Covering Water Efficiently: The Power of Trolling
When walleyes relate to rocky structures, finding and catching them can be challenging. These fish often hide in crevices or remain close to the bottom, making them difficult to locate using electronic devices alone. In such conditions, trolling becomes an invaluable tool—not just for efficiency, but for its ability to locate active fish across broad stretches of structure.
On this particular outing, we decided to pull spinner rigs across various pieces of rocky structure. The strategy paid off quickly. We had early action with a small walleye, followed shortly by a quality fish that fought like a bass before revealing itself as a chunky, energetic walleye. These moments highlight the excitement and effectiveness of this technique.
Why Spinner Rigs Work
Spinner rigging is an incredibly efficient way to cover water and find fish that are willing to bite. While techniques like jigging can be effective, they often rely on fish being aggressive. Spinner rigs, on the other hand, let you move through less active fish and hone in on the ones that are ready to eat.
The appeal lies in both the presentation and the ability to move. On this trip, we lost a spinner to a pike, picked up a small fish, and connected with several solid walleyes—all within a short span. Spinner rigs simply draw attention, and when fish are spread out or negative, covering more water makes all the difference.
Smart Rigging for Snaggy Structure
One of the standout features of our setup was the spinner rig itself. I was using a perch-pattern Indiana blade spinner with a small float built into the rig—a new design from VMC. That float is crucial when fishing around snag-prone rocky terrain. As you make turns or vary your speed, the float helps keep the bait suspended just above the rocks, reducing hang-ups and keeping your presentation in the strike zone.
Using Bottom Bouncers Effectively
Our approach also included bottom bouncers, which serve to keep your spinner rigs running consistently near the bottom. The general rule of thumb is one ounce of weight per 10 feet of water. On this trip, Ty was running a 2-ounce bottom bouncer, while I had a 3-ounce one. This staggered approach helped prevent tangling and allowed us to fish different depths efficiently. With my heavier setup, I was able to keep the rig nearly vertical, especially useful for fine-tuning bottom contact in variable depths.
Gear Choices: Comfort and Functionality
For this style of fishing, a baitcasting rod and reel setup is ideal. Not only is it more comfortable to hold for long periods, but it also provides superior line control. With a simple push of a button, I can adjust depth quickly—an essential feature when trying to keep the bottom bouncer just above the lake floor. Walleyes usually stay close to the bottom, so keeping your bait just above it is key to getting bites.
A Versatile Technique for Canadian Waters
Trolling spinner rigs with bottom bouncers is one of the most effective ways to explore and catch fish on large northern Canadian lakes. Whether you’re chasing walleyes, trout, or even pike, this technique helps you cover water, locate active fish, and learn the structure of new waters. On this outing alone, we experienced steady action and learned a lot about the lake.
Spinner rigging isn’t just productive—it’s a fun and educational way to fish. So, the next time you find yourself on unfamiliar waters, consider pulling spinners. You’ll catch more fish and uncover valuable insights about the fishery.
