by Chuck De Bruin, December 20, 2011

Looking to add some pizzazz to your fishing experience next summer? Consider,then,the 2012 Washington State Walleye Championship on Lake Roosevelt out of Kettle Falls. It’s the culmination of the five-tournament Washington Walleye Circuit and encompasses the entire lake. But that didn’t scare the 2011 winners from Monroe, WA who reportedly caught their limits within 20 minutes of the Kettle Falls boat launch. Others did extremely well even closer to the launch. For those who feel more comfortable fishing the south end of the lake, the north end near Chi- na Bend and Northport, or places in between, more power to you. It’s your choice, but there are walleyes throughout the lake which extends more than 100 miles from just south of the Canadian border to Grand Coulee Dam in Washington as part of the Columbia River system.

Preparations for 2012 were under- way even before the last champion- ship tourney was completed. It was during that last weekend of July I was approached by Merlin Thyke- son of Mark’s Marine in Coeur d’Alene, ID about possibly becom- ing the new tournament director. He caught me completely off-guard, and I replied that I would need some time to consider it. I talked it over with outgoing tourney director Mike O’Donnell and Washington Walleyes Unlimited representative George Allen after the awards cere- mony on Sunday evening, and they were both supportive of me tackling the job. So here we go…off and running to make the Championship more exciting and inviting than in years past.

The tournament dates in 2012 are July 28 & 29 with the drivers’ meeting on the afternoon/evening of July 27. Plans are in progress to have added incentives at the driv- ers’ meeting and throughout the tournament including the awards ceremony. A few of our major spon- sors from previous years have been approached and are working on be- ing an integral part of next year’s event. That would include Mark’s Marine, Mack’s Lure, Cabela’s and several other companies. Those who have participated in the Champion- ship in past years know that Mark’s Marine and Lund Boats have guar- anteed a $10,000 purse for the 1st place team. Thykeson is working on making that a reality again.

The entry form for the Championship is posted at: www.SpokaneWalleyeClub.com. Just click on tournaments and you’ll find it.

Although the tournament is classified as the championship of the cir- cuit with special plaques and money handed out to the top anglers of the year, all two-person fishing teams are welcome to compete for the big bucks and prizes.

Here’s a quick tip for success at Lake Roosevelt: While observing lures already rigged on rods during boat inspections each morning, and hearing what the anglers have to say each day, Mack’s Lure Smile Blades, Double Whammy’s, Wally Pops, and various jigs are the most popular walleye-getters.

Wally Pops are especially popular for bottom bouncers since they can be trolled slowly but still “pop” up off the bot- tom where the fish are looking for a meal. The lure incorporates a worm harness for fat and sassy nightcrawl- ers and comes in two-tone colors. Chartreuse and pink combos have always been winners throughout the lake.

Reprinted By Permission of Macks Lure

Macks Lure