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I had my suspicions that this year's walleye opener would be a good one. It took one call to Brad Dusenka at Frankie's Bait to confirm the optimism I felt last week.

Dusenka was quick to report, "This opener was the best opener ever. I know I told you last year was the best, but forget last year, this year was even better. It was unreal. It was just an unreal bite." He was definitely on a roll and added for good measure, "I didn't talk to one unhappy fisherman. Everybody was catching fish and having a great time."

Last Saturday's conditions were ideal for anglers. A bit of wind and plenty of sunshine made for very pleasant fishing, and the fish seemed to be right where they should've been, occupying the sand and rocks in eight to ten feet of water.

The bite remains very hot right now, and Brad recommends you look for walleyes out from the Eagles Nest on Chisago, the Bergman Dock area, and out in front of the swimming beach on Chisago. Other good places to search for 'eyes include the north end of North Center Lake, the island bar and water out in front of the A-frame on Chisago Lake, as well as the breakwater between Rose Hill Resort and the bar out in front of the swimming beach on South Lindstrom Lake.

Rigging for springtime walleyes is as low-tech as you can imagine. Toss fatheads or shiners under slip-bobbers, or use the standard jig and minnow set-up. Leeches have taken fish, but it's tough to keep them on your hook during the daytime with sunfish present, so if you prefer to use leeches, it's advised you use them after dark.

As I mentioned, the walleyes certainly didn't stop biting on Monday following the opener. They're still out there in high numbers and eager to bite.

Good fishing.

Dan Brown's weekly outdoor column is brought to you by Frankie's Bait and Marine, in Chisago City, and St. Croix Outdoors, in St. Croix Falls, Wis.

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