The walleye bite in the Bemidji Lakes Area is already in full swing and it hasn’t been more than a week since opener. Water temperatures are around the high 40’s and low 50’s, with the fish being post-spawn and eating. My best areas for locating walleyes have been in shallow sand and gravel areas ranging from 4-10ft. I have also been finding plenty of fishing hanging out on the edge of old cabbage beds and also around new weed growth.
The best way I’ve found to target these fish is to sit away from the area you’re fishing and pitch a 1/8-ounce jig and a shiner minnow; picking the jig up off bottom about 6-8 inches and letting it fall back. However, when fishing the edge of the cabbage I like to use a live bait rig with a spottail shiner or a leech. A 6-foot fluorocarbon leader with a number 2 red hook and a 1/8 bullet sinker will get the job done.
When I ran into an area with walleyes on it, the bite has been very good and the fish are aggressive. Covering plenty of water is the best method for locating these fish and when you find them it’s been a blast. Hopefully this helps you succeed in your early season walleye fishing adventures!
Tight lines,
Matt Newell
Team Yukon Outdoors
