During the first open water forays of the year, most walleye anglers — even many sophisticated types — don’t equate hard-bodied lures with early season success. In reality, nothing could be further from the facts. Yes, jigs and rigs have been and will remain the staple presentation in cold water. But, I’m here to dispel some myths and make a case for you giving crankbaits some serious consideration this spring.

Shake the trees and walleyes come out. From mid-to late summer, mature, well-fed and largely overlooked beauties reside in submerged treetops in virtually every deep water reservoir in the walleye belt.

Granted, some time periods are better than others – such as late spring and early summer, when postspawn ‘eyes invade the trees. Fall marks another pinnacle of activity. But even during midsummer, when sweltering days and soaring water temperatures slow the bit, more than a few resident walleyes watch from the wood. Read full article.