The walleye bite pre- vs post-spawn generally requires a different style of fishing. Guide Pat Kalmerton explains when to swap out the hair jigs for more aggressive blade baits and rippin’ raps (crankbaits) and a common misconception to avoid.
Hair jigs are a favorite for pre-spawn walleyes and a common misconception after the spawn is that you should go to slower-moving baits like creeping plastics across the bottom. However, once the females have recovered from the spawn they “put the feed bag on” after not having eaten in days. Right about that 57 degree water temperature range, Kalmerton suggests switching to your aggressive blade baits and ripping raps.
Blade baits can be worked by ripping them or using short pops. Kalmerton recommends keeping your casts tighter with blades, about 20-40 feet. Then, pop the bait across bottom and do so aggressively enough to set a hook. Usually, fish will hit it on the way down or with a “thump” at the bottom. Don’t be afraid to set the hook if something feels different. Rippin’ raps are a bit different. Kalmerton prefers to cast them a longer distance and set the hook with every pop back to the boat. The key with rippin’ raps is to feel the vibration, so don’t be afraid to be more aggressive with them.
