Center Hill Walleye

[Tracker56]

Hey Ya'll,

I am a new member and decided to make my first post. I have been in TN for 7 years now and have started frequenting Center Hill with my main target walleye. I have something innate in me that drives me to chase them anywhere I can. I grew up in NW OH so I had some of the best walleye fisheries in the country right out my back door and never fully appreciated until moving south and found it difficult to find the toothy critter.

I have had hit and miss luck on them the last 3 years on Center Hill. My go to spot has been the flats out front of Floating Mill trolling crankbaits, spinners, slow death, etc... I also vertical jig spoons and Lindy rigs tipped with crawlers. I have been out 3 times this year and have yet to boat one walleye, plenty of other species, but not my coveted walleye. Most of my success has come in summer when water temps were 80-85, but this spring and early summer I have not been able to track them down.

I know they make their annual spawning run and then gradually make their way back to post-spawn/early summer haunts, but I have yet to pattern them. I planned on heading towards Rock Island State Park this Spring but work did not allow. I have been applying my knowledge of northern walleye and trying to apply it to the warmer water of the southern lakes with intermittent success. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Any similar structure on the lake like the flats at Floating Mill? Any lake locations for time of year and water temps?

God Bless

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

[robhal11]

Hey Tracker, wifes uncle was a captain and guide on Erie, lived in Montville OH, we would go out somewhere around Geneva state park( I think), ever summer for several years. Last time we went he said that most of the walleye had moved closer to Canada and he would not take his small boat(23'to 24') out that far, so we perch fished instead. Anyway when he would come down every summer we put in at Sligo and work the banks toward Rock Island, trolling crawdads. We would generally come home with several big ones. I haven't been up to Sligo in about 10 years but I bet they still run up and down those banks.

[Tracker56]

Thanks Rob - I'll keep that in mind. I haven't made it that far up the lake, the farthest I have fished has been near Lake Side Resort. I'll have to make a journey up stream and see what I find next weekend. I am ready to get a few on ice.

Growing up a spent a majority of March and April standing in the 40 degree water of the Maumee River catching walleye as they migrated from Lake Erie to spawn. It is something I haven't done in a few years but get updates of how they are running from my dad and brother who are still in the area.

God Bless

[tkwalker]

This time of year you can find them mid lake ... Go up stream from Hurrican Bridge and fish the coves and flats on the left side ... Towards the end of the month and June and July fish the Dam area ... <'TK><:)

[agelesssone]

TK, what is the best method to use for them? Trolling crankbaits? Trolling spinner worm harness?

[nomad60]

I grew up near Cleveland (yeah I know, but someone has to live there LOL) and I have a lot of fond memories fishing Lake Erie. Finding old docks and catching the heck out of big crappie, catching sheepshead until our arms were tired, and also perch, walleye, white bass and catfish.