Ask the Walleye Pro: Jeff Taege

Q: What is the preferred water temperature for walleyes? Last weekend I was catching fish in 12 feet of water with a surface temperature of nearly 80 degrees. I was mainly fishing for smallmouth bass, so I thought this was a little weird. Was this unusual? I thought walleyes preferred much colder water.

-Greg

A: Though walleyes show a preference of water temperatures in the upper 50s to the lower 70s, it is not at all uncommon to find them inhabiting water in excess of 80 degree surface temperatures. Many lakes that are known for their large walleye populations (Lake Winnebago for example) have surface water temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s for a good portion of the summer.

Q: Do you have any suggestions for catching walleyes in Lake Minnetonka? I’ve fished it a lot for bass and have had great success. I’ve heard there is a healthy population of walleyes too? Do you have any locations or tips that I could try? Thanks in advance.

-Lance Johnson, Mound, Minn.

A: Unfortunately, I have no experience fishing Lake Minnetonka, and know very little about the lake itself. The best advice I could give would be to check into hiring a guide that specializes in walleyes on Lake Minnetonka. If a guide doesn’t work for you, I would gather as much info as I could by talking to locals, visiting bait shops and researching on the web.

Q: What is a three-way rig? How is it used? Would it be a good tactic for Lake Michigan?

-Larry, Escanaba, Mich.

A: A three-way rig simply described is a leader, (usually three to five inches in length) to which your presentation is attached. Presentations include plain hooks, crawler harnesses, floating jigheads, and small to medium stickbaits such as No. 7 or No. 9 original floating Rapalas to name a few. A dropper (usually six to 15 inches in length) to which a weight is attached. The weights used are commonly bell sinkers or jigs and are used to carry the presentation to a desired depth or bottom and/or current. The dropper and the leader are then attached to the main line from the rod by using a special swivel that has three attachment points.

A three-way rig is most commonly used in river situations. They are generally pulled upstream and laterally in the current, with an electric or gas powered auxiliary motor. There is really no reason a three-way couldn’t be used on Lake Michigan to present live bait, spinners, spoons, or crankbaits. However, the use of Off-Shore snap weights allows you to snap on weights well ahead of lures to prevent spooking fish and they are much more practical than three-ways.

Q: Do you think there is any benefit to using a treble hook with your live-bait presentation? I like to use one when fishing walleyes with a slip-bobber and a leech, I think I have a better chance of placing the hook in the top of the fish’s mouth with a treble. Others disagree with me and say I should use a jig or a plain hook. What are your thoughts?

-Ron Carlson, Shakopee, Minn.

A: I generally use a single hook or light jig under my slip bobber presentations, but if a treble hook works for you by all means stick with it. Be sure to use a hook that is small or light enough that it doesn’t impede the natural swimming motion of your leech. Most ice fisherman use a small No. 10 or No. 8 treble hook under their tip-ups which is virtually the same concept as a slip-bobber. I would recommend not using treble hooks when fishing in cover such as wood, weeds, and in some cases rock, simply because should your rigs come in contact with the structure your odds of snagging are tripled. I have found No. 4 to No. 6 octopus-style hooks and 1/16 to 1/8 ounce Lindy Veggie-Jigs to work exceptionally well for me.

Jeff Taege is a veteran of both the Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour and Professional Walleye Trail. The Rhinelander, Wis. native has fished competitively since 1992, chalking up top-10 finishes and qualifying for championships each year on both tours. In 2004, Taege was the runner-up for the prestigious FLW Walleye Tour Angler of the Year award. Teage is also involved with National Professional Anglers Association, a prestigious group of 100 invitees dedicated to the advancement of professional angling. His sponsors include St. Croix Rods, Storm Lures, Tempress/Fish-On and Off Shore Tackle.