[Crummy]

I fish for walleye mainly during fall and winter each year. Mostly at Lake James and Fontana Lake. Well there is another local lake. Lake Hickory. I always knew they were there but in recent years more and more are seen. It was in past years you only heard of one here and there. Last year a buddy of mine wanted a mess of yellow perch so he went down to the dam and proceeded to throw a hair jig and minow. Low and behold he hooks a 5lb walleye. Stuff of legend, huh? In recent weeks I have ran into 2 different groups of wildlife biologist doing shock surveys and setting traps on Lake Hickory. Their concern was the decline or crappie populations in recent years. During their surveys they are consistantly netting numbers of walleye. 6lb and 8lb'ers even. Those will do damage to the crappie. I asked where they were shocking and trapping. They are setting traps at 20' on points around 40' deep. Just a bug in the ear here for those who want to explore. I plan to explore this more myself.

 

[sundrop]

Smart move getting the info! I hate to see the crappie population drop but I hear wallys are good fun! Thanks for sharing..

 

[shouldbefishn2002]

Hi Crummy and Sundrop.

This is a very interesting bit of information. I have been in NC for 8 months now and find the shore fishing to be challenging. I grew up and cut my fishing teeth on Walleyes in the great fishing state of MN. I would really like to find a Walleye hole. This bit of information sounds promising since Hickory is less than an hour from me. I would just like to ask if these fish were caught from shore or a boat. Thanks for the tip either way.

Mike

 

[Crummy]

Smart move getting the info! I hate to see the crappie population drop but I hear wallys are good fun! Thanks for sharing..

Best tasting freshwater fish there is imo.

 

[Crummy]

Hi Crummy and Sundrop.

This is a very interesting bit of information. I have been in NC for 8 months now and find the shore fishing to be challenging. I grew up and cut my fishing teeth on Walleyes in the great fishing state of MN. I would really like to find a Walleye hole. This bit of information sounds promising since Hickory is less than an hour from me. I would just like to ask if these fish were caught from shore or a boat. Thanks for the tip either way.

Mike

The one my buddy caught was from shore. The surveys are done by boat.

 

[Fire Shark]

What are you using for bait or lures?

 

[Crummy]

Different things. Jig and crawler, Ice jig, Hopkins, spoons, hair jig and minnow, etc.

 

[Fire Shark]

Hey thanks for the info. Hope to try at some this winter.

 

[Missed Again]

I've a place on Lake Adger. The NC DNS stocks Musky there, reckon we could get them to put in a few Walleye as well?

 

[Fire Shark]

Where is Lake adger.

 

[Missed Again]

It’s in Polk County off hwy 9 between Lake Lure/Chimney Rock and Columbus NC. On a road map, go from Spartanburg SC up I-26 towards Hendersonville, ‘bout half way on the right. About 100 years ago Duke Power dammed up the Green River and made a 200/300 yard wide 7 mile long lake. Lake level is at 915 ft elevation, surrounding land many times over 1000+ ft, in other words it’s in a valley. Has a 60 HP motor restriction for boats, 80 HP for pontoons. Do a search for Western North Carolina Musky Club, wncmc.com, they hit it pretty hard for the Musky. State record, 48+ lb came out of there. Come see us some time.

 

[Fire Shark]

Thanks for the info, maybe we can fish together sometime.
Thanks again,

 

[Crummy]

It’s in Polk County off hwy 9 between Lake Lure/Chimney Rock and Columbus NC. On a road map, go from Spartanburg SC up I-26 towards Hendersonville, ‘bout half way on the right. About 100 years ago Duke Power dammed up the Green River and made a 200/300 yard wide 7 mile long lake. Lake level is at 915 ft elevation, surrounding land many times over 1000+ ft, in other words it’s in a valley. Has a 60 HP motor restriction for boats, 80 HP for pontoons. Do a search for Western North Carolina Musky Club, wncmc.com, they hit it pretty hard for the Musky. State record, 48+ lb came out of there. Come see us some time.

Musky were stocked at Lake James also years ago. There have been some 40lb'ers caught but I haven't heard of any in quite a while.

 

[Fire Shark]

Sounds like a road trip to me!
I have not fished Lake James in years.
Thanks

 

[duckman]

Look out NC walleye because I am coming for you! .... lol

If you would like to know more about walleye fishing try this forum... Lake Erie Fishing Reports - Ohio Game Fishing Community ...

when i move i will look some folks up here to help you hook up on some of the best eating fish in fresh water. As far as them impacting crappie .... not very likely ... perch, shad, shinners, fat heads in that order of preference.... across the country from Arkansas/Colorado/North Dakota/Ohio/New York they really don't target the white bass, crappie, bluegills type panfish... even in small lakes they are pelagic following the bait and seasonal temp changes.... If you have a boat trolling cranks at 1.2 to 2.5mph is my favorite method... husky jerks... minnow type cranks .... or shad raps....

I will post open seats when I can!

 

[NCIrish]

I am ready for some great tasting wallys. Haven't had that since moving from North Dakota.
Hey let's get a fan club going of those who like the Wally and Musky.

 

[Guest]

having moved from "The Sauger Capitol of the World" i can say i will miss the spring runs in the rivers. (sauger are similar to walleye, but a 5lb.er is big )
So, count me in on the fan club!
Shouldbefishin, i have a boat and will be looking foward to getting over your way to fish for them eyes.
NCIrish, not sure of your home area, but if you want to give it a go, let me know.

 

[NCIrish]

Ghost once everything here at work settles out following the holidays we can get together and give it a go hey! Yep them Suugers are fun too.
I am in the central part of the State in a small dot called Coleridge. About 15 miles south of Asheboro off Hwy. 42.