Spottail shiners are the go-to baitfish for many Minnesota walleye anglers from the fishing opener through late May into early June, but supplies have been tight this spring.
Complicating the shortage is a Minnesota DNR requirement that minnow dealers who trap spottail shiners in waters designated as infested with zebra mussels must remove their gear by Monday, May 23.
For me, the walleye has a mystique I find difficult to explain. The appearance is definitely part of it. Walleyes are beautiful fish, and their color varies depending on where you catch them.