our annual trip to the BW got delayed this year. we typically go the end of May / beginning of June. This year we're going the first week of July.

Targeting walleye I've used leeches while my partner uses crawlers. at our typical time of the year they usually perform equally well.

BUT; only a month later things could (and probably will) be different. are leeches going to be a productive bait? crawlers? just trying to get an idea of what to expect.

That last week of June/ first week of July timeframe is an excellent time to go fishing. Yes, you will want both leeches and crawlers. Since it will be warmer, you'll need to take extra care to keep crawlers cool and moist, and change water for leeches.

Tight lines  ;) 8-)

I thought crawlers were frowned upon because they are not native, no?

TomT wrote on Apr 22^nd, 2017 at 8:32pm:

I thought crawlers were frowned upon because they are not native, no?

Fish seem to have accepted them... ;)
Heck, some fish are not native, I call them 'Quetico carp', easy to catch and we put them back.

Proper disposal of crawlers is critical to not damage the ecosystem. Proper disposal is to feed them to the fish with a sharp hook or two imbedded in them. ;) 8-)

Thanks OS; sounds like we should be good to go!

RE: crawlers. whatever the fish don't eat come home with us. they just don't want them dumped on the ground where they can establish themselves.

Personally I always thought crawlers were good for the forest by aerating the topsoil.  I wonder what the negatives are. I guess there's always google...

Did you guys ever read the story of the Lindner boys using live tiger salamanders for walleyes?  This was a hot bait back in the 90's or so.  Let 'em crawl on the bottom and bring 'em up for air every few minutes.  10 pounders love them.

Quote:

Did you guys ever read the story of the Lindner boys using live tiger salamanders for walleyes?  This was a hot bait back in the 90's or so.  Let 'em crawl on the bottom and bring 'em up for air every few minutes.  10 pounders love them.

Can you IMAGINE what would happen to someone if a pic of that "reptilian cruelty" went viral today? By the time you got back to the dock there would be a news crew waiting for you.  ::)

solotripper wrote on Apr 23^rd, 2017 at 1:10pm:

Quote: Did you guys ever read the story of the Lindner boys using live tiger salamanders for walleyes?  This was a hot bait back in the 90's or so.  Let 'em crawl on the bottom and bring 'em up for air every few minutes.  10 pounders love them. Can you IMAGINE what would happen to someone if a pic of that "reptilian cruelty" went viral today? By the time you got back to the dock there would be a news crew waiting for you.  ::)

I remember being 13 or so on a fishing trip in northern Wisconsin with my Dad and his friend.  They were talking about making a harness with hooks for a baby duckling.  We were muskie fishing and they told the story of ducklings being eaten as they followed mom across the water. Now THAT might bring the news crews.   :o

I would not hesitate to bring the leeches.  They are hearty and can be resuscitated with fresh water unlike mealy warmed worms that may liquefy in warm June and July temps.  Yes I know that proper care of the live bait is paramount but, the action of a leech on a jig or slip bobber brings the curious fish in from far away!

Tom T
A major problem with worms is that they eat the duff (the litter of leaves and needles on the surface of the ground) trees such as white pine have evolved to germinate on the duff and not on the ground.  A white pine cone which lands on bare ground will not germinate new white pine.

Good info Westwood. Nature sure is fine tuned. Until people came along to throw wrenches into it.

Dp