New Episode: Dialing in Spinners for Walleyes on Destination Fish

Pulling Spinners for Lake of the Woods Walleyes with Jon Thelen and Joe Henry

Jon Thelen and Joe Henry recently teamed up to film an exciting episode of Destination Fish, showcasing one of the most effective walleye techniques on Lake of the Woods—pulling spinners. This tried-and-true method, also known as trolling or drifting with a crawler harness, is a go-to presentation during the summer months for putting fish in the boat. Thelen and Henry, both experienced anglers, shared valuable insights and strategies on how to effectively cover water and trigger strikes from hungry walleyes and saugers.

Why Spinners Are So Deadly for Walleyes

Trolling or drifting with a spinner rig is a proven tactic for catching walleyes. This method not only allows anglers to cover a lot of water, but it also puts their presentation in front of a high number of fish. Crawler harnesses have multiple triggering elements that make them irresistible to walleyes. The blade provides flash and vibration, attracting fish from a distance, while the color choices allow anglers to adjust based on water clarity and light conditions. Finally, the scent of the live bait—whether it’s a nightcrawler, leech, or minnow—seals the deal. When walleyes are feeding aggressively, they can’t resist the combination of movement, scent, and visual appeal that a well-presented spinner rig provides.

The Go-To Setup for Summer Success

On Lake of the Woods, charter boats and experienced anglers alike rely on spinner rigs throughout the summer months. The classic setup includes a two-ounce bottom bouncer paired with a two-hook harness. If you are fishing in deeper water or it is windy, don’t be afraid to go to a three-ounce bouncer. The key is to maintain a 45 degree angle. Being way out from the boat will not catch as many walleyes. The “angle of the dangle” is important.

The blade color is an important choice, and hammered gold, pink, orange, glow, and chartreuse are all top producers. These colors have been proven to stand out in the lake’s stained water, catching the attention of hungry walleyes and saugers.

During the episode, Thelen and Henry experimented with blade colors, speeds, and bait options. They emphasized the importance of adjusting trolling speed to find the optimal presentation. Typically, a speed between 1.0 and 1.3 mph is best, though some days a faster or slower approach works better. If the fish are aggressive, speeding up the presentation can trigger reaction bites. On the other hand, slowing down and giving fish more time to react can make all the difference when they are in a more neutral mood.

Locating Fish and Covering Water

One of the biggest advantages of pulling spinners is the ability to cover large areas efficiently. Instead of sitting in one spot waiting for fish to come to them, Thelen and Henry used this method to find active fish. Lake of the Woods has an abundance of walleyes and saugers spread across a massive system, with many schools of fish roaming the main basin, known as Big Traverse Bay, as well as the island-rich NW Angle.

Thelen and Henry used electronics to locate key areas such as transition zones, underwater humps, and soft-bottom flats where walleyes were feeding. Once they identified fish on the graph, they could pull spinners through these areas and adjust their path to stay on top of the school. This ability to stay mobile is one of the reasons spinners are a top choice during the summer.

Why Spinners Are a Charter Boat Favorite

Charter boats on Lake of the Woods rely heavily on spinner fishing which enables clients to catch nice walleyes consistently throughout the summer. It’s also an easy technique for beginners to learn, making it a favorite for guides who want their guests to have a successful day on the water.

Thelen and Henry highlighted how simple but effective this method can be. With the right setup, proper speed control, and a little experimentation with blade colors and bait options, anyone can have a banner day on the water pulling spinners.

Plan Your Next Trip to Lake of the Woods

The action-packed day on Destination Fish was a perfect example of why pulling spinners is a go-to method for catching walleyes on Lake of the Woods. With strong walleye and sauger populations, diverse fishing locations, and experienced guides available, this legendary fishery is a top destination for anglers looking to put fish in the boat.

For more information on summer fishing opportunities, including lodging, guided trips, and fishing reports, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.