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Brad Dusenka, of Frankie's Live Bait and Marine, reported that the walleye opener on area lakes was decent, but he was quick to add that with the delayed spawn and cool water temperatures, anglers should expect the bite to continue to improve over the next week or two.

While it was reported that walleyes were caught on all of the lakes in the chain during the opener, numbers were definitely down compared to last year's stellar opener. Areas that produced fish include the bar out in front of the Dinnerbel on South Lindstrom, the north end of North Center, the sand bars and flats of Chisago and Lindbergh Bar on Green Lake. Also, it was reported that some anglers were picking up walleyes at the channel openings. I've seen boats gathering at the Green Lake channel as of late, indicating that walleyes are present at that location, too. Jigs and minnows, live-bait rigs, slip-bobbers and trolling from dusk until dark all proved to be effective presentations.

In addition to good results for walleyes, the cool weather has kept crappies from moving into the deeper water and they continue to bite aggressively, particularly in the 6' - 10' range. North Center, South Center, Chisago and Big Green have been quite productive. Dusenka did report that Sunrise Lake has been - far and away - the most productive for pike and crappie since the opener, giving up lots of northerns and the "nicest crappies by far in the area." He also wanted anglers to know that he is expecting a very good bass opener on all area lakes.

If you fished elsewhere for walleyes on the opener, you might consider dropping your boat in one of many local lakes. Work 5-10 foot water during low light and after dark, and concentrate on 10-18 feet during the day hours. Of course, factor in the sun, clouds and wind during the day and adjust your depth accordingly.

Good luck out there.

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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