Finally: Opening Day Walleyes!

Mike Frisch

By Mike Frisch Finally, opening day for the gamefish season, aka “the walleye opener” is here! This is the day many of us have been waiting for since putting the boats away last fall. Now, however, anticipation gives way to action, and having a good game plan for opening day can mean the difference between success and frustration.

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Early Season Bassin’!

Largemouth bass

By Mike Frisch Spring largemouth bass fishing is usually a shallow water affair as these fish are often in, and around, shallow water cover at this time. Pencil reed patches, boat docks, fallen trees, and any other shallow cover will often harbor largemouth bass as they go through their spawning ritual, and also roam the shallows looking for food. When chasing “largies” at this time, I often rely on two bait presentations.

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Lake Okoboji, IA

Lake Okoboji, IA

  Download Full Map Iowa’s Great Panfish Lake Iowa’s Great Lakes is a chain of natural, glacial lakes located in the state’s northwest quadrant. Noted for clear water and an abundance of popular sportfish, they cover nearly 14,000 acres. Three primary lakes, Spirit, East Okoboji and West Okoboji, account for more than 80 percent of the total surface area.

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The Swivel-Head Advantage

The Swivel-Head Advantage

  Shallow structure, warm water and willing early-season walleyes: this scenario plays out many times over as spring inches its way across the Walleye Belt, and the setup begs for a properly presented lead head jig. But shallow structure also means emerging weeds, rocks or bottom debris that can snag, foul or otherwise impede a jig’s action, and frustrate a fisherman’s best efforts. When you find yourself battling the bottom, take a tip from fishing guide, tournament angler and Team Northla…

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