Among the many outdoor activities that are in and around the Duluth area, fishing is a popular way to get some time on and around lakes and rivers. Walleye are a common game fish around the area and UMD Muskie and Walleye fishing team member Brad Rhode shares some tips about how to catch a few.
Even as the air starts to cool off and as ice approaches, the fish will still bite. Photo by Erik Gaffron/UMD Statesman
Rhode says that he focuses on using jigs or a Lindy rig complete with a Jig hook or a Lindy rig with a leech or worm on hard, rocky structure at the bottom of the lake. If he finds himself over a soft, muddy bottom, Rhode opts for a Shad Rap crankbait or a Lindy rig.
When it comes to targeting a depth, he retrieves his lures to hit an area from 15 to 30 feet deep and says that the fish are found on structures “off of flats, rocks piles, or drop offs,” Rhode said.
Last but not least, Rhode stressed that adapting to conditions to find success is a major factor.
“The weather and the wind will change what can be done to catch fish,” Rhode said, “wind can play a huge role in fishing.”