By Tom Neustrom Some states have an official " Walleye Opener". It's circled on calendars in kitchen after kitchen. In equally as many states, though, " Opener" describes the second that the ice vanishes. Either way, I believe the ties to the tradition of the " Opener" are too strong. Let me explain in an anecdote… Three generations of the Doe family get together on that hallowed weekend and cross their collective fingers that the walleyes will bite. No matter the weather. No matter what experts say about the lake. No matter nothing. They fish the same lake every year. Not that the relatives shouldn't get together and fish. But unless your lake oozes with spring walleyes, you're better off leaving the comfort of the cabin, putting the boat on the trailer and driving to a bite. That's not meant to be harsh. It's factual. And here are some tips for picking the right pond and putting a bend in your rod. Flat as a Pancake and Colored like Syrup Our education as fisherman tells us that walleyes are fish of clear water and deep struc­ture. That's only partially true. Yes, walleyes thrive in crisp clean northern lakes. But likewise, they can flourish in bowl- shaped lakes with more weeds than rocks and water colored like beef- bullion. In fact, they often grow faster and are more plentiful in the soupier stuff. The point is that if your family cabin rests on a cold clear lake, consider nearby options. The flatter and shallower the area the faster the water warms – fact. Nothing speeds up post- spawn recovery like daytime heat. Walleyes get in gear faster, especially the males. They'll form six, eight, and ten member packs and work the flat. Simultaneously, Twists to a Timeless Approach for Spring Walleyes