Walleye fishing on the Missouri River reservoirs isn’t just a hobby, it’s a tradition. For decades, reservoirs like Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case have attracted anglers with the lure of stringers full of walleye and the opportunity at catching a trophy for the wall in the same day. While the tradition remains strong, advancements in the fishing industry have completely changed how anglers target these fish.
One angler who has had a front row seat to these changes is Mason Propst. A third generation angler, Mason grew up on lessons from one of the greatest anglers the sport has had, his grandfather Bob Propst Sr. Mason’s father, Bob Propst Jr, is another accomplished tournament angler and guide. Watching how fishing has evolved over the years one lessons has become clear: these aren’t your grandfather’s-or even your father’s-walleye tactics!
Evolving Electronics
Perhaps the most major change in walleye fishing is the electronics anglers now have to put on their boats. “In the olden days, it was often fishing, fishing and fishing until you found them,” says Mason Propst. “Now with the advancements in modern day electronics, tools like side-scan and even Live Scope/Panoptix can help us eliminate water that has low to zero concentration of fish and keep us fishing in productive water that has large pods of fish.”
Successful anglers know that two key elements come into play when it comes to catching fish consistently: location and presentation. As the electronics evolve, locating fish has changed dramatically. Anglers are now able to locate those productive waters without even wetting a line. Anglers are no longer debating whether it is their location or presentation they need to fine-tune, because they know exactly what is in the water they are casting.
As anglers spend less time searching for fish, it gives them more time to hone in on those productive areas. “These advancements are giving us completely new areas to fish,” says Propst. “Places that were often overlooked are now being found. Most of the past day spring fishing was fishing memories and while those past day spots still produce often, there are days where they don’t. Now in those situations, new electronics give us the ability to hunt and stay productive while not wasting time.”
Precision Down to the Ounce
Savvy anglers who have embraced, and educated themselves on, these new electronics are now able to spend less time on the location aspect of fishing and more time focused on their presentation. This has given them the ability to hone in the very fine details of making walleye bite.
“Even once we’ve found those areas where fish are concentrating, they may not always be willing or ready to bite,” says Propst. “Being able to know you’re around fish will allow you to really fine-tune your presentation and that leads to more bites, especially when conditions are tough.”
As fast as the bite can be in the springtime, fish can flip to the opposite end of the spectrum quickly. Water temperatures are still very cool in the spring and storms can dramatically change temperatures, water clarity and fish moods in an instant. The ability to know where these fish are gives anglers the luxury to spend their time focusing on convincing them to bite.
In an ever-changing landscape, one staple that has withstood the test of time is the jig and minnow. A standard for decades, this offering continues to be the best way to make difficult spring walleyes willing to bite. What remains an old school presentation, can still be dialed in by the next generation walleye angler.
When working to coax these bites, ounces matter-and not in the sense that many anglers think. Often we say “ounce” and anglers think about their jigs or maybe the weights on their lines, but these aren’t the only weights these anglers should be considering. One overlooked aspect is the rods anglers tie their baits on.
“Many of us are focused on our electronics and our baits, but when you’re trying to really upgrade your game you need to consider what you’re tying these baits on,” Propst states. “Rod and reel selection is absolutely critical.”
A popular spring time rod is a medium-light and there are numerous options available on the market, but when it comes to selecting the right set up Propst focuses on aspects many individuals don’t consider. “What sets apart a ‘good’ set up from a ‘great’ set up is literally the weight of the equipment in my hand.”
“I want the lightest possible weight in my hands, because it completely increases your sensitivity,” details Propst. “While two different rods might have the same power and sensitivity the lighter set up weight wise will absolutely enhance that rod.”
In these tough bites, walleyes are often just barely picking your offerings up. The lighter the bites, the more precise you need to be when it comes to feeling them. “Ounces don’t seem like a lot, but there is a huge difference when you get the two separate rods in your hand,” concludes Propst.
Walleye anglers have notoriously been tinkerers over the years. This has led to everything from the slow death hook to the bottom bouncer and lead core line, but in the past several years the technology has really caught up to the anglers themselves. Anglers who are now investing, both time and money, into equipping themselves with these tools are now approaching the water with a completely different mindset. Fish are often located before an offering has hit the water and once it does, anglers like Mason Propst are converting bites they had never felt before.
Our walleye fishing traditions continue to thrive, especially on popular water bodies like the Missouri River reservoirs in North and South Dakota. While the most successful anglers in the past have been able to locate walleyes consistently on these reservoirs, the success of future anglers appears to be on their ability to utilize the tools at their disposal. Whether it be the electronics on their boats or down to the rods in their hands, the new age angler is indeed highly detail oriented. One thing is certain, the most successful present day anglers are constantly utilizing lessons from the past while taking advantage of these new ways to dial in springtime walleye.
Check Out JB Designs-Custom Rods
JB Designs-Custom Rods are the favorites of Mason Propst, Nick Harrington and Chris Seylar. Custom built in Pierre, South Dakota, JB Designs-Custom Rods are among the lightest, yet strongest rods available for purchase. If you’re looking to take your fishing to the next level, check out JB Designs-Custom Rods!
