blake
Life Member
Article from the Iowa Sportsmans Newletter:
Drift Float Walleyes Put Your Waders On!
This spring in Iowa has left many fishermen scratching their heads at the unseasonably warm weather and low water conditions in rivers across the state. The walleye spawning run has taken place, or is in full swing at this time depending on the waters you fish. With crowded dams and many of the smaller rivers unnavigable by boat, a fisherman must look for other options to fill their quota for springtime eyes.
The Drift Float
Often overlooked by many fishermen, drifting a float in the river is a great way to finesse your tactics on less active fish in cool water. This tactic is not only deadly on walleyes, but also pike, catfish and smallmouth bass. The concept is simple, drift a live bait of choice through areas where fish may be holding. The best baits in my mind are large fathead minnows, small chubs or shiners and even a nightcrawler hosted on a bare hook.
The Location
To get away from the dams and crowded areas, put your waders on and walk the river to find holes, current seams and eddies behind structure. I know that the Des Moines River right now is easily fishable by wading certain areas. Dams will concentrate the most fish this time of year but also concentrate the most fishermen so it may be wise to search elsewhere. Not all fish go right to the dams. Walleyes will naturally be found in other parts of the river and this is where you come into play. Find areas of some depth where fish may stage as they make their way upstream. This can be as simple as a slight hole formed behind a sandbar with a current seam. Or maybe even behind a large rock mid river that generates a slack pool behind it. Current breaks are the key.
The Presentation
Your objective is to float a bait through areas of likely walleye activity. Using a slip or stationary bobber, position a split shot just heavy enough to get the bait down and crimp it a foot or so above a small bare octopus hook. Adjust the bobber to the depth of water so that the bait hangs just a few inches from the bottom. Float the bait through the area and re-cast as needed.
At Night
What better way to use your lighted bobbers than at night on the river. When the daily hoard of fishermen leave the dams, this can be an ideal time to strike out and slow fish key areas with a lighted bobber and no competition. Fish in the same manner as you would in the tactics above ensuring to drift your bait through all the seams and eddies. A glow jighead tipped with a minnow or leech can really produce.