by The Troutist, January 07, 2013

Walleye
Over the past decade walleye angling has increased in popularity here in the Northwest and has a very loyal following with many anglers dedicated to targeting just walleye. It has been predicted that the next world record walleye will come out of the Columbia River. So I broke my mold of writing strictly about salmon, trout, and steelhead to bring you some great information on an upcoming event I think that you will enjoy immensely.

Back in the 60’s & 70’s when I was growing up walleye fishing was not very big in my neighborhood, in fact we had never really heard of such a fishery existing out here in the Northwest. Oh we might of read something about its popularity in the mid-west but never out here. My first encounter with a walleye was about 30 years ago trolling for salmon on the Columbia River in the St.Helens, Oregon area. We were trolling Flatfish lures in hopes of a couple of hook-ups with a few Chinook to fill up our smokers.

After about an hour or so my rod tip dipped towards the water and I had a good solid take and hook-up. I set the hook and the battle was on, it took a little line but didn’t feel like the 20 pound salmon I was after. A few minutes into the scrap I brought it to the net and onto the deck and we just looked at each other in amazement. The first words out of my partner’s mouth were, “what the hell is it?”

After further inspection we noticed it had a set of choppers that would do some definite damage to your fingers and whatever else crossed its path. After further discussion and thinking of the ridicule we would have to endure at the docks if we brought this piranha looking thing in, we decided to weigh it and toss it back. Now the fella trolling beside us screamed at us and he had this look of shock and disbelief as we tossed him back into the river. Turns out that a six pound walleye is a pretty decent catch.

Several years back I was to encounter a walleye angler at Rufus Woods Lake, he was complaining that the bite for walleye was very slow and all he had to show for the day was a few triploid trout weighing in the teens in his fish box. This definitely had me scratching my head, after all that is what we traveled half way across the state to catch. This got me to thinking maybe there is something to this walleye fishery. I have a guide friend who is considered to be the best walleye guide in the state, Walleye Willie. Willie has made a very decent living over these past 20-30 years taking clients out and chasing these toothy critters.

Seems even the anglers from the mid-west make the trek out here for these fish and their average size here are more often than not larger than they are in the mid-west. Yes folks get very excited about these toothy critters and their goal is to get photos and even wall mounts of these trophies that can be had right here in the Northwest. As luck would have it for all of you walleye anglers and those of you that want to learn more about this fishery the 2010 World Champion Walleye Angler Johnnie Candle will be speaking at the upcoming O’Loughlin’s Washington Sportsman’s Show being held at Puyallup this month from the 23rd-27th of this month.

Johnnie’s credentials are impeccable. Twenty-four years as a professional guide, 18 year veteran on the professional circuit, 12 time National Championship qualifier, numerous top 10 finishes in different tournaments, several different tournament wins, even a few back to back wins, and he was also the 2010 World Champion Walleye Angler. Johnnie is a National Pro-Team member for Scheels, Crestliner, Mercury Marine, Pure Fishing, Minnkota, Hummingbird, Cannon, and Lake Master.


He has hosted televisions, NBC North Dakota’s Weekly Pro’s Pointer, appearances on PWT TV on the Outdoor Channel, In-Fisherman Television, and North American Fisherman TV. His radio career includes him as a weekly guest on North Dakota Outdoors Radio, and his own weekly radio show Fishing with Johnnie Candle. His articles and interviews have appeared in more magazines and newspapers than I have room to print. I could go on and on about Johnnie’s accomplishments in this industry.
O’Loughlins has stepped up to the plate this year and has brought Johnnie in to give four different seminars this year. Wednesday the 23rd at 2PM, Thursday the 24th at 6PM, Friday the 25th at 4PM, and Saturday the 26th at 5PM. Johnnie will be covering techniques, methods that don’t come to mind and are more well known for other species, casting, reeling, and much more. For you experienced walleye anglers and also you beginners I strongly suggest you make one of these seminars they will be held at the warm water tank in the blue building. A few helpful hints and suggestions from a pro can help you get started and become a lot more successful and consistent in your outings.
On a side note Guide Bruce Warren, Bobby Loomis, and myself will be introducing Johnnie to Cowlitz River Steelhead. I for one am looking forward to this adventure. So until next time may your next trout be your trophy mount. The Troutist-“Uncle Wes” Malmberg.

Join me on my facebook page Uncle Wes. So until next time may your next trout be your trophy mount. The Troutist-“Uncle Wes” Malmberg.



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