Catching walleye/pike at 30-40'

[coreyhkh]

Hey guys I have been on vacation and fishing Lake muskoka all weekend and I did pretty good around 30 fish largest was about 30" and a number of nice small mouth I got trolling for pike.

Anyway today I went out and a cold front came through I know that the fish go deep so I started looking for them and sure enough there was fish galore off the bays drop off around 30-45'. I tried trolling and adding weight but I could not seem to get down that deep. What would you guys recommend to target these fish,I am gussing they where walleye and pike and probably small-mouth too.

 

Thanks for the help

Happy fishing:D

[Jer]

Vertical jigging with a good heavy spoon.

[johnnyb]

More weight....like a solid 2 ounces in front of a swivel....or a diving device, such as a Dipsy Diver, Pink Lady or Torpedo. Beyond that, you could look at leadcore line or downriggers....if you feel like going on a real shopping spree

Of course....there are a few lures on the market that will hit 30ft with lots of line out....Reefrunners and Deep Taildancers are 2 that come to mind right away

[Roy]

At 40', be prepared to keep a lot of what you catch though.

[troutologist]

One cold front does not mean a wholesale exodus of shallow fish, they more likely reduced the distance they were willing to chase and hit a lure, slow down and fish more methodically.

 

Roy hit the nail on the head...

[manitoubass2]

Bottom bouncers and Macks wally popswork good at that depth or even deeper, I use them at anywhere between 40-80ft for walleye. Need a heavy bottom bouncer though, at least 1oz, but preferably larger.

 

You can always jig as well, either vertical or cast/retrieve.

 

But as already mentioned, your gonna be keeping some of these fish unless you have experience fizzing

Edited May 25, 2011 by manitoubass2

[doubleheader]

This time of year the deep water is likely still very cold. Try a 1/2 oz bb on a floating jig head and go only fast enough to keep the line tight. This technique works very well in early season cold fronts and calm conditions, especially on breaks.

[Governator]

The simplest option is just a bottom bouncer. Takes your line right down and keeps it off the ground. Tie a 3-5' leader to it.

[coreyhkh]

Thanks guys I got some 1 and 3oz sinkers today at BPS I will try again in a few weeks. Also another question how do you guys decided on water colour to use especially fishing deep? I have around 60 lures and I can never decide what to use.

[ctdd2006]

Thanks guys I got some 1 and 3oz sinkers today at BPS I will try again in a few weeks. Also another question how do you guys decided on water colour to use especially fishing deep? I have around 60 lures and I can never decide what to use.

 

I think in a couple weeks this post becomes irrelevant.....they'll be close to summer patterns then.....help me if I'm wrong! Please.

[PikeMolester]

what is everyone trolling with for pike that all these smallies are hitting? It is mentioned in 3 pike threads.

[limeyangler]

i say keep it simple....3/8 oz Knuckle ball jig with a big (3"-4") sucker minnow.....the minnow and jig shape keep it off bottom/snag free.

 

30' and you should just get to put 'em back....40' and their air bladders will be hanging out thier*&^%^%