Walleye Fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish

A Day of Successful Walleye Fishing on Lake Winnie

Lake Winnibigoshish (AKA Big Winnie), a sprawling haven for anglers, is known for hosting extraordinary walleye fishing seasons. Despite the mid-August heat, walleye enthusiasts can reel in eater-sized fish in impressive numbers. With surface temperatures in the upper 70s, these fish won't shy away from the shallows.

Exploring Shallow Waters

In an unexpected twist, anglers are finding walleyes in as little as three feet of water, even during full sun conditions. The key to this phenomenon is the abundant bait present in the shallows, attracting swarms of hungry walleyes. This presents a unique opportunity for anglers to try their hand at shallow water fishing, a tactic that proves effective and exhilarating.

Meeting the Experts

To uncover the secrets of successful walleye fishing on Lake Winnie, we joined forces with seasoned anglers Tony Roach and Nate Brown from Mcardle's Resort. Armed with their wealth of experience and insights, we embarked on a day of adventure, hoping to not only catch plenty of walleyes but also to land some impressive trophies.

Pitching Plastics for Walleyes

One of the tactics employed was pitching plastics. The anglers used paddle tail plastics and worked them near shallow water rock structures, weed lines, and sandy flats. This technique mimicked the movements of baitfish and enticed walleyes to strike. Tony emphasized the advantage of using plastics over live bait, highlighting the multiple opportunities to hook a fish due to the increased action and resilience of plastics.

Trolling for Success

In addition to pitching plastics, the anglers employed trolling techniques to cover more water and target walleyes in diverse locations. By pulling spinners with crawler rigs at a controlled speed of 1.4 to 2 miles per hour, they effectively enticed bites from walleyes that were cruising the vast flats. Adjusting the trolling speed based on the fish's responsiveness proved to be a crucial element of this technique.

The Lund Pro V Advantage

Throughout their fishing adventure, the anglers enjoyed the benefits of the redesigned 1975 Lund Pro V boat. This fishing machine offered well-thought-out features, such as increased dash space to accommodate larger electronics, convenient tool holders, and a removable bait well. The boat's versatility allowed them to effortlessly switch between pitching and trolling, showcasing its suitability for various fishing styles.

Adapting to Changing Conditions

Lake Winnie's diverse ecosystem constantly keeps anglers on their toes. The lake's structural changes, varying weed lines, and evolving baitfish patterns require adaptability. Tony and Nate acknowledged the lake's dynamic nature and highlighted how they adjusted their techniques based on changing conditions and fish behavior throughout the day.

A Promising Future

As anglers and guides, Tony and Nate are excited about the healthy year classes of walleyes they encountered during their outing. These promising signs bode well for Lake Winnie's future as a premier fishing destination. The presence of abundant healthy eater-sized fish indicates a thriving ecosystem that supports not only the current fishing experience but also future generations of anglers.

Lake Winnie's allure lies in its ability to provide a diverse and exciting fishing experience. From pitching plastics to trolling spinners, anglers can employ various tactics to connect with walleyes in different parts of the lake. With its stunning scenery, abundant baitfish, and accessible shallow waters, Lake Winnie offers an unforgettable fishing adventure that combines the thrill of the catch with the beauty of the outdoors. 

For more info on the fishing boat used in this video, visit the product page for Lund’s Pro-V 1975.