A lake’s Topography can provide solid clues about where Walleyes may move to feed once waters warm up and plankton blooms develop. Check your lake’s map for “Narrows” areas that separate two large lake or reservoir basins. Those narrows located near spawning areas will be first to hold the fish you are after.
When the wind often blows Perpendicular through the necked down area, it can muster a fair amount of current through the passage. Running water from up water streams entering the lake and underwater springs will do the same thing. On the down current side of the Narrows algae and plankton gather, after being pushed speedily through the gap. This concentrated organic matter draws baitfish, and Walleyes will cross considerable distance to those would be feeding grounds, likely following wind and water current.
Zooplankton depending on the amount of Sunlight. typically suspend in the water column and rise even closer to the surface at night Walleyes hold off the bank of the lake and off the bottom, often many hundreds of yards offshore. Find the right depth, and Trolling passes can score lots of big Walleyes when anglers fishing shoreline beaks or offshore humps barely catch a fish. Remember to fish slower under low or no light and to use somewhat larger and brighter baits.
Wind and water current are key at this time, and light penetration can play a role. Later at dusk or night the breaking points between current and slack water edges can come alive. Note the prevailing winds over the past several days prior to your adventure on the water Those configurations can set currents in motions that continue after winds slacken. Trolling at night with floating diver over 50 feet of water may seem wacky to some, but let your results demonstrate your wisdom. Rich Ziert
