Basin Trolling for Walleyes: Unlocking Deep Water Secrets

In this thrilling episode of Destination Fish, Jon Thelen takes you on a journey into the heart of walleye territory—open basins. Trolling vast, open-water basins is one of the most exciting and productive ways to catch walleyes, especially when the fish are scattered across deeper waters. With expert guidance from Jon, you'll learn the techniques, strategies, and gear needed to conquer the basin waters and hook into those trophy walleyes.

The Journey Begins: As the morning sun rises over the calm waters, Jon prepares his boat for a day of trolling the wide-open basins. "This is where walleyes roam when they're feeding on baitfish," Jon explains, pointing to the vast expanse of water ahead. Unlike structure fishing where you're targeting specific points, basins are all about covering water, reading your electronics, and adapting to the subtle movements of these elusive fish.

Section 1: Understanding Walleye Behavior in Basins As Jon navigates into deeper waters, he breaks down why basins are a prime location for walleyes, particularly during late summer and early fall. "Walleyes head to these open areas because baitfish like ciscoes and perch are here," Jon says. In these vast open waters, walleyes can spread out or form schools, making it essential to use trolling techniques to locate them.

Section 2: The Right Gear for Basin Trolling As Jon starts setting up his gear, he discusses the essential tackle for trolling in basins. He emphasizes the importance of using line-counter reels to precisely control lure depth and rod holders to cover more water with multiple lines. "When you're trolling basins, precision is key," Jon advises, holding up a deep-diving crankbait. He explains that selecting the right crankbait or spinner rig, and knowing the right depth to troll at, is crucial to matching the depth where walleyes are feeding.

Section 3: Mastering the Art of Depth Control With lines in the water, Jon explains how to get your lures into the "strike zone" of the basin, typically in the 20 to 30-foot depth range, but always changing with the conditions. Using lead core line and planer boards, Jon shows how to keep the lures running at the perfect depth. "In basin fishing, we're not targeting structure; we're targeting fish suspended in open water, and getting the right depth is everything."

Section 4: Locating Walleyes in the Open Water Relying on his electronics, Jon starts scanning the open basin for signs of life. "Your sonar is your best friend out here," he says. "Look for baitfish schools on your screen, and you'll often find walleyes nearby." Jon shares his experience reading sonar screens, identifying fish arches, and pinpointing the right areas to focus on. "Once you find them, it's game on," Jon smiles, watching as his rod tip dips, signaling the first bite.

Section 5: The Techniques That Trigger Strikes Jon emphasizes that trolling basins requires constant attention to detail. "The key is to experiment with your trolling speed and adjust your lure presentation until you hit the magic number," Jon says, adjusting the throttle slightly. By varying speed, using S-turns, and occasionally pausing or speeding up the lures, Jon demonstrates how to trigger strikes from aggressive walleyes patrolling the basin.

The Thrill of the Catch: With the boat in full trolling mode, Jon gets a solid strike. The rod bends hard, and the fight is on. "This is what makes trolling basins so exciting!" Jon exclaims, as the walleye puts up a strong fight. After a brief battle, Jon lands a beautiful walleye, showcasing the success of his trolling strategy. "This is what it's all about—covering ground, finding fish, and the payoff is a trophy walleye like this."

Section 6: Conservation and Ethical Angling As the walleye is released back into the water, Jon takes a moment to emphasize the importance of conservation. "Out here, we're in the walleyes' world, and it's our job to protect it," he says. Jon explains the value of practicing catch-and-release in these deeper waters to preserve the fishery for future generations of anglers.

Conclusion: In "Basin Bound: Trolling for Walleyes," Jon Thelen shares the excitement and skill involved in trolling the open basins for trophy fish. From understanding walleye behavior in these wide-open spaces to mastering the right gear and techniques, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to catch more walleyes in these often-overlooked areas. Join Jon on this unforgettable journey as he turns the vast, seemingly empty basin waters into a walleye playground.