Ep. 154 - Jon Conklin - The Best Kept Secrets of Walleye Fishing: An Expert Guide's Tips for Timing, Baits, and Gear

Walleye fishing in the Ozarks is often overlooked - but for those who know where to look and how to fish for them, the rewards are well worth the effort. In this episode of The Ozark Podcast, we sit down with walleye expert and fishing guide Jon Conklin of Fish On Guide Service to learn how to target walleye year-round in Beaver Lake and beyond.

If you want to improve your walleye fishing success, this episode is essential listening. Jon’s decades of experience will help you understand walleye movement, refine your technique, and select the right gear for every season. Whether you’re fishing from a boat, the bank, or a kayak, these insights will put more walleye in your cooler.

Support for this episode

Vortex Optics - Industry leading scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars

Moultrie Mobile - The ONLY cell trail cameras with A.I. integration

Umarex Airguns - The leader in Air Rifle technology

[00:00] Introduction to Jon Conklin & his passion for teaching fishing

[03:15] Why Beaver Lake is a tough but rewarding fishery

[07:00] Walleye in the Ozarks: Native species & stocking efforts

[10:00] Understanding walleye spawn behavior & where to find them

[15:30] Pre-spawn staging: What it means and how to fish it

[19:00] The #1 mistake anglers make when targeting walleye

[25:00] Post-spawn tactics: When and where to target feeding walleye

[32:00] Summer walleye techniques: How to adjust for warmer water

[38:00] Best baits & gear for walleye fishing in the Ozarks

[45:00] Expert advice for bank fishermen & kayak anglers

What is The Ozark Podcast?

In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.

Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett - and our producer is Daniel Matthews

Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton

Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast

PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com