Hey everyone - Heading up to put in on the 17th at 54 (seagull). Going to basecamp out of either Ogish or Alpine. Mainly on a fishing trip on either of those lakes. Anyone have tips for walleye this early in the year? I've heard that running water will be good - I've always been a jigger, but bringing leeches for some slip bobber action. Will slow death rigs work this time of the year? Mainly going to target walleyes, but would love to catch some pike as well...Not many of either in Iowa. Would love any tips that people would have!

Not a walleye expert, but I have heard that they usually have a preference for minnows over leeches or nightcrawlers this early in the year.
I'll be on Namakan for 4 nights over Memorial Day weekend, and we're (2 fishermen) bringing 3 dozen minnows and 3 dozen nightcrawlers.

I am guessing that the spawn will be finished, and they'll be in a 'dispersal' mode? (key word here is 'guessing' ;)

Pike will probably be easy to find, and aggressive. Shallow-ish areas with cover. Anywhere you find weeds growing, there should be pike.
Current breaks should hold pike and walleyes.

Take some pics :)
Good Luck

We had good luck on Ogish this time last year using slip bobbers and leeches. I heard the “narrows” are good but we had our luck on the north shore of the south west end of the lake. By a big cliff face looking rock. 10-20 ft of water and bobbers set to 8. Good luck!

We're putting in tomorrow, exact same plan as you. Maybe we'll see you on Ogish. My plan is running water and shallow presentation.

I agree with the above. I’d be looking for the warmest water you can find. Like a stream pumping in warmer water or a shallow mud bottom bay. Last May my first walleye was caught at about Noon in three feet of water in a bay. Casted at a big bolder and there was a walleye warming itself by the rock. And ambushing any prey that swam by.

Report from ogish/Jasper/Alpine.

Walleye were shallow, did best in shallower bays (look at maps on ogish, you'll see). Running water produced Lakers and walleye as well. Spice lake was very warm. Good topwaters smally and hammerhandle action.

Well, We pulled out 2 days early for various reasons, main one being the wind today/tomorrow on Seagull. Caught a few lakers below muller rapids - Didn't have much luck on walleye (as in, no luck). But honestly, did put a ton of effort into fishing. Felt too nice to chill by the warm fire with the cooler temps. That's the beauty of the BWCA - you can do what you want, and we wanted to sit by the fire :-).