Fishing Report Buffalo – Walleye Opener

My son and I went fishing for walleyes on the opener (May 2) and the next day, Sunday (May 3) during the day. The weather was nice on Saturday, light and variable winds for the most part that kept changing direction throughout the morning. Sunday the weather was just beautiful, perfect day to be on the water. We still have all are winter coats and lined pants on, the water is still only 45°.

Walleye Fishing Details on Lake Erie out of Buffalo

We fished from 6 to 25 feet of water. Everywhere we went we caught fish, either walleye or bass. We fish only blade baits this time of year. Slowly moving across the top every shoal and out to deeper water, by using my trolling motor or by slowly moving by the wind. Very slowly probing each rock and bump on structure with our blade baits. If you are not getting hung up on the bottom you are going to fast over the structure. Always check your hooks after each snag; I straighten and sharpen the hooks all the time. You will know when yours are dull, the fish will get off.

The best part of this time of year is that walleyes put up a good fight when hooked. We use very light spinning gear with 20 pound braid and a 5 foot of a fluorocarbon leader. We fish by jigging the blade baits across the bottom. The walleyes always hit when the blade bait is fluttering on the way down, and you feel them pick up the blade bait, when you pop of the blade bait of the bottom for the next jig. Fun!

I am looking forward to when the State of New York will let me take clients out this summer to experience the once in a lifetime walleye boom that is occurring in Lake Erie. Hope to find everyone in good health and stay safe.

Tight Lines

Captain Mark