一些文摘

A misconception many people have when searching for walleye is to probe deep water, especially where rocks and boulders are present. This is the right train of thought for many of the Shield lakes, yet for the Kawarthas, a huge population of walleye are shallow and weed-orientated fish. The majority of my fishing in the Kawarthas is done in water less than 10 feet deep, and 90% of that time I'm probing the weeds, so keep this point in mind when launching the boat this spring.

Bright Days = Jigging Time

I generally start the morning period by trolling shallow, and, if the conditions stay overcast and favourable, then I will continue with this pattern if I am catching fish. If the sun comes up, however, or the fish are in a negative mood, then I reach for my jigging rod and head straight into the weeds after them.
Early in the season my main concentration is on newly emergent weeds, as these will attract bait fish, which will in-turn, attract hungry walleye. This weed growth also acts as cover for the walleye to retreat to when conditions brighten up. My game plan at this time of year is to cruise the shallows (concentrating on water between four and eight-feet-deep) in search of productive-looking weed beds, weed lines, or where one variety of weed changes quickly into another. Once these prime areas have been found, it is simply a matter of pitching a jig up beside the cover in order to entice a strike. Concentrate on the outside edge of the weed first, and progressively work into the weed bed itself until you connect with a fish. Thoroughly probe and work the weed bed over until you have connected with a fish, or are convinced a walleye is not lurking inside, then simply move to the next.

Jigs for this type of fishing are quite standard and straightforward. My first choice would be a bucktail jig, in either a quarter ounce or half ounce model. The reason for going with a jig a bit heavier than usual is to get the bait quickly down to the base of the weeds where the walleye's strike zone will be found. There are hundreds of different bucktail jigs on the market, yet one thing to keep in mind is to find one with a sturdy and sharp hook, and also one with a good bucktail-to-body construction. One of the better types on the market today are created by the editor of this publication, Big Jim himself. These jigs have accounted for a large number of walleye for me over the years, and are the first I reach for when tying up each season.

Hotspots on the Kawarthas

Gannon's Narrows (located between Pigeon and Buckhorn Lake) - This area is a definite hotspot come opening day, with many boats and anglers vying for the walleye's attention. The number one choice of lure in this deeper-water area is jig and minnow combination, slowly and deliberately bounced on the bottom.

Burleigh Falls (located on Stoney Lake) - This is another tried-and-true area with the abundant current holding many walleye in place. Jigs and minnows seems to produce best, although casting with minnow baits does pay off in big dividends, especially for those willing to go out after dark.

Causeway (located on Chemong Lake) - Shorecasters have been making the journey to this hotspot for years, as it offers a chance for those without a boat to scrape up some walleye. Fishing live bait under floats and casting crank baits seems to be the best presentation during spring.

Weedbeds at Red Rock Island (located on Buckhorn Lake) - Casting crankbaits and jigging in the weeds are the keys to cashing in on this area. Watch for the sudden depth changes, and present you bait at these key spots.

Islands east of Crowe's Landing (located on Stoney Lake) - The islands located at this area are like magnets to the walleye. Trolling with deep-diving cranks or live-bait rigs seems to produce best, with many good-sized fish being taken during the "witching hour" at this spot.