Deep Water Trophy Walleye Fishing in Henderson Harbor
A History of Henderson Harbor
Since the time of the first European explorers, Henderson Harbor has been recognized as a safe haven for travelers, both on land and water. Samuel de Champlain first marveled at the area’s beauty in 1615, and it has remained one of the most scenic natural spots in the United States.
Fishing has played a key role in the harbor’s history for centuries. Early fishermen targeted lake trout, black bass, whitefish, and sturgeon. Over the past 40 years, the fishery has expanded to include species like king salmon, brown trout, and steelhead. Today, Henderson Harbor supports a diverse range of freshwater fish, making it a top destination for anglers.
Trophy Walleye
Henderson Harbor is well known for deep water trophy walleye fishing. Its deep, clear waters provide the right conditions for for walleye to thrive, attracting anglers looking for that trophy catch. uccessful fishing often involves trolling deep-diving crankbaits, vertical jigging, or drifting with live bait. Walleye are most active during low-light periods, making early morning, late evening, and nighttime the best times to fish. The harbor’s structure, including drop-offs and underwater ledges, serves as prime locations for targeting these fish.
A Dive into Deep Water Fishing
While much has been written about fishing the shallows around points and shoals in the Black River, Chaumont Bay, and Henderson Harbor, this article will focus on the deep water areas that anglers should target, especially during May and June.
Techniques and Tactics for Deep Water Walleye
While much has been written about fishing the shallows around points and shoals in the Black River, Chaumont Bay, and Henderson Harbor, deep-water areas are also key spots for anglers, especially during May and June when walleye transition from their spawning grounds.
In the spring, walleye migrate to deeper waters, typically between 20 and 40 feet. They tend to gather around structures such as drop-offs, underwater humps, and submerged ledges. Targeting these areas increases the chances of a successful catch.
A medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod with a sensitive tip is best for detecting subtle bites. A braided line (20-30 lb test) provides sensitivity and strength, while a fluorocarbon leader (10-15 lb test) reduces visibility and improves presentation.
Heavy jigs ranging from 1/2 oz to 1 oz, tipped with minnows or soft plastics, work well for vertical jigging in deep water. Nightcrawlers or leeches can be fished on a drop-shot rig or with a bottom bouncer to attract walleye. Deep-diving crankbaits can be trolled or cast to cover large areas and trigger aggressive strikes.
A slow, steady retrieve helps keep the bait near the bottom, where walleye often feed. When jigging, lifting the rod tip to create a hopping motion before letting the jig settle back to the bottom can be an effective technique.
Early mornings and late evenings are typically the best times for deep-water walleye fishing. Overcast conditions can also improve success, as walleye are more active in low-light environments.
Best Location’s In Henderson Harbour
When targeting deep-water trophy walleye in the Henderson Harbor area, several locations consistently produce results. Southwest of Black River Bay offers strong structure and depth, creating an ideal environment for walleye to hold and feed. As fish move throughout the system, Chaumont Bay becomes another productive area, known for its deep waters and reliable walleye activity.
Further along, Pillar Point provides excellent fishing opportunities, particularly in its deeper sections where walleye tend to gather. Continuing toward Point Peninsula and Stony Island, the depth variations create prime conditions for actively feeding fish, making this stretch a key area for anglers to explore.
One of the most well-known walleye hotspots is the “Trench” near Henderson Harbor. This underwater feature becomes especially productive in late spring and early summer when walleye school up in deeper waters, offering some of the best chances for a trophy catch.
Optimal Depths
The best depths for targeting walleye in these areas typically range from 35 to 70 feet, with many anglers concentrating on the 40 to 60 foot range, particularly in June.
Why Walleye Choose These Areas
Understanding the walleye’s behavior during this time of year is crucial. After spawning, walleye are often found in these deeper waters due to their need for food. They actively feed on the abundant fat-rich alewives, which thrive in the region. This provides walleye with an easily accessible food source, allowing them to replenish their energy with minimal effort.
Fishing Tips for Novice Fishermen Targeting Trophy Walleye
For novice fishermen eager to catch trophy walleye, using the right techniques and equipment is key. One useful tool is planer boards, which help spread your lines away from the boat, increasing your chances of hooking fish. Many anglers recommend running lines 130 to 260 feet behind the boat for effective trolling without disturbing the fishing area. For better coverage, use two to three rods per side.
Downriggers are essential for positioning your lures at the right depths, particularly when targeting suspended fish. Aim to run your lures between 18 to 28 feet deep, and always monitor your fish finder for fish near the bottom to adjust your depth strategy accordingly.
Line counter reels are a must-have for tracking how far your lures are behind the boat, ensuring consistency and accuracy in your fishing setup. If you’re considering planer masts, Great Lake Planers offers robust aluminum planer reels, perfect for handling multiple lines with ease.
When it comes to lure selection, depth is crucial. Be mindful of the abundance of baitfish during the fishing season, as their presence can make it harder to entice trophy walleye. The walleye may prefer feeding on natural bait instead of your lure. To help your lures reach greater depths, many anglers add extra weight using split shots, keel sinkers, or drop sinkers, improving your chances of getting your lure into the fish’s feeding zone.
Fishing for trophy walleye can be frustrating, especially when they’re finicky. Patience and adaptability are key. If you find that fish are not responding to your current setup, consider adjusting your lure depth, changing your lures, or experimenting with different weights.
Best Lures for Catching Trophy Walleye
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Deep-Diving Husky Jerk (Size 12)
The Deep-Diving Husky Jerk is a popular choice for trophy walleye due to its ability to reach deeper waters, where these fish often hide. This lure’s design allows it to dive quickly, making it effective at targeting walleye that are holding in deeper areas of lakes and reservoirs. Use this lure when targeting deeper water zones or areas with significant underwater structure, such as drop-offs or submerged ledges, to increase your chances of finding walleye.
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#18 Rapalas
Rapalas, especially the #18 model, are known for their natural action in the water, making them an ideal choice when trolling for walleye. These lures work particularly well when fished off downriggers, as their depth control helps you target walleye at the right depth. When using #18 Rapalas, attach them to your downrigger and adjust the depth based on your fish finder readings to fish in the optimal strike zone.
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Reef Runners
Reef Runners are renowned for their erratic, unpredictable action in the water, which mimics injured prey that walleye find hard to resist. These lures are highly effective in different water conditions, including both clear and murky water, and work well in various temperatures. Use Reef Runners in areas with varying water clarity and conditions. Their erratic action is especially effective for triggering strikes in walleye that are actively feeding.
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Bombers
Bombers are versatile lures that can be used for both casting and trolling, making them an essential tool in any angler’s tackle box. Their design allows them to cover a wide range of depths and attract walleye through their natural swimming action. Bombers work well when cast near submerged structures or trolling in open water. Switch between casting in shallows and trolling in deeper sections to maximize coverage and lure presentation.
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Thundersticks and Smithwicks
Thundersticks and Smithwicks are two of the most effective lures for provoking strikes from walleye, especially in low-light conditions. Their design and color patterns attract fish during early mornings, late evenings, or overcast days when walleye are most active and more likely to strike. Use Thundersticks and Smithwicks during dawn, dusk, or overcast weather. Their ability to imitate injured baitfish is especially effective in these conditions when walleye are actively hunting.
By using the right lures at the right times, you can significantly increase your chances of landing trophy walleye. Each of these lures offers unique features that cater to different fishing conditions, making them versatile and valuable tools for any angler looking to target large walleye in deeper waters.
Essential Lure Colors and Features for Trophy Walleye Fishing
To increase your chances of a successful catch, it’s essential to carry a variety of colors in your tackle box. A classic combination like black-silver is a go-to choice, as it effectively mimics many common baitfish. This versatile color pattern works well in a range of conditions and is especially effective in low-light environments.
Blue-silver lures are particularly useful in clear waters and bright, sunny conditions. Their reflective properties closely resemble the natural shine of baitfish, making them a great choice when fishing in calm, bright weather. If you’re looking for something that can provoke more aggressive strikes, fire tiger patterns are known to stand out in murkier waters, often triggering walleye to strike with greater intensity.
As you gain more experience in targeting trophy walleye, consider expanding your lure color selection to include gold, green, copper, orange, and chartreuse. These additional colors can be highly effective in different water conditions, depending on factors like water clarity and light levels. Gold, for example, is great in slightly stained water, while green can perform well in both clear and murky conditions.
When selecting lures, focus on those that incorporate features designed to enhance their effectiveness. Look for lures with 3D laser eyes, which create a lifelike appearance that can attract fish from a greater distance. The added detail of high-definition scales and gills further boosts the lure’s realism, making it even more enticing to walleye. Additionally, lures with internal holographic foils reflect light in a way that enhances visibility and flash, giving them an added edge in both clear and murky water.
Map of Golden Crescent Walleye
To assist novice anglers looking for trophy walleye in the Henderson Harbor area, I’ve included a map highlighting key fishing spots. The Xs on the map indicate the most consistent deep water areas where you can target these elusive giants. These locations have proven successful for many anglers over the years and are worth exploring during your fishing trips.
Useful Contacts for Fishing in Henderson Harbor
Before heading out on the lake for trophy walleye fishing, it’s beneficial to reach out to a few local resources that can provide the latest information and supplies. One key contact is Henchen’s Marina, located in Henderson Harbor. You can reach them at 315-938-5313. Henchen’s Marina offers a wide variety of fishing tackle and supplies, and they also provide valuable local fishing information to help you maximize your chances of success on the water.
Another useful contact is B&J Bait, located in Dexter on the Black River. They can be reached at 315-639-3686. B&J Bait is well-stocked with essential bait and tackle, making it a reliable spot for anglers who need specialized gear or advice on fishing the local waters around Henderson Harbor.
Original Article By Bob Dick
About The Author
Captain Bob Dick owns and operates Moby Dick Charters out of Henderson Harbor on Lake Ontario. Captain Bob specializes in sport fishing for trophy walleye, browns, lake trout, king salmon, northern pike and smallmouth bass. He has lived and fished the eastern end of Lake Ontario and tributaries his entire life and is a member of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
