Walleye Tips

Navigator · 08-24-2003, 09:16 PM

Never done this. A buddy of mine wants take his boat out on the John Day pool and I was thinking we might try it. Can someone point out some tips to get us started? If the John Day pool is not the best spot for Walleye - perhaps some general suggestions on bass and panfish.

I am going to ask about the steelhead techniques for the John Day arm on the other board.

marko · 08-25-2003, 06:46 AM

There is a Walleye clinic at Fisherman's in OC periodically. It usually is on the last Thursday of the month, which would be this Thursday. You might call them and ask about it.

Tanner · 08-25-2003, 08:24 AM

This time of year I go almost strictly to powertrolling crankbaits or trolling spinner and worm harnesses on bottom walkers.

There is alot of Walleye fishing to be had above the John Day Dam and some even into the John Day arm. Look for ledges, shallow flats or sunken islands with deep water nearby.

I like to troll crankbaits downstream and worm harnesses upstream. The crankbaits will dive alot deeper when you troll them downstream.

Navigator · 08-26-2003, 10:49 PM

Thanks. I will post how we do.

Navigator · 09-07-2003, 09:38 AM

Well, we had a nice trip but in the end we stuck to smallmouth fishing in the arm. We ran all the way up to Tumwater Falls and then relaxed and fished the upper end of the arm. We didn't find any smallies of great size or numbers, but we did manage to bring 26 to the boat - keeping 9 for a few fillets. Most were small dinks - but we did get a few in the 8-10" range. I love the tenacity and spunk in these small fish - especially when you get one closer to 9 or 10". Would love to stick some larger than that.

We got the bass trolling and casting worm harnesses (rainbow w/ copper blade) and small jigs. Very few other boats fishing. Wind kicked up around 4:00 p.m.