12 routes to walleye heaven

If you're a Walleye Wanderer, you've come to the right spot.

This exclusive walleye scuttlebutt you're about to receive is intended to heal your walleye ailments.

Grab your Rapalas and look to the heavens.

Your days of ridicule by family and friends for not finding walleyes to catch on opening day are about to end, my friend, assuming you are reasonably competent with a baited hook and have never been skunked in the kiddie trout ponds at the Sportshow.

If you're afraid of losing blood to a leech on opening day, maybe you oughta try a different sport. Call for a tee time and chase the little white ball. Most golfers are mediocre anglers, it's said, except for those who hook the ball.

Enough about golf.

If you're serious about catching walleyes, you're about to be told where to go.

And it won't be hell.

To maintain the tradition of Minnesota Nice, there is among us a Benevolent Fisherperson, a Wonderful Walleye Guru, who is willing to tell all about the state's walleye hot spots. He's chosen to remain anonymous but insists his advice is free and worth every penny.

Obvious walleye hangouts are excluded, meaning Mille Lacs, Winni, Leech, Red Lake, Lake of the Woods, Rainy Lake and a few others are not mentioned. Why? Anybody can catch fish in those waters.

Rather, the Benevolent Wonderful Walleye Guru has compiled a list of lesser-known honey holes that are brimming with walleyes just waiting to be caught someday. Goes without saying, the Benevolent One cannot say WHICH day. For that information, he'd have to charge a fee and you don't have enough money.

With no further adieu, behold ...

The Deadly Dozen Walleye Lakes.

NORTH

SHAGAWA LAKE

Wanna catch walleyes in a Boundary Waters setting without paddling? This 2,370-acre beauty is on the north edge of Ely with public accesses on the north and south shores. The walleye count is about five times the state average, according to DNR test nets, including a bunch of 1-pounders for good eating. Lunkers rare.

LAKE BEMIDJI

This 6,580-acre hotspot sits next to the city with the same name, but the walleyes don't know that. DNR tests show an abundance of walleyes in the 15-inch range. Lunkers in the 26-inch range are roaming around but probably are not catchable opening weekend. Six public accesses are scattered around the lake.

ELEPHANT LAKE

Can't forget this one. Located 10 miles northeast of Orr, this 723-acre jewel has a walleye count of 11/2-pounders that is more than three times the state average. Lunkers, too. Public access is on the southeast shore.

ISLAND LAKE

Lots of lakes have the same name, but this one in Becker County, near Snellman, Minn., has a walleye count to die for, more than four times the state average. Expect lots of 11/2-pounders in its 1,142 acres, but lunkers are possible. The maximum depth is about 41 feet. Public access is on the northeast shore off County Road 126.

BIRCH LAKE

Look for Babbitt, Minn., and you'll find Birch (about 1 mile north). It's not small -- 5,628 acres -- but it has a bunch of 1- to 2-pounders, roughly three times the state average, according to DNR tests. Maximum depth is about 25 feet, so Birch might produce an opening day bite. Five public access around the lake. Lunkers rare.

BLACKDUCK LAKE

The hot bite on Red Lake might mean Blackduck is a hot spot that anglers drive by. Its 2,686 acres hold a growing walleye population, roughly two times the state average. Lunkers? Maybe. Public access available.

CENTRAL

AND SOUTH

ARTICHOKE LAKE

Go west, walleye lovers. Located near Correll in Big Stone County, Artichoke is a consistent walleye producer, and DNR tests show another bumper crop of 11/2-pounders in the 1,924-acre lake. Public boat launches in three spots. Lunkers possible.

BIG STONE LAKE

Go west again, to Ortonville. Lots of room (11,983 acres, average depth 16 feet) and lots of walleyes, too. DNR tests show a walleye count of 1- to 2-pounders roughly six times the state average. Cover lots of water and you'll find 'em. Lots of accesses on the Minnesota and South Dakota sides of the lake.

EAST TOQUA LAKE

Never heard of it? Shame. Check Big Stone County near Graceville. It's another shallow (maximum depth 9 feet) lake, 428 acres, but the walleye count is so high, according to DNR tests, they might be running out of room to swim. No lunkers. Public access on the south shore.

ANDREW LAKE

Here's another consistent winner, in Douglas County near Alexandria. Andrew's 946 acres have a walleye count nearly three times the state average, according to DNR test nets. Expect mostly 11/2-pounders. Boat launch on the south shore. Lunkers present.

UPPER PRIOR LAKE

Considering the rising price of gas, here is a suburb sleeper near the town with the same name. Yes, Prior Lake might be famous for bass, but little do you know. A few years ago, the walleyes were so scarce in Prior it would have taken dynamite to find one. Not anymore. The latest DNR test nets show a remarkable comeback of walleyes in the 354-acre lake, averaging 2 pounds. Public access on the southwest shore (Dewitt Avenue).

CIRCLE LAKE

So you think all the walleyes live up north, huh? Check out this 624-acre sleeper near Lonsdale in Rice County. It's full of walleyes 14 to 15 inches long; a big walleye in Circle is an 18-incher. Public access on the north shore.

Drum roll, please. The Deadly Dozen is now complete. Good luck. It always helps.

Ron Schara • ron@mnbound.com