River Walley-want to learn to catch

[DEERSLAYER]

I want to learn to catch river Walley { I will be fishing the lower Muskegon river }can somebody out there give me some tips on what to look for ,what method to use or any other helpfull info.I tried it a couple of times but had no luck.

[stevebrandle]

Every river has it's own special tactics, but I can tell you how we fish on the Tittabawassee.

In the spring, most fishermen will "drift". This method is to motor to the upstream end of a hole or run and then kill the motor and let the boat drift over the spot. An electric trolling motor is helpful to hold your position in the river. The boat will usually turn sideways to the current and lines can be set over the side of the boat.

Baits to use are usually lead-head jigs with a rubber wiggler-type tail. Colors vary by the water and sunlight conditions. The amount of current in the river at any given time will determine how heavy of head to use. You want the jig to "tick" the bottom as you drift because this is where the fish will be most of the time. If you don't feel the bottom once in awhile, use a heavier jig head. If your constantly snagging bottom; go with a lighter one. Use a little rod action to lift the jig off the bottom every now and then to make the bait resemble a minnow.

Another bait to try is a crawler harness fished the same way as the jig. Live bait sometimes works better when the water is cloudy. Blade colors will be a day to day thing.

Still fishing over a hole will sometimes work by casting, but if the fishing pressure is heavy this won't be very productive. Crank baits like Hot-in-Tots or Wiggle Worts are usually used because of the bigger lip to get the plug deep.

This is a quick overveiw of river fishing around here and I'm sure there are more ways than these. Bait shops will clue you in to the local practices and maybe even tell you where to try your luck.

Good Luck, Steve B.

[toto]

If you don't have a boat, one of the best ways is to use the lead head jig and a minnow. Cast your offering upstream at about a 45 degree angle and fish as you would trout. Keep a tight line between you and the offering, don't worry about feelin hit, that won't be a problem. You can use crawlers also if the water is warm enough.

I used to live on the Tittabawassee River when I lived in Saginaw, and I used to get walleyes all the time this way. Two of us would go for lunch from work and in an hour we would catch our limits in this fashion. If you have a boat, the method Steve mentioned works very well.

[DEERSLAYER]

Oops, I just relized I asked this question in the cold water section. I just wanted to say thanks for the help!![I'm not sure what kind of hole or run to look for though { slow,fast minimum depth,etc. }].

[toto]

Steve Brandle, are you the same Steve Brandle that used to bowl on a Sunday nite mixed doubles league a few years ago? My wife and I used to bowl with Tom and Tammy Lutz, if you are the same guy, hi!!

[stevebrandle]

Bowling?? Nope, not me. I haven't been near a bowling ball for 15 years.

As far as reading a river for fishable water..........I could write a book about all there's to say on that subject.

If you don't know the river you're fishing, a depth finder will help you find the deeper water. (holes) A general rule of thumb is on bends of a river the outside edge of the bend will be deeper water. Anything that obstructs the flow of water, such as logs, boulders, abandoned cars etc. will usually have a hole downstream from them.

Aside from all that, if your question is "what part of the river will I catch fish in?", all I can say is, GO FISH!!!! (just making a joke)

Good Luck, Steve

[Erik]

Rocks, show me a river with lots of big rocks and I'll show you a river that has lots of walleyes!
Crawlers work well in the early to mid summer. But early spring, winter and fall are different. Early spring and winter I like jigs and minnows. Fall, and (under certain conditions like when the smelt are running) in late spring, I like rapalla countdowns or bombers. Yes the season is usually closed when the smelt start running, however, the season only closes for inland water. The great lakes waters are open year around. ie... time to hit the PEIRS! Ever notice how many rocks are piled up around the peir heads? Smelt come in and take refuge in those rocks. I have literally slayed em a time or two using this method.

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Phish

[toto]

Erik, a good place to get big walleyes at nite is around AuGres. Cast smelt imitating lures (bombers, rapalas,etc) and you can have a blast. Your chances of getting a 10# + fish are quite good too. <"><

[Erik]

I've never done the Augres, will have to try it. I usually go just a wee bit further north. Would like to get out and try this weekend but doesn't look like time is going to allow it. Best time is during the week anyways. Hmmm, think I feel a sick day comming, soon!
My friends have been telling me that the Detroit river is full of walleyes right now. I think I'd rather get my fish elsewhere though! Know what I mean?


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Phish

[toto]

Yeah I do, but whats funny is guys won't eat walleyes out the Tittabawassee or the Saginaw but they eat them out of the Saginaw Bay. The last I knew the Titt drains into the Saginaw which drains into Saginaw Bay, wierd huh?

[Steve]

And actually the water in the Tit and Saginaw might actually be cleaner now as it's constantly getting flushed as opposed to the bay which kindof sits there.