Scott Seibert and Shelly Holland just got back from Lake Winnipeg where their group caught 20 (!!) Master Angler greenback walleyes. They talk presentation, depth and overall strategy.

Introduction

In this article, I will be sharing the exciting details of our recent walleye fishing trip on Lake Winnipeg. This was our third year visiting the lake, and it turned out to be an absolutely phenomenal trip. Unlike the previous two years, where we struggled to catch walleye over thirty inches, this time we had incredible success. We caught multiple walleye over thirty inches, with some even surpassing the thirty-inch mark. The experience of fishing in a big group and working together as a team made this trip truly memorable. In this article, I will be sharing the highlights of our trip, including the techniques and baits that worked best for us.

A Successful Trip

Our group consisted of twelve people, which was a significant change from our previous trips when it was just me and Scott. Initially, we were concerned that fishing with a larger group might make it harder to find fish. However, we came up with a strategy of playing leapfrog. Whenever someone caught a big fish, we would circle around that person and then move on to the next person who caught a fish. Surprisingly, this strategy worked well for us, and we were able to catch several big fish in succession. It was a unique experience for me, and it made me feel like a real fisherman.

Working as a Team

One of the key factors that contributed to our success was working together as a team. Just like in iced tea, teamwork is essential in fishing. While it doesn’t always work out, this time it did. We were able to coordinate our efforts and make the most of our time on the ice. It required us to be flexible and adapt to the changing conditions. We had to drill a lot of holes due to the thick ice, which took a toll on our backs. But it was all worth it when we started catching fish.

Effective Baits and Techniques

When it came to bait selection, the number five crawdad colored rip and wrap proved to be the best choice for catching big fish. The rattling noise and the erratic movement of the rip and wrap attracted the walleye and enticed them to strike. We also had success using the leech flutter spoon, but the rip and wrap was the clear winner. It was important to make sure the bait was hitting the bottom and stirring up the sediment to attract the fish.

Fishing in Shallow Water

In addition to fishing in deeper water, we also tried our luck in shallow water. We started in eight feet of water, and my son Cody even went as shallow as six feet. However, due to the thick ice, we only ended up fishing in about two feet of water. This presented a challenge when it came to setting the hook. Some people made the mistake of setting the hook too hard out of instinct, resulting in missed opportunities. Despite not catching the biggest fish myself, I still had a blast. The energy that flows through your body when you catch a big walleye is indescribable. Seeing the fish come out of the hole and realizing its size is truly a thrilling experience.

Impressive Catch Count

While we didn’t have a chance to tally up the exact count of fish we caught, I estimate that our group caught around 15 to 20 fish over 28 inches. This is an impressive number and speaks to the abundance of walleye in Lake Winnipeg. It was truly a phenomenal trip, and I hope we have the opportunity to go back next year and experience similar success.

Continued Learning and Improvement

Fishing the same body of water year after year allows us to learn and improve our techniques. Even though we only visit Lake Winnipeg once a year, we still gain valuable knowledge each time. We are excited to apply what we have learned on our next trip and continue to refine our skills. The camaraderie and shared passion for fishing among our group make these trips even more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Our recent walleye fishing trip on Lake Winnipeg was a resounding success. We caught multiple walleye over thirty inches, with some even surpassing the thirty-inch mark. Working together as a team and employing effective baits and techniques were key factors in our success. Fishing in both deep and shallow water provided us with different challenges and opportunities. While I didn’t catch the biggest fish myself, the thrill of the catch and the memories made will stay with me forever. If you’ve ever considered visiting Lake Winnipeg for its renowned walleye fishing, I encourage you to go for it. The experience is truly unforgettable.