Trolling spoons in Erie

[rkropp]

Any info trolling spoons behind dipsies would be appreciated. I'm fishing Lake Erie for walleye. How do you guys know how deep the spoons are running with dipsies? What are you favorite makes and colors of spoons?
Thanks for sharing
Rick

[RickyP]

The Precision Trolling Guide has all the dive curve numbers for dipsies. It all depends on what size dipsie you are using, what size your main line is and how far you have them set to plane to the side, and last but not least your trolling speed.

As far as spoons are concerned, I use both Michian Stinger (scorpion size) and the walleye size Silver Streaks. Both have done well for me. The Streaks paint job does seem to hold up better. I almost exclusively use copper plated blanks in either a smooth or hammered finish. Some good colors are shrimp, mass confusion, boy girl (really hot for me this year), blueberry muffin, and Mi-Hi.

[Bruce William]

I run the big dipsy all the way to the number 3 then let 40 ft out which is four passes of my downrigger reel . It takes it to just about 18 -20 ft down when using 20 lb test. I run it with a small dodger and copper plated Michigan stinger spoon.

I know it is 18-20 ft because when I go below 20ft then I start hanging up on the bottom and catching zebra mussels.

Good luck.

[Hunt4Ever]

Get the Precision Trolling guide. Lots of info there on Dipsy's and Jet Divers. Stinger scorpion spoons work well. I've run them off boards or straight off the boat.

At times it is a good bite. You will get the occasional farm animal (sheephead or catfish) when you fish them toward the bottom. That really get's you going when you feel him, praying that weight on the other end is a walleye.

I've run them from 2.0 - 3.0 mph. Copper backs do work well, although silver back and white back worked well for us lately.

[rkropp]

Thanks guys, every bit helps. I'll invest in the trolling guide. I've seen them but felt that there are to many variables to be accurate, but will give it a try.
Thanks again

[COHO]

i go on a charter every year on the 10th of june, we run the smallest dipsy they make set to run straight, with small spoons off of planer boards. 12# mono, 1.6 mph . last year we caught over 100 fish like this from 7:00am to 1:00pm. we had 6 guys on the boat, and ran 4 poles on each side. its been like that every time we go. fish in front of fermi in 20-24fow very fun.

[POLARBEAR]

how long of leaders do you run? i tried slide divers and dipseys and had a problem seeing the bite. 2 to 4 footers didnt help. lol

[Bruce William]

I run 36 inch leaders.

Also I ran into a new program I will try. Last year I had heard of guys running reef runners and spoons straight back but never the 3-way off the dipsey.

Go Pistons.

http://www.luhrjensen.com/techreports/511%20Lake%20Erie%20Walleye.pdf

[double trouble]

i see u found my article i left. we ran them very effectively last weekend.even had a double, walleye on the spoon and plug. pick a plug that will dive where u want ,then put a spoon above.current fave:deep thunderstick jr. in metallic green or rainbow trout with green spoon or purple red combo.deep husky jerk took fish too. have not tried wiggle warts yet.i feel the longer body baits impart more shimmy.i may try some hot lips express or power dive minnows in the deeper parts of the lake or for steel in erieau.keep your leads 65-80 foot for the bay and up to 100 out deeper.now that my secret is out go for it.

[Ed Michrina]

Rkropp, I found this site a while back it might give you a few Ideas. Its a good read. EDIT:: OOOPS sry I just realized it was posted already.

http://www.luhrjensen.com/techreports/511%20Lake%20Erie%20Walleye.pdf