Walleyes
in the wind is not a subject that you read about everyday.
Most fishermen probably won’t go out on windy
days because they can’t control their boats or
they can’t feel the jig on the bottom. Walleyes
in the wind can and does produce walleyes and sometimes
the best walleye fishing comes when it is windy. Wind
also has an effect on light penetration. The wind creates
waves, and waves cut down on light penetration. That’s
why you’ll find walleyes on a shallow reef on
a bight day if it’s windy. Take the same reef
on a bright day, calm day, and frequently it will be
devoid of fish.
I generally start looking for walleyes on the wind-blown
side of the lake, and the wind-blown side of a structure.
Walleyes will usually be most active in the side of
the lake or reservoir that the wind is blowing into
because that’s where light penetration is reduced.
On a given piece of structure the same will hold true
with baitfish being disorientated because of wave action.
This is a key area, because the predators will congregate
at the outside edge and feed on the baitfish. However,
keep in mind that a good walleye structure that is not
windblown will still be better that a poor walleye structure
that is not windblown. Walleyes are opportunistic fish
and will go where the meal is the easiest to catch.
There are some wind directions that I prefer over others.
It seems that north, northeast, and northwest winds
can have detrimental effect on fishing success. They
usually indicate a coming change in weather. Winds coming
from the northwest are a good indication that a cold
front is pushing across your favorite fishing hole.
In the spring and fall this usually turns the fish off
and the bite is very slow. Winds from the south or southwest
are frequently good fishing winds. They bring warmer
air, which can be a good deal in the spring and fall.
They are commonly known indicators of stable weather
conditions. As I mentioned before boat control is always
a problem in the wind. With a little practice and a
drift sock you can control your boat even on the toughest
structure. Backtrolling downwind is also possible and
necessary on some days, when your boat doesn't rock
so much in waves. This reduces the jigging action of
your bait, and at times, walleyes are turned off by
too much vertical action. The Tournament Drift Master
sea anchor acts like a big tail. You get excellent boat
control by going with the wind and easing the throttle
in and out of gear. When fishing a windy, unprotected
point, one option is to deploy two sea anchors and drift
the tip. But a better option might be to use only one
bag off the bow and backtroll into the wind to cover
both the tip and each inside turn. Be sure to tie the
bag on the bow eye, not on a side cleat. The position
where you tie off is critical to control. You should
experiment with your positioning of the sea anchor,
and how it affects your boat, before launching out into
gale force winds. Along with that, if you fish with
a partner, you both should get used to fishing in and
around a bag. If your partner doesn't reel in the bag
when you have a tournament winning walleye on, it can
be disastrous. Practice with the bag, as well as with
the positioning of the tie off rope on your boat. Consider
wind direction, but don’t stay home just because
the wind is blowing from the north. The wind is a tool
you should use just like your rod, boat or you depthfinder.
In conjunction with all these tools the wind can be
useful, tool so you can experience more success.
