In Northern Michigan, 25 miles south of the Mackinaw Bridge, the resort town of Indian River sits on the Indian River, which is connected to Mullett and Burt Lakes and is part of the star’s famous inland waterway. Bottom-feeding walleye are the fish of choice here–year round. The techniques used to catch Indian River walleye vary by the season.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Rod and baitcasting reel
- Split-shot sinkers
- 4/O barbed hook
- Lures
- Trowel and small bucket
- Michigan fishing license
Step 1
For summer walleye, rig your line to a 4/O barbed hook with a Palomar knot. Attach two split shot sinkers 6 to 8 inches above the hook. From May through late August, use lures that mimic the movements of crawfish. Fish the Indian River in early morning or late evening during the summer, suggests the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Step 2
Successful summer walleye lures include the Rebel Wee Crawfish and the Rebel Crawfish. Use the Wee Crawfish if the walleyes in your particular section of the Indian River are small. If the walleyes are big, opt for the Rebel Crawfish.
Step 3
Drop the lure into the river and hand jig–jerk the line up and down–the lure across the bottom of the river to entice a walleye strike. In the spring, try fishing along gravel bars and overhanging river banks, suggests the All About Fishing website.
Step 4
Use the jigging method with a crawfish lure, a jig or a plastic worm during winter months on the Indian River. Jig more slowly than in the summer and spring, as walleye move slower in colder water.
Step 5
In the fall, hand jig your lure along shallow banks during the morning. As the sun gets higher in the sky and the air temperature rises head to deeper water.
Step 6
Dig along the river banks with a trowel to catch worms. Use lures or worms during the spring, summer and fall to fish for Indian River walleye.
