| | | | | to get your lines away from the boat. Skis or |
| Late spring walleye fishing on the waters of | | | | off shore planer boards will do the trick. Planer |
| Green Bay can be very rewarding and lots of fun. | | | | boards allow you to spread your lines and get |
| Generally we're talking about late April into May | | | | them away from the boat at the same time. Line |
| along the shore lines of Oconto and southern | | | | counter reels can really help keep track when |
| Marinette Counties in Wisconsin. Just like early | | | | running several lines in shallow water. |
| spring, shallow water trolling in 8 feet to 20 feet | | | | There is still stick and crank bait fishing available |
| of water produces the best results. | | | | but after dark is the best time for this type of |
| The big difference in day time trolling is a switch | | | | fishing. Start just before dark to get your initial |
| from crank and stick baits to crawler harnesses. | | | | setup and your bearings. Make sure you have |
| Two hooks are most popular but the important | | | | plenty of lights onboard for night time fishing. |
| part is a quick change clevis which enables you to | | | | There are also light kits available for some of the |
| replace the spinner blades. Make sure you have an | | | | planer boards, which make strikes much more |
| ample supply of different colored blades in | | | | apparent. Rapala, Thunder Stick, Reef Runners |
| different sizes. Check with local sport shops and | | | | and other similar baits in a wide assortment of |
| other fishermen for advice to get you started. As | | | | colors are the most popular choices. |
| always, experimentation is the key to success. | | | | You will need some electronics on your boat for |
| Holographic blades are popular and the Colorado | | | | depth and speed, although water temperature |
| Spinner Blades are designed to produce maximum | | | | isn't as important at this time of year. Typically |
| flash, vibration and realism, regardless of water | | | | slower speeds are better, from just below to just |
| color. Check out Bass Pro Shop's website, search | | | | above 1 mph. The best thing to do is experiment. |
| crawler harnesses and you will be amazed are the | | | | Some days the fish like slower speeds more than |
| variety available. | | | | other days. |
| The harnesses can be weighted in several | | | | There are a few access points to Green Bay |
| different ways: | | | | along this area of the West shoreline. There is a |
| Light weight bottom bouncers can be used, | | | | launch in the Pensaukee River in the City of |
| however you may run into weeds in certain | | | | Pensaukee off of County highway "S". Follow the |
| areas. Snap weights are another method | | | | river out to the bay but be careful at the mouth, |
| employed, again using light weights. The last | | | | as it can be a little shallow. The City of Oconto |
| method is simply attaching split shots to the line a | | | | has a municipal boat launch where the Oconto |
| few feet above the harness. Experiment with | | | | River enters Green Bay. Oconto County has a |
| these methods and weight to find what works | | | | launch at their County Park II off of County |
| best for you and the depth you're fishing in. | | | | Highway "Y". |
| The waters of Green Bay are very clear due to | | | | |
| Zebra Mussels, so you will need to use a method | | | | Good luck and good fishing. |