It has been a couple months since walleyes in inland lakes have seen a hook, and more than twice that long for a hook at the business end of a long rod. Walleyes may not have forgotten entirely about open-water anglers and their ways, but their survival instincts won't kick into high gear until after the 2006 opener has come and gone.

Imagine a school of walleyes in a darkened theater, intently watching "Finding Nemo" while munching away on popcorn. Wally reaches in the bag, finds a jig attached and is jerked out of his seat. Moments later, Wanda goes through the same experience.

On the first Saturday in May we'll be heading out looking for some walleyes to catch-and-release -- and maybe keep a couple for the frying pan. It's been a long winter, ya know! Months of boat payments, with nothing going into the livewell. Don't even think about the cost of each filet. It would be cheaper to treat an entire supper club full of people on a Friday night.

It's time for these wannabe predators to see who the Big Dog is, savoring the sweet sensation of a walleye picking up a jig. Like life's other greatest pleasures, the realization that you're hooked up lasts only a couple of seconds. The combat lasts only a minute or two before somebody reaches for the net. Walleyes aren't known for their pugilistic talents. It's all about fooling a critter known for guile, but maybe about dinner, maybe about a big Wanda for the wall. But walleye fishing is something you can do all day long if you put 'em back in the water.

The following is a look at some of Wisconsin's top lakes for walleyes to snap your rod back on May 6.

LONG LAKE
This 3,300-acre Washburn County lake has been a favorite walleye spot for years, offering textbook habitat that practically screams "Walleye!"

Huge walleyes swim in Long's nether reaches, relating to a cisco forage base that translates quickly into hefty dimensions. Your shortest open-water odds for a whopper come between now and June, before a developing weed edge and warming waters give these dreadnaughts more cruising options.

Weeds are few right now, making any patches of green weeds veritable fish magnets. Ditto rocky rubble areas around Kunz and Holy islands, which are primary walleye spawning areas. Big walleyes haven't moved all that far since dropping their eggs. They should be recovering from the spawning ordeal by the time opening day rolls around, and ready to feed.

The deep, narrow nature of this lake and the fact that a large component of the walleye biomass is relating to shallow water make it easy to come up with a strategy for hooking up. If you're looking for a trophy, break out the big suspending stickbaits in chrome/blue colors and get on the water just about dusk. Stay out a long cast away from the island or rocky shoreline and make a steady retrieve. Fish will move shallower with darkness. Don't be surprised if you think you've snagged the shoreline and it suddenly starts swimming away!

Contact Washburn County Tourism at 1-800-367-3306.