Spring Walleye - Help !!

[Dansar]

I've been going to Lac Kipawa since 1985. We only fished lakers in the beginning but are now mainly fishing for walleye, pike and whitefish. Catching lots of small mouths these last few years which worries me. The last few years we have seen a big decline in walleye. So I'm reaching out to the forum for help. What works for you ? We fish out of Smith Bay up at the north end, beginning of June. We love are time on Lac Kipawa but the love is starting to wear thin. Help us gain our love back !!

[RHYBAK]

Leeches with a float close to shore 3 to 7 feet below the float depending on depth of water.

[T-Bone]

I agree with Mr. Rhybak (don't faint John!)...shallow...<10 fow. We caught tons of eyes in early-June in 8 fow on a little hump that stood out on our finder. Subtle changes in depth or bottom composition should have fish on them.

Alternatively...go later in the year...we catch tons of fish (and no bugs!). Last few years have been better than the 15+ before that...

Broke the 100 day barrier this morning!!! Whoooo hoooo!!!

[Balsams]

While I do not usually fish Kipawa, what goes for us in the ZEC is basically the same. After many years going same time of year, we realize some years are better than others...and spring conditions dictate things a great deal. Every 4 years things are really good...I think this is the year! Actually I'm certain. Early June walleye are starting to come out of the back bay areas and the cows should be starting to feed again. Check first the back bay areas shallow like the other guys say...a motor trolling even in that shallow water shouldn't spook the fish. Try a smallest size ( 2 treble hook ) old school rapala orange or a shallow running small shad rap perch pattern. You likely get pike too. If these areas aren't working, start working your way out to transition areas and around main lake island clusters. Troll a shad rap or crank bait that will get down 12 to 15 ft in 8 to 20 FOW...just control length of line if in shallower areas where it goes up and down...ticking off the bottom every couple seconds or 5 to 10 secs or so is OK. Troll up and down of the shelf, and parallel at various depths from shore...and from island to island. You'll get walleye and lakers. Explore new spots if you're there for more than 4 or 5 days...spend a whole day, it will pay off for subsequent years.
Man, I'm already there..............into my second flat of beer........and the fishng is great....
35 days now??

[Canuckbass]

Current I like early season. I'm trying to sneak up before the gang to actually fish and search before their arrival. Would love to find quantity of fish close to island late May.