The Easy and Relaxing Way to Catch Walleye

If you’re after walleye, especially during those warm mid-to-late summer days, there’s one simple, tried-and-true method that stands out, bottom bouncing. It’s not just effective; it’s one of the most relaxing fishing tips for catching walleye.

When summer settles over the Ottawa Valley, there’s no better way to spend a leisurely afternoon than drifting across the calm waters of Muskrat Lake. Located near Cobden, Ontario, this scenic gem offers anglers a peaceful escape and plenty of opportunities for easy fishing. Let me give you some tips for catching summer walleye.

Bottom Bouncing is the Best Summer Hack  

Let’s face it: not every fishing trip needs to be intense or technical. Sometimes, it’s about enjoying the breeze, the quiet, and letting your line do the work. Bottom bouncing for summer walleye is as effortless as it gets.

Instead of casting and retrieving all day, you simply drag a weight along the lakebed while your spinner rig flutters behind it. The motion does the work; you just troll slowly, sip a cold drink, and keep your rod tip ready for that telltale tap-tap of a hungry walleye.

It’s the perfect blend of easy fishing and effective technique—especially when those late summer fish head deeper but are still on the hunt for a meal.

Walleye Bottom Bouncer Setup

You don’t need a tackle shop’s worth of gear to get started. Here's what works best for walleye fishing in Muskrat Lake during the warmer months:

Rod & Reel: A medium-action rod (spinning or baitcasting) that is sensitive enough to feel the weight on the bottom but strong enough for solid hooksets.

Weight: Use a bottom bouncer weight between 1 and 2 oz, with 1.5 oz often working well at troll speeds of 1–1.5 mph on Muskrat Lake.

Harness: A crawler harness with a spinner blade. Colors that perform well in Muskrat's summer water include chartreuse, orange, and gold. Tip it with a live nightcrawler (or a soft plastic if you prefer a fully relaxed approach).

Bonus Tip: Use quick-change clevises so you can swap blade colors without needing to retie—more fishing, less fiddling.

Walleye Fishing in Late Summer

As summer heats up the surface, walleye tend to head deeper in search of cooler water, but they remain hungry and active.

Target Depths

The sweet spot in Muskrat Lake in the summer is between 18 to 30 feet.

Structure to Look for and Troll along for Walleye

•   Drop-offs
•   Weed edges
•   Sunken humps
•   Rock piles

These spots attract baitfish, which in turn attracts walleye.

Walleye Water Temperature

Walleye are most comfortable around 68–72°F. Use a fish finder or thermometer to scout for cooler layers.

Speed & Angle

Troll slowly at 1–1.5 mph. Keep your line at a 45° angle; if you’re not tapping bottom, adjust your speed or weight. This technique is not just easy fishing; it’s smart fishing.

Walleye Fishing at Muskrat Lake

Muskrat Lake is a great fishing spot for walleye, is located in Cobden, Ontario. Muskrat Lake offers everything you want for a relaxing fishing trip:

• A healthy walleye population
• Varied structure and depths
• Less fishing pressure than some larger lakes

Whether you’re launching from the boat ramp or exploring the eastern points, this lake provides ideal conditions for relaxing fishing all summer long. And let’s be honest: nothing beats watching the water sparkle while your rig quietly rolls along the bottom—followed by the delightful tap-tap of a fish on the line!

Sun, Serenity & Summer Walleye  

Walleye fishing in mid to late summer doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s best when it’s simple. Bottom bouncing on Muskrat Lake is the perfect excuse to unwind, unplug, and enjoy nature—with the bonus of bringing home a few delicious fillets.

So, next time you're planning a fishing trip in summer to catch walleye, remember: all you need is a bottom bouncer, a spinner harness, and a little sunshine. The walleye will take care of the rest.

Read another article about fishing tips for bass using a wacky rig by Jameson Redding from Road Trip Angler.