Conquering the Clear Waters: Catching Giant Walleyes in Northern Waters with Jon Thelen

Join Jon Thelen on this electrifying episode of Destination Fish, titled "Conquering the Clear Waters: Catching Giant Walleyes." Northern lakes are renowned for their clear waters, but fishing these pristine environments requires a special set of skills and techniques to target and catch both numbers and trophy-sized walleyes. In this episode, Jon shares his proven strategies for unlocking the secrets of clear-water walleye fishing, ensuring you’ll leave with a cooler full of fish and some impressive giants.
Section 1: The Challenge of Clear Water Jon kicks off the episode by discussing the unique challenges of fishing in the crystal-clear lakes of the north. "Walleyes in clear water can be tough-they’re more cautious, and they can see everything," Jon explains. Learn why clear water can make walleyes more wary of both anglers and lures, and why stealth and precision are key factors in successfully targeting these elusive fish.
Section 2: Stealthy Presentations and Gear Jon dives into the gear and techniques necessary for fishing in clear water. From using fluorocarbon leaders that are nearly invisible underwater to choosing light tackle that allows for finesse presentations, Jon ensures you have the right setup to fool even the most cautious walleyes. "It’s all about making your presentation as natural and subtle as possible," Jon says, holding up a small jig tipped with a leech. He explains how slow, precise retrieves and natural-colored lures are essential for success in these environments.
Section 3: Techniques for Targeting Giants and Numbers Master the art of catching both large and numerous walleyes in clear water with Jon’s expert techniques. Jon demonstrates the effectiveness of jigging and live bait rigs in these conditions, showing how to adjust lure depth and action based on walleye behavior. He also covers trolling with crankbaits, sharing how running lures just above the thermocline or over deeper structure can produce not only numbers but also trophy-sized fish.
Section 4: Finding Walleyes in Clear Water Jon heads out onto the lake, using his electronics to locate key underwater structures where walleyes are likely to be holding. "In clear water, you’ll often find walleyes hanging around deeper points, rock piles, and transitions," Jon explains. He shares tips on how to use your sonar to find these productive areas and how to interpret the fish’s movements and behavior based on the structure you locate.
Section 5: The Role of Light and Timing Understanding how light affects walleye behavior in clear water is critical to catching more fish. Jon explains how bright, sunny conditions can push walleyes deeper or into shaded cover, making low-light periods such as early morning or late evening prime times to fish. "The lower the light, the more confident the fish become," Jon says. He also touches on how changing weather conditions, such as overcast skies or wind, can improve your chances of catching both big walleyes and larger schools.
Section 6: Catching Trophy Walleyes in Clear Water While targeting numbers is rewarding, Jon reveals his favorite methods for catching true trophy walleyes in clear water. By using larger live bait rigs and precision trolling techniques, Jon shows how to tempt the big, cautious walleyes that often lurk in deeper sections of the lake. "If you want to catch giants, patience is key," Jon advises, highlighting how working these techniques can yield a personal best walleye.
Section 7: Conservation and Catch-and-Release Practices As Jon reels in a hefty walleye, he takes a moment to talk about the importance of responsible fishing practices, particularly when dealing with trophy-sized fish. "These big walleyes are important for the future of the fishery," Jon says. He demonstrates proper catch-and-release techniques to ensure the health of the fish and promote the longevity of walleye populations in clear northern waters.
Conclusion: In "Conquering the Clear Waters: Catching Giant Walleyes," Jon Thelen provides anglers with everything they need to know to successfully catch both numbers and giants in the pristine, clear waters of the north. From understanding walleye behavior to perfecting your presentation, Jon’s expert insights will transform the way you approach walleye fishing in clear water environments. Tune in to this episode of Destination Fish and learn how to conquer the clear waters and reel in those trophy walleyes!