Kevin J Legg

Thanks so much everyone. I'll have my friend Rich contact you.

JT, I'd still need to let out at least 150 feet to get the depths I often fish and with the short trolls I think it might be a pain. Also constantly changing bottom contour could be a problem. I may try running it using heavy bottom bouncers as it would probably help with the fleas and perhaps achieve the desired depths easier even than braid.

Justin. The other morning I forgot to change my rods and didn't bring my bottom bouncer rigs. I happened to have a lake rod with copper set up for salmon on board and set it up with a bottom bouncer. The rod was a little to long but I did catch a walleye on it. I may try running either or wire or copper with a different rod with bottom bouncer some morning as it might help with the fleas. Some guys use lead core but I like that 45 degree angle to bottom bouncer as I seem to have better depth control. I believe they use it on the Detroit River.

While I'm at it, has anyone fished Canadice or Hemlock? Since they're nearby and probably get less pressure, my buddy may also give them a shot.

Devin, Sorry but I thought topic was still River walleyes. I think I got caught up in between yours and Justin's jabs! I actually agree with you as I use mono on the lake and Quinte but can't say I've tried the braid in that application. I know some of the Quimte guides that use it. Good fishing and keep experimenting. It keeps things interesting and occasionally pays off..

Sorry Fleet Tracker but I fish the lake and Quinte a lot and have caught plenty of eyes over 10 lbs. As I've previously said, on the open lake situations I also prefer running 10-12 lb. mono. I've never had an issue landing large walleyes on it in open water especially since you're generally running long leads off boards. Lets face it, even a trophy walleye isn't a screamer. Try trolling heavy bottom bouncers in the current and deep water with the same mono on the river and you'd be cut off by the zebras in minutes, I know I tried that early on. Different bodies of water require different techniques and I know that braid is sometimes the best option. Just like you said, copper and wire dipsys are a different presentation that we use for salmon and there are alternative approaches to use on walleyes as well. I believe Justin and I have done enough experimenting with many different options to know that braid has it's place. I also like using it when casting cranks. Just set the drag correctly and you shouldn't have and issues loosing large fish and I like the fact that I can feel the lure working and lite bites. I do use a longer rod which is a little more forgiving. I'll likely be on the river some morning this week dragging the braid and hope to post some photos. Good fishing Devin and Justin!

Thanks for all the insight. I'm sure I'll be down there on occasion in the future. My buddy will figure it out over time, as he's a passionate fisherman, but a little direction from those with experience is a big help.

A good buddy of mine just purchased a house on Honeyoye Lake. The fella he bought it from shared some general information on walleye and bass fishing and said it could be very good at times. Does anyone know some good approaches to try there? I assume you can troll and probably cast stick at night.

Beads are a good idea but I generally use various weight split shot to help with depth control. I'm also running pretty heavy braid mainline and using the softer lead shot. Leaders do need to be closely watched as zebras can cause chafing and nicks that greatly weaken them. When fishing the river I also run 15-25 lb. flouro leader rather than the 10-12 lb. I use when fishing more open the lake.

I always run a split shot above my leader to help catch weeds and fleas.

In 8 days you should be able to find them. I'd try the 20-40' range. Drop shot could work as could a tube jig and don't forget the August crab bite.

Roybee is right about weeds sometimes giving the long lines fits. I've also had issues with fleas recently which I never saw before the last couple years. Every night is different and the current flow can change radically. The good news is that my last night out I had no issues with weeds or fleas. Hopefully that will continue. I'm in NJ this weekend visiting my grandson and will be hitting the river for walleyes or lake for salmon next week. I consider a fish or so per hour as good fishing the same as Roybee.

All part of the learning curve Trapper. Keep trying those heavy bottom bouncers and you'll get the hang of it.

In the past 3 week I've received about 9 personal messages inquiring about catching walleyes on the river. I certainly don't mind sharing information and enjoy the new contacts. Hopefully I've been able to give some helpful advice. I believe over the last few years I have posted a great deal about what works for me. However, I'm not certain that most people understand how difficult my methods of trolling in current and in the dark actually are. It's taken me several year and many hours to find methods that are effective for me. I honestly believe there is a thriving population of walleyes from Cape Vincent to Massena. I believe that If I were to explored new regions I could be successful within a few nights. That said, even when I take people out at night I tend to hook the majority of the fish. You really have to put in the time to get the feel of both the boat handling and presentation techniques. There really are no secret hot spots or methods. As the add says Just Do It. I hope to continue to share information and answer pms. I'll also generally give you my cell number if you want to chat. But remember there's really nothing better than experience.

This time of year lakers will be deep 60-70 fow. Guys catch them fishing bait on the bottom and using jigging spoons. Also might try plastic flukes on 3/4 to 1 oz jig. Not sure about landlocks. Good luck.

It's interesting to hear various opinions on what is an effective presentation. I've done better since I switched to wire on my dipsey rods. As most people know some days they mostly come off riggers, some days dipsys, some days lead core, and some days copper. That's what keeps the game interesting. It's also what keeps us all spending money on gear!

I have a friend that charters that area and said the king fishing has been quite slow.

I think you'll have difficulty maintaining contact with bottom trolling into current with 1-2 ouncers but they will work drifting with the current with worm harness but gobbies may drive you nuts.. Deep diving cranks will work into the current either off long lines or riggers. I catch many on stick baits but you need extremely heavy bottom bouncers or riggers to fish them effectively.

I've fished most of them. Millsite has some great bass, and pike and also has nice lake trout. There use to be a good population of cisco but someone put smelt in and now they are the primary forage. I've personally caught smallmouths over 21" and even larger largemouths. I've caught lakers over 13 lbs. and have heard of some very large pike. Due to the smelt population many fish may be deeper than you'd normal target them. All the Indian river lakes are good and the 10 hp limit at most state launches limits large boat access.

Very cool. I live about 10 miles from Red but haven/t fished it in a few years as I'm usually fishing the big lake or St Lawrence. I may have to give it a shot sometime.