Andrew Martinsen's Walleye Fishing Update Early Season Walleye Fishing in Mesotrophic Lakes Once spawning is over and the walleye are rested, they are now interested in the next meal to swim their way. Post spawn, walleye can be found anywhere that the food is. River mouths, weed beds and the edges of spawning areas are all good places to look for walleye. When vertical jigging, use minnows that are in good condition. You are depending on them to do most of the work, so they need to be active. If you would rather use an artificial lure, opt for one that imitates the natural colors of local baitfish. Long line jigging in the shallows will also work well. Cast over the area that the fish are sitting in. Slowly retrieve your bait adding motion to optimize the entire presentation. You want the lure to be just above the fish. If you drag it through the group you may startle them instead of incite them. Early summer brings on a lot of new activity on the lake. The bugs are starting to hatch and the weeds beds are developing. Walleye will start to gather together in order to enjoy the feast that nature has set before them. Vertical or near vertical jigging are the most successful presentations during this time. Live bait choices can be minnows or leeches. Make sure you slow down your overall presentation. You want to balance the movement of your lure with speed of the walleye. Walleye will take their time in hunting because they have a lot of choices. The jig has to be moving enough to peak interest but stay in the strike zone long enough for the walleye to take it. Summer is a fertile time in these lakes. The vegetation has reached its peak and the baitfish is thriving. Hunt for walleye in weed beds with broad leaves. This type provides shade and cooler water for the walleye. The oxygen levels are very good in these spots as well. Weed beds that are deep or are growing near drops are prime spots to find the walleye. Keep jigging near the weed line. Slip bobbers with bait below are very effective. You can't go wrong with live bait when fishing for walleye; leeches, night crawlers and minnows are all favored offerings. Weed beds are usually the hotspots until fall. As long as walleye have a place to eat and hide from the warmer waters they will stick around. An angler can hunt these areas up until fall. Mesotrophic lakes are prime spots to fish for walleye. There are plenty of numbers and sizes for everyone. When spring is in the air, head out for some quality time on the water. Get The Acclaimed Secret Sauce Walleye Bait Recipe!