What water temperature is best for catching walleyes, and what tactics work at those temps?

Answer:
For big walleyes, in the fall when water temps drop just below 50 – Fall Time is Hog Time. The key to success is to use subtle presentations.

Crankbaits trolled at slow speeds can often initiate strikes. The key is to get baits that have a good action at slow speeds (less than 1.8 mph). Look at the Berkley Flicker Minnow lineup of lures – especially the #9 and #11 for big fish.

Jig trolling is also a good tactic for cool water. It’s perfect for working deeper breaks and channel edges. Use your electric motor to slowly move along the break with a 3/8 ounce jig. Move just fast enough to trail the jig at a 45 degree angle to the rod tip, while still maintaining bottom contact. Tip the jig with a larger minnow style bait like a Gulp! 4 inch Minnow or a 3.5 inch Powerbait Ripple Shad and hold on … this is a big fish killer tactic!

Summer can also be dynamite, when water temps are above 70 degrees and walleyes are very active. This is when trolling more moderate to high action crankbaits excel, like Berkley Flicker Shads (size 6,7, 9) and Berkley Flicker Minnows (Size 7,9,11). Just remember to pick up the speed – often 2.5 mph is a great summer speed and with provoke reactionary strikes as the lure flickers by hungry walleyes!

Good Luck Fishing,