BEMIDJI, Minn. (March 30, 2022) – In the spring, the lion’s share of anglers troll cranks on long line or lead core slowly up the river channel. Yet, there are group of current specialists Northland pro Brian “Bro” Brosdahl calls the “river rollers.”
“We run up and down the river hitting multiple areas run-and-gun bass style, but for walleyes—strategically pitching crankbaits and slow reeling – or rolling – through the contact zone. Cast up close to shore or structure with a Northland Rumble Shad, and rip it once about every two- to three-feet, reeling the handle slowly, rolling it through the fishy areas,” notes Brosdahl.
With river water temperatures in the 40s and 50s, walleyes are lethargic but still looking to feed. On most casts, the Rumble Shad lip will bounce off rocks and other structure, causing fish to react. This digging motion wakes up the walleyes. Look for areas such as wingdams, log piles, sandbar breaks, riprap, and current seams.