Getting ready for the 2011 walleye opener

By: Ron Hustvedt

The walleye opener is a time-honored tradition in Minnesota full of memories and rituals not to mention a ton of fun. Even though we like to laugh and joke about all the mishaps we experience throughout the years, eliminating complications is the ultimate goal of a successful opener. Don’t let the simple things that are easy to overlook ruin this year’s opener.Almost every problem you deal with on opener can be avoided: whether it’s the guy pulled over on the side of the road with a busted trailer; the boat at the launch that just won’t start; or, your fishing partner in the back whose old fishing line keeps breaking. Avoiding problems is especially critical when bringing kids along for the trip. Little mishaps here and there are bound to happen and give you something to laugh about, but a major breakdown is a surefire way to ruin a good time.

Check your equipment
Preparation is the key to having a fun, joyous opener and now is the time to get everything ready. Make sure your boat battery is charged and in good shape. While you are at it check the operation of all of your boats electronics. If you have interior lights make sure they work for any night fishing you plan on doing. If you don’t have interior lights but still want to night fish, put together what you’ll need to avoid fumbling around the boat at night. Get down to your boat trailer and check for any cracks in the frame while at the same time packing your bearings. Even trailers with bearing buddies need to be checked, no exceptions. Check those trailer tires and be sure they are properly inflated. Consider investing in some simple water muffs so you can get your boat started in the driveway. If you don’t have these, you can still check your boat’s ability to crank by dry firing it for a few seconds.Do not forget to freshen up your fishing line where appropriate and take care of any maintenance to your rods and reels. Sharpen the hooks of those lures you plan on using and pre-rig your rods before getting on the water.

Walleye fishing basics
There are a lot of boats on the lakes during opener and so many of them are not catching walleye. It’s too bad because walleye this time of the year can be pretty willing to bite. For the most part they are done spawning, have rested enough and are hungry. I fish Mille Lacs on opener, but whether you are on a big body of water or a small one, fish shoreline structural areas. Typically you want to find sandy bottom locations with emerging vegetation or shallow rock reefs. Depths will be shallower than 20 feet with 10 feet being the focal point to begin with. Should there be a walleye chop and overcast skies then move shallower. If the lake is a mirror and the sun is high, however, start fishing deeper but don’t be afraid to move shallow especially if the water temperatures are low. A livebait rig with a minnow, leech or crawler is a great way to start walleye fishing on opener with jigs being another good option as well as slip bobber rigs. Trolling or casting crankbaits around rock reefs or sand is another good option that is easy to fish. I like minnows and leeches when the water is calmer but if there’s a good chop going then nightcrawlers are the way to go from the start.

Small boat, big lake?
One of the best things about opening weekend is that anglers with smaller boats can, under most conditions, fish big bodies of water like Mille Lacs or Winnibigoshish without difficulty. These big lakes are wonderful locations for walleye fishing but because of their size, smaller boats are unable to access them throughout most of the summer when the wind is blowing. Opening weekend weather can be a crapshoot, but because walleye are relating to shoreline structure anglers with smaller boats can get to the right locations without too many troubles. If the wind is blowing hard try launching on the opposite end of the lake. Always pay close attention to the conditions, however. On Mille Lacs both sides of the lake have locations of vast sandbars within half a mile of shore. Later in the season the walleye move out to the big basin, but right now there’s an opportunity close to shore that most everybody can enjoy without trouble.

Weather and Mother
Some openers have snow while others have blistering sun. Some even have both. Either way, Minnesota’s May weather is unpredictable and it’s easier to pack for it all rather than go without. Because it’s her special weekend, don’t forget to take care of Mom or the wife before you head out of town. It’s good to bring something back as well, but it’s always worthwhile to do something nice beforehand as well.

Extra special opener
This year’s opener is especially important for me to make sure there are no complications because I’m taking my three-year old son out for his first ever opener. I might be even more excited about it than he is and I’m doing all that I can to ensure a good time for him. Taking kids with you is a big part of the tradition but they require some extra measures to eliminate problems. As a hardcore angler, I’m able to stay out on the lake for the entire day and not even bat an eye. This is not part of the game plan for any three-year-old nor should it be—kids work best with shorter trips, usually only a few hours at a time. Kids get colder faster than adults so make sure to have more than enough clothing along just in case. It’s also a good idea to have some snacks onboard. Our plan is to try and catch some walleye on Gull Lake in the afternoon and after dinner on Saturday. Should the walleye not feel like biting, I’m going to give in easier than I would in any film shoot and try to find some fish that are cooperating. If the walleye are not going crazy on opener, don’t be afraid to switch to bluegills, perch, crappie or even northern pike. This is a must with kids in the boat but it’s not a bad idea for anybody who would prefer to have some action rather than go fishless. Livebait fishing can sometimes be too slow for a child’s attention span so consider trolling crankbaits if the livebait doesn’t work. It’s easier to fish and the walleye set the hook themselves. Just put the rod in the holder and let the kids reel in all the fish. If the weather is bad it’s better to do something else besides go fishing. Snow, freezing rain and torrential downpours are good survival stories but they are no way to get a kid hooked on fishing. The great thing about bringing kids along is that you can start new traditions for yourself. A campfire and s’mores is in our plans plus who knows what else. The key is that he’s anticipating the fun of opener as much as I am.

Include kids in prep
Getting ready for the big opener is one of the most important parts of the tradition and it’s a good idea to let your kids be a part of that preparation. They feel like a valuable part of the team and it also helps them take more ownership with the experience. Giving them something they put into the effort beforehand can make sure they get more out of it. My son loves to hunt for nightcrawlers (almost a much as he loves fishing) and he’s planning on collecting a bundle for our weekend outing. A good quality closed-face fishing reel is best for kids because they are the easiest of all to use. Let your child practice casting correctly before getting on the water. The time spent beforehand is what makes opener great for everybody—especially those who are going to be part of the tradition for many years to come.

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