Montana’s walleye season is in full swing, and Captain Brian Brosdahl is sharing his expert insights on the most common mistakes anglers make and how to fix them.
Location, Location, Location
Brosdahl stresses the importance of choosing locations based on seasonal patterns. Are the shiners spawning? Are there bug hatches in the summer or minnows in the fall? Know the lake’s cycle and target areas with abundant food.
- Early fall walleye seek green grass, attracting spawning whitefish.
- Look for dense, dark weed beds near tributaries, flowages, and river channels.
Jig Game Strong
Brosdahl’s go-to jig is the Northland Tungsten Short Shank Jig, but he emphasizes that jig size and color matter.
- Use 1/16- or 1/8-ounce jigs in shallow water (10 feet or less) for a slow fall.
- Switch to 3/8- or 1/2-ounce jigs in deeper water (over 20 feet).
- Top colors include gold, perch patterns, blue/white, pink, and solid black.
The Pace of the Chase
Don’t overwork the jig! Brosdahl advises a 2-foot sweep to get attention, followed by a slow fall.
- Jigging too fast is a common mistake.
- Keep the jig near the bottom, and let the walleye come to it.
Net Result
When netting a walleye, Brosdahl’s mantra is “head first, calm and steady.”
- Get the net ready early.
- Hold the net handle in one hand and grab the mesh with the other.
- Don’t pull the fish to the surface until the net is ready.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to a successful walleye fishing trip in Montana’s beautiful waters.
Image/Source: Wired2Fish
