Walleye are the second most abundant species of sport fish in Lake Kabetogama according to the Minnesota DNR gill netting numbers. There are plenty of walleye in this lake, so if you know how to locate and catch walleye, you should be able to catch good numbers of walleye on a trip to Kabetogama Lake. Walleye up to 25 inches are common with plenty of eater-sized walleye here too. It is possible to catch a trophy fish here up to 30 inches and even bigger.
Kabetogama Lake Sauger Fishing
Kabetogama Lake has good numbers of sauger in it, so don’t be surprised if you catch some sauger while fishing for walleye on this lake. The DNR captured quite a few sauger during their gill netting, but most of the fish run in the 9 to 14 inch range with a small number of fish in the 15 to 19 inch range.
Fish the Bays
There are many smaller bays on Kabetogama Lake. These bays warm up faster in the spring and draw a lot of fish into them. Bays with some rocks and weed growth will draw plenty of walleye into them early in the year. As summer weather raises water temperatures, good numbers of walleye will move out to the main lake structure.
Fish the Islands
Kabetogama Lake has so many islands to fish. This is one of the reasons why a lot of anglers like this lake. In the summer and fall, if the winds are blowing, there are many areas of the lake where you can find good islands to fish while escaping some of the bigger waves. Islands with deeper water nearby will usually be a lot more productive, especially in the summer and fall.
Fish the Points
There are many main lake points as well as points that come off of the islands that can be very productive for walleye. The wind is usually a big factor, so plan on fishing the windy points for better success. The points that have deep water close by will usually be better spots to fish as well.
Fish Reefs
Kabetogama Lake has plenty of offshore structure and you can fish the many reefs during the summer and fall. Walleye will often be found in bigger schools near these reefs. Don’t just fish the drop-offs either because walleye will often be found close to the reefs in deeper water. The reefs that drop off into 25 to 35 feet of water will usually be some good places to search for walleye.
Fish the Rocks
This lake has plenty of rocks, so plan on fishing a lot of rocky areas when targeting walleye here. When the walleye are holding tight to the bottom, you will most likely go through some tackle to get your bites, so make sure to bring plenty.
Fish the Wind Blown Structure
Wind blown structure is always great to fish for walleye, especially, when the walleye are offshore in the summer and fall. There are so many islands, points and reefs here, that you can just let the wind dictate where you fish most days and you will catch some walleye.
Best Baits for Walleye
Walleye eat a variety of different baits, however, when push comes to shove, it is much easier to catch them with live baits. Minnows, nightcrawlers and leeches are definitely the best live baits for walleye.
While most anglers will just use live baits, many anglers will also target walleye with lures as well. Crankbaits and soft plastics are the best lures for walleye, however, you can catch walleye with a variety of different lures.
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Best Rigs for Walleye
When targeting walleye, there are many different rigs that you can use to catch them. While most anglers will keep it super simple and just use a simple jighead, many anglers will use a variety of rigs such as spinner rigs, 3 way rigs, bottom bouncers, drop shot rigs and many others.
To learn more, take a look at our best rigs for walleye page.
Best Techniques for Walleye
Jigging is by far the most popular technique for walleye fishing, however, you can catch them a variety of different ways. Casting, trolling and drifting are some of the other awesome techniques that anglers use.
To learn more, take a look at our best techniques for walleye page.
Learn More About Walleye
Our walleye fishing section has tons of tips on the best lures, live baits, where to catch them and how to catch them.
Visit our walleye fishing website to learn more.
