In this video, walleye ace Tom Boley breaks down a consistent and effective early summer pattern for catching walleye using a combination of mapping, side imaging, and live sonar. Boley highlights a repeatable approach that works across many bodies of water during the post-spawn and early summer periods.
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How to Read Structure and Identify Fish
Using side imaging while idling across certain areas, Boley looks for signs of life. Fish typically show up as bright returns with shadows—especially in mixed rock and weed areas. These features provide both cover and ambush points, and they consistently attract walleyes during this timeframe. Once he marks fish on side imaging, he drops a waypoint to return later with forward-facing sonar.
Understanding Seasonal Walleye Behavior
This early summer window is one of the most reliable times to pattern and catch walleye. Post-spawn fish have transitioned out to deeper flats where bug hatches and bait movement concentrate them. These fish are often in a feeding mode, especially when water temps stabilize. While wind, light conditions, and pressure can influence activity, the flats-and-edges pattern stays productive.
The Baits That Get Bit
Boley touches on his bait selection for this time of year. A light jig paired with a jumbo leech is a staple—ideal for pitching to individual marks and hovering it right in the fish’s face. A slip bobber rig comes into play when fish are more finicky or when making long casts is necessary, again often with a jumbo leech. When fish are more aggressive or suspended higher, a suspending jerkbait becomes the go-to.
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