Draggin’ jigs for spring river walleyes with Jeremiah Luhmann
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Dragging jigs for walleye? This trick’s a flat-out winner when you’re covering water, huntin’ down active fish – especially when they’re scattered all over the place. It’s low-energy, high-reward, but it’s not a snooze-fest – it’s a science, and you better learn to read the water like a river-rat.
If you want the real scoop (and like catching pre-spawn walleyes), Pool 4 Mississippi River guide Jeremiah Luhmann’s droppin’ his secret sauce for draggin’ those river bottoms, and it’s gold.
> “When I talk about dragging jigs, they aren’t really sure what I’m talking about.... ‘Do you drag them upstream, downstream, what size jig?’ – this and that. It confuses a lot of people. Comes up a lot.
> “When I’m dragging jigs, I typically always drag upstream [crawling with the trolling motor].
> “That way I can control what the jig’s doing and the speed I’m going [starts around 0.4 mph and moves up from there as the water warms]. Lets me situate myself in the river where I want to – current seams, or little deeper water, or even shallower.... I try to run the lightest jig I can get away with and still stay in contact with the bait.
> “That all dictates how deep the water is you’re fishing and the flow. Early season, not much flow, [like right now] 1/8- to 1/4-oz works. Deeper water, more flow, I’ll go to a 1/2-oz jig as conditions change. My rule of thumb is use the lightest jig possible...."
Jeremiah goes thru a TON of jigs thanks to the snaggy nature of river fishing  so every winter he cooks up a whole new batch:
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A less-hands-on option would be snagging some Berkley Hybrid Jigheads which do a good job of cutting thru current and cover, and holds soft baits tight:
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A 3/16-oz is a great all-around starting size. If the current allows, try dropping down to a 1/8-oz when fishing slow in 10’ or less with smaller-profile baits like the Rib Worm or Curly Bones. Bump up to a 1/4-oz when there’s slightly more flow, fishing deeper up to the 20’ range, wanting to do faster drags, or when using bigger profiles (more resistance) like the Bonefish. Always start on the lighter end and go heavier from there if you’re not able to kiss the bottom when you drop your rod tip back.
> “I use my lob method – lob it out the back of the boat, set my speed. When the jig hits bottom, I hold my rod off the side. Once it’s down, I drop my rod tip back.
> “If it feeds back – like it isn’t settled – I let small increments of line out ‘til I can drop the tip and it goes slack immediately. That’s where I stop.
> “A lot of people mess up throwing a mile of line out – their bait’s digging into the mud and sand and whatnot. They’re not getting hookup rates ‘cause the bait’s digging in instead of gliding along the top.”
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Q: "What’s the optimal strike zone when dragging jigs? Bottom 6 inches, 12 inches?"
> “Yeah, bottom 6 inches – or just kissing the bottom, dragging along. I don’t try to have it off the bottom dragging upstream.
> “Want it gliding along. Can’t have too much line out, but don’t want to short-sell yourself.
> “When you let it back, you want it to rest [on the bottom with a tight line] – not way behind the boat with a bunch of slack on the water.
> “It’s not like pulling bottom-bouncers where you want a 45° – you want a little line behind the boat, that’s the deal.
> “You’re just trying to tick over the bottom structure – or whatever’s down there – glide right over top of it.
> “You want contact, but it’s that sweet spot between enough and not too much.
> “Trial and error teaches you. You want to come across it, make contact, but not so much that it's digging into the bottom and causing a big disturbance.”
Picking the right bait
> “I’ll use anything from a Rib Worm to a Curly Bones or Bonefish. For me, I start with one and see what the fish are wanting.... Gotta know there’s fish there first.
> “If I’m not seeing fish on my Lowrance side imaging or my 2D, it doesn’t matter what I’m throwing...gotta find the fish first.
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When he’s not busy finding sunken boats or canoes, that is lol:
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> “Then, I let the fish tell me what they want. Start with something in a spot and if I’m not getting bit, I’ll change.... I’m not the type to get stubborn like, ‘Well, I’m only using this today.’
> “If they’re not eating, I’m switching. Last week to 10 days, can’t get anything on a paddle tail for whatever reason – they want Curly Bones or Rib Wormss.
> “Not sure they don’t want vibration is or what’s going on, ‘cause I’d use the same colors and couldn’t get bit on a paddle tail to save my life.
> “I’m not giving up on a spot if I’m seeing fish there.... I’ll rifle through my colors and sizes and whatnot...some days, those Ripple Shads work well vertical jigging when you can’t catch ‘em dragging jigs.
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> “I keep rifling through as long as I’m seeing fish on sonar. You gotta be confident, and eventually you put it together. I don’t have one thing I pull out saying, ‘This is what they’re gonna bite in this spot.’
> “As a guide, it’s nice to have a full line up, try a variety of stuff.... ‘Okay, you got two fish on that...now we’ve got a pattern going.’
> “As far as colors go, there’s a handful I use that are successful day in and day out. [If you] look at my tackle boxes...you’re gonna see a consistent color pattern, just different varieties of baits."
Purple/chartreuse tail, Electric blue/white, Goldcracker...and Citrus Blast works really well too. Pictured clockwise from the top-left:
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> “These are my top-4 colors day in and day out, the ones I run and usually catch fish with. Chartreuse with orange core works too – I catch ‘em on that…. If you looked at my tackle, you’d see all the same colors, just different shapes."
In clear water (early season) natural colors do better: Oyster Shell, Firecracker/Chartreuse, Goldcracker...White Ice does well too.
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> “Sometimes it’s just confidence.... Learned a long time ago, don’t be dumb, just try stuff ‘til it works.
A great all-around setup for this technique would be a 7’ medium, fast-action spinning rod paired up with a size-30 Pflueger President or Abu Garcia Revo SX spinning reel. Jeremiah said he typically runs 10-lb FireLine (main line) with a 12-lb Berkley XT leader on the majority of his jigging setups.
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> "Had to change how I fished once I started guiding – not just fishing with buddies...out there to put fish in the boat for people paying you good money to figure it out...not for being stubborn and fishing memories.
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These walleyes are Hide-and-Seek world champs! 
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I just got in the door from Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba where I was chasing some last-chance hardwater walleyes. More on that later.... But in the meantime, I wanted to share something REALLY cool with you that I saw while baja’ing around.
Pressure ridges, heaves, cracks, whatever you call ‘em...there were miles of ‘em all across LW, and they all had one thing in common: Walleyes stacked underneath ‘em like bass sitting under a dock!
Pic doesn’t do it justice, but here’s a screenshot of a huuuuge heave system from the top of the ice:
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And here’s a LiveScope screenshot from the exact same position, showing an ice shelf shoved about 15’ down...and I circled a school of walleyes that were sitting directly under its lowest point:
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I posted a short video here showing exactly what I was seeing.
And yes, I know they were walleyes...because I caught a bunch of them lol. Would drill as close as possible in some areas and intercept ones that either slid out or were on their way back in.
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Top 5 Tips, Tricks and Trends of the Month! 
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This is NOT the Sea Foam Top 5 of the Week (which we’re still doing) it's a brand spankin' new video series that deeper dives into the top tips and techniques each month!  Brought to you by our friends at Humminbird/Minn Kota. In case you missed Episode 1 posted on our YouTube channel, here she be – please drop a comment under the vid and let me know what you think. Thx SO much for watching!
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Looking for a challenging puzzle?
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Try putting this bad boy together.... 
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Believe it or not (believe it!) those are walleye bones  and here’s what it looks like after the flesh-eating beetles clean it up, and Down to the Bone Taxidermy puts the pieces together:
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Incredible work!  Sounds like the skull costs 200-ish bones and comes with a display case.
I got to snooping thru his FB page and found another post where he had kicked out a complete skeleton reconstruction of a 28” walleye:
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Few fishy April Fools' Day posts I came across
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1. Expect all AIM weights to be down slightly
They use a length-to-weight conversion for their catch-photo-release derbies, so the longer the fish = the more it weighs.
Sounds like (from the random FB comments that) folks got really good at working the board, getting added length by using 2 hands to stretch and manipulate the fish....
Not sure if that’s the exact reason or not, but AIM will be changing how fish are measured and switching to a 1-handed system for 2025:
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2. WI: Fox River AIM happening Apr 6
They’ve got a full field taking off out of the Green Bay Metro Launch.
3. ND: Tom Huynh's speaking at Bismarck Scheels TOMORROW
Costs $25 to attend his forward-facing sonar seminar, but you’ll get a $25 Scheels gift card when you show up. The 5:00pm seminar is already sold out, but there’s a few spots left for the 11am.
4. OH: Lake Erie on run of excellent walleye fishing
> “The Ohio DNR said the walleye hatch success has been well above average for 7 of the past 10 yrs.... Anglers should expect to catch an abundance of fish ranging from 15-24 inches.”
5. MN: New walleye regs for Upper Red Lake
> ...will be allowed to keep 5 fish this summer, two more than were allowed during the opening weeks of the open-water fishing season a year ago....
> The new possession limit, effective May 10, allows anglers to keep 5 walleyes, but only 1 over 17” long. Marc Bacigalupi, Northwest Region fisheries manager for the DNR, said the regulation reflects what biologists believe is an abundance of young walleyes in the lake measuring from 15-17” long.
6. MN: Westonka Walleye Program's fundraising event is Apr 24
Their "Cash & Release" event is from 3-7pm at Back Channel Brewing along the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Spring Park.
Over the last 12 years, the Westonka Walleye Program has stocked over 175K 8-13" walleye in 'Tonka. The cost to stock those walleye was over $350K and it was 100% paid for by private donations (and it's a 501c3).
Oh, and there’s a good chance a few may even turn into a Tonka donkey like this 10-lber (28") that JR Sivek caught thru the ice.
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For more info, email Johnny@472Fish.org or check out the Westonka Walleye Program on Facebook.
7. Alumacraft being sold
Along with BRP's (ex-Evinrude maker) other boat companies
8. Casey Yoern = BKK Hooks’ new director of marketing
> “With over a decade of experience in marketing, social media management, and photography/videography, Casey brings a wealth of expertise that will be instrumental in driving our brand forward” said Mike Sullivan (Sully), BKK’s President of Sales & Marketing.
> Previously, Yoern served as the Marketing Specialist/Photographer at Daiwa Corporation, where he spearheaded digital marketing campaigns, managed product launches, and oversaw catalog creation for an extensive lineup of over 2,000 SKUs. His leadership in social media strategy helped grow the brand’s audience to over 500K followers, and his hands-on approach to content production ensured a strong, cohesive brand identity.
> Beyond his work at Daiwa, Casey has 15+ yrs of social media mgmt experience and over 8 yrs of freelance photography and videography work, collaborating with brands across multiple industries.
9. Gene Larew transitioning to YUM
10. I haven't had a chance to fish 'em yet...
...but the new VMC RedLine Series Tungsten Swimbait Jigs look flawless! 
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> ...high-density tungsten construction that enhances returns for improved visibility. Backed by a premium 1X Strong VMC Redline Round Bend Hook...includes a razor-sharp needlepoint and slick PTFE coating that delivers rapid hook penetration.
> ...lightweight conical bait keeper allows soft baits to collapse around it, locks them firmly in place, and is positioned in the optimal location to maintain balance throughout the retrieve.
> Available in a wide range of hook and weight sizes to accommodate various depths and soft baits [1/8 to 3/4 with 1/0, 2/0 or 3/0 hooks], the VMC Redline Tungsten Swimbait Heads are finished with laser-etched weight sizes on each head that resist wear even after use.
So far they’ve been sold out EVERYWHERE except for (momentarily) a couple packs of the largest/heaviest sizes...but I just saw that Scheels has some of the 3/16-oz with a 3/0 hook in stock right now...which is the exact one I’ve been trying to find to throw with CrushCity Mooch Minnows.... 
Btw they also have the new "electric shad" color Mooch Minnow I’ve been trying to find everywhere – here’s a look at that, tho you’ve got to see it in person to really appreciate it:
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11. WI: Bob Haase named 2025 Conservationist of the Year
Veteran outdoor writer Tim Eisele says:
> “I think Bob is the epitome of a Wisconsin sportsman. I can’t think of a better person to be recognized by WON.
12. AR DNR says life jacket use still too low
This is from Arkansas, but a good (and scary) reminder for everyone:
> Only 20% of the 207 individuals involved in boating accidents last year were wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident, and only 1 of the 9 victims involved in boating fatalities recorded last year were wearing a life jacket.
13. 2025 Manitoba Anglers' Guide available online
Some important dates for walleye and sauger:
- April 7: Walleye and sauger season ends in the southern division.
- May 1: Walleye and sauger season ends in the northwest and north central divisions.
- May 10: Walleye and sauger season begins in the southern division (with some exceptions, like Lake Winnipeg).
- May 17: Walleye and sauger season starts on Lake Winnipeg and in the northwest and north central divisions.
14. PA lifts fishing seasons, size and creel limits on...
...Highpoint Lake, Harris Pond, Rose Valley Lake. Because they’re working on the dam.
15. Free onX Fish class Apr 22 at 6:30pm cst
> ...an introductory tutorial on how to get the most out of the onX Fish App. Enjoy a live Q&A throughout the class, enter giveaways for free gear, and walk away with a better knowledge of how to use the Fish App to its full potential both open-water, and on the ice [register here].
16. MN: Joe Henry is talking 'crawler harnesses...
...TONIGHT at the Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited meeting.
17. Ex-Evinrude owner BRP was down in Q4
Such like:
> Revenues of $2,097.6 mil, a decrease of 19.7% compared to last year, resulting from continued softer demand and the company's objective to reduce network inventory;
> Net loss of $44.5 mill, a decrease of 114.7% compared to last year
> Normalized EBITDA of $239.8 mil, a decrease of 44.6% compared to last year
When you read such corporate stuff, bear in mind that they're putting the most positive spin on it possible.
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Green Bay spring walleye fishing masterclass
> “Doug Wegner shares a masterclass in Green Bay walleye fishing during the spring post-spawn period, focusing on how to locate and catch quality walleyes using proven tactics and baits. Wegner emphasizes the importance of understanding walleye location shifts during this transitional time and breaks down how to use electronics and bottom composition to your advantage.”
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“Sometimes ya gotta have a little talk with your friends about their behavior. Like not wanting to bite....”
- That’s Isaac Laakich having a serious heart-to-heart with this walleye on how its friends need to do better. Tho judging by its squirrely expression...I’d say it’s hearing him, but definitely not listening hahaha!
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Cody Solberg busting out the headlamp for some Green Bay, WI hawgbellies!
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Sign up another fish-head!
If you're forwarding Target Walleye to a friend who loves to walleye fish or want your fishing buddies to get these emails, just send us their email addresses and we'll take care of it! (We won't sell the addresses, use them for spam, etc.)
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FRIENDS OF TARGET WALLEYE
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Target Walleye – walleye during open water and all species during hardwater – is brought to you by Al Lindner, Jay Kumar, Chris Philen, Brett McComas and other diehard fish-heads like you!
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Brett McComas is the main man for Target Walleye He was discovered in Brainerd, MN after years of wondering how in the heck people break into the fishing biz. He's in it now, but still can't answer that question.... Brett is one of those guys who majored in marketing, only because there was no such thing as a "fishing degree" at the time.... Get him at brett@targetwalleye.com
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Lake Erie winning deets, Spring walleye locations, Tinder meets fishing
