds or submerged structure. Follow a fish that follows your bait to the bottom, short strikes that result in hooks getting caught in trees or other points of cover can often be solved by moving up a few feet and using a slightly different action to your presentation. Prepare for a guided day and handle fish well
Be prepared for your day of guided fishing by having all of the small details of your day figured out prior to your departure from the dock. Verify the location and time of the meet with your guide, the forecast for the day, what type of clothing and food you will need, how much water you will need, and if your guide will be providing you with any tackle or not. Bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a pair of gloves for landing wet fish. Also, be sure to verify all of the local regulations regarding licenses, permits, seasons, possession limits, and what types of bait you can and cannot use. Check with the local DNR and your guide for the most up-to-date information.
Be mindful of the amount of tackle that you bring. In most cases your guide will have the proper tackle for the species that you are after and for the specific type of water that you will be fishing. If you have a favorite lure, make sure that it is suitable for the type of cover that the species are using as well as the depth at which they are found. In addition, be sure that the tackle that you are using will allow for proper handling of the fish.
Responsible fish handling involves great care in how you land fish, and begins with choosing appropriate tackle to ensure quick and easy landings. Once a fish is hooked, keep it in the water as much as possible before removing the hook, wetting your hands before picking up the fish to prevent damage, supporting the fish's body rather than squeezing its belly, avoiding contact with the gills, and carefully removing hooks with long-nose pliers. Bring a landing net, pliers, and line cutter.
The owner needs to follow the guide's directions for keeping legal fish and for releasing fish of other sizes. The owner should take a photo of a caught fish before releasing it. The photo should be taken as close to the water as possible with as little disturbance to the fish as possible. One photo with a good close up is far better than having to lift the fish up and down for multiple photos. There are times when embedded hooks or stressed fish need to be released. The owner should consult with the guide as to the proper method for releasing such fish under the current local fishing regulations.
Be flexible and follow the guide's structure to the water, then let your interpretation of light, cover and the bottom direct your fishing. This will give the best chance to target walleye and pike respectively while ensuring that neither are misunderstood in relation to the lake as a whole.
