Pro Fishing Tip of the Week: How to present for late-winter walleyes

The walleye bite on Minnesota’s Lake Mille Lacs has been a bit tough for bigger fish. The walleyes in the 10- to 13-inch category are by far the most abundant biters since the abundance of perch has been making the bigger fish fat and happy.

With a tougher late season bite, I like to run up shallow. Fishing aggressively in 8 to 12 feet late into February can produce giant Lake Mille Lacs walleyes! Presentation is very important.

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Set lines are always a go-to on Mille Lacs and this winter is no different. Simple is best: split shot and a plain hook.

Minnow choice is also very important, a big shiner or medium-sized sucker is what you want. This time of year big fish want big meals.

You will want a minnow lively enough that you can see your bobber or line dancing. The second important part is loud jigs, in both color and sound.

My bright colors with a large rattle or, even better, multiple rattles have been great attention-grabbers. Antagonizing the bigger walleyes gets them fired up, and usually they give up on your jig and grab that lively larger minnow!

Matt Treno

Years of guiding experience: 19

Favorite lake: Mille Lacs

Favorite fish to catch: Smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie

Treno can be reached to schedule fishing trips online at www.mattsfishing.com, via email at matttreno@hotmail.com, or by calling (612) 619-5690.