Lateral Line:
Walleye have a highly sensitive lateral line that helps them pick up the smallest of vibrations. This sense is useful to locate erratic swimming baitfish; or an artificial lure with an enticing swimming action. Rapala Husky Jerk, Shad Raps and Cordell Walley Divers are some good quality lures that mimic a vulnerable baitfish. In deep or stained water and at night, where vision diminishes, walleye rely more on their lateral line senses.

Hearing:
Hearing is another strong sense of the walleye; any commotion in the boat can scare them away, this is especially true in shallow or clear water. In water less than 10 feet; it's best to avoid trolling over them with a loud outboard motor. A better option may be to anchor or cast to them, the use of planer boards may be another fishing method used. The four stroke Yamaha motors on all of our camp boats run extremely quiet, therefore improving your fishing success.

Weather:
Most anglers have experienced an outstanding walleye bite as a storm approaches. The dark clouds are rapidly changing the light levels and the walleye are taking advantage of this opportunity to feed on perch and other baitfish with inferior vision. Just be sure to get off the water before it arrives, nobody wants to be on the water with lightning nearby.

Wind creates a walleye chop; the wave action diminishes the light intensity and starts a feeding binge. The wind action also swirls up the bottom dwelling insects, which attracts the baitfish with the walleye not far behind. Strong winds will create enough current to disorientate baitfish, thus providing an easy meal for the opportunistic walleye.

Cloudy and rainy weather usually produces good walleye fishing. A severe cold front or thunderstorm on the other hand, generally shuts down fishing for a few days after it has passed through. Frequently after a cold front, the skies are ultra clear and the sun rays are more intense than normal. The walleye go to deeper water and will lie motionless on the bottom in a lethargic state. The increased light penetration cause a reaction called dazzlement, or a partial blindness due to bright light.

Following cold fronts its better to fish very early and late in the day on Clearwater and Pipestone Lakes. The south lakes such as Despair, Footprint and Jackfish are stained water with a lot of weed cover. The walleye will go back to normal patterns sooner than in the clear lakes. Live bait fishing with a very slow presentation is your best chance at catching walleye at this time.

Barometric pressure is simply the weight of the air. It decreases with the approach of a storm brought on by low pressure. Imagine it as the palm of a giant hand easing up on the water's surface. Its touch is lighter, the water volume isn't as compressed, and fish can move about more easily and feed. Also as I mentioned previously, a storm also brings clouds and wave-creating wind, which reduces the penetration of sunlight below the surface.

As a result, the best fishing periods often occur when barometric pressure reaches its lowest point just before the front arrives. After the storm passes, high pressure arrives, and the giant hand presses down harder. The water is compacted, and fish find it harder to swim. High pressure also brings ultra-clear skies, and light penetration is often intense for the next several days.