That resulted in good opening day catches even on last year's chilly, windy opener when snow and sleet fell in some areas of the state, Payer said. The depth of their lethargy depended on location. Lakes farther south can be as much as three weeks ahead of northern lakes, Payer said. It never hurts to study a good lake map, even if you're familiar with the lake. Look for the bottom contours that hold fish, paying close attention to points, humps, sunken islands and saddles near spawning areas in the main lake or near the mouths of rivers and creeks walleyes use to spawn.
Females leave spawning areas first.
Males linger, then follow females to main-lake structure. Try fishing the warmer northern bays with dark or sandy bottoms that absorb heat and ignite the food chain. Plankton attracts baitfish and baitfish draw walleyes. Always pay attention to wind direction. An in-coming breeze for several days concentrates warm water and baitfish.