HOLLOWAY RESERVOIR
Holloway Reservoir is made up by a six-mile-long impoundment on the Flint River in northeast Genesee and northwest Lapeer counties. This man-made lake has long been noted as a premier walleye lake, especially in winter and during the early weeks of season. Walleyes to 10 pounds are available here, but fish ranging in size from 2 to 4 pounds are far more prevalent.

"When I worked that end of the state, I really enjoyed fishing on Holloway Lake," said Gary Towns, DNR fisheries biologist supervisor. "The lake is loaded with walleyes. Although the majority is your typical 'eater,' there are some real impressive hogs in there as well. I'd recommend Holloway to anyone!"

As with many top walleye waters, changes in the depth and bottom structure will be a key to locating the fish. Good electronics will be a big help in finding and staying with changes in bottom contour. A number of locals work along the edges of the channel running throughout the reservoir. This channel -- in particular the western portion -- offers walleyes both food and security, and thus will be a prime spot to try.

For starters, anglers may want to begin their fishing efforts south of the Mt. Morris Road Bridge. Circulating water in this area is a draw to both baitfish and the walleyes. Another spot anglers will want to try is along the west side of Goose Point. Look for leeches drifted across bottom and crankbaits or spinner rigs trolled to take a majority of walleyes on Holloway. A great time to target 'eyes from this lake is after dark. Try trolling 3-inch double-jointed floating Rapalas, or cast a nightcrawler or leech and reel it back slowly just off bottom.

Access to Holloway can be obtained off Henderson Road on the southwest side. For bait and tackle, contact Hicks Tackle Shop at (810) 785-9941. For lodging, call the Chamber of Commerce at (810) 664-6641.

GUN LAKE
Located in Barry County, this 2,680-acre lake may just be southern Michigan's top inland lake for walleyes. If Gun has a particular drawback, it might be that it's just as popular with recreational boaters as it is with walleyes. But don't let this stop you from enjoying the great fishing here.

To counter the boating activity, anglers get their start at the crack of dawn and work at filling their creel until powerboats and skiers drive the walleyes deep into the weeds. Look for some of Gun Lake's better walleye fishing to take place near the steep dropoffs around Murphys and Hastings points located near the lake's center. Another spot to try is in Robbins Bay located at the lake's southwest corner. Here, a 34-foot hole will hold walleyes during the day. These fish work their way out during the evening and night into the surrounding waters and neighboring rice bed.

Another great time to avoid the boaters and enjoy Gun Lake walleyes is at night. After dark, the far eastern end of the lake over sunken islands and off Chicago Point produce for those trolling crankbaits and drifting various spinner rigs.

Catching Gun Lake walleyes will mean using a variation of techniques. At dusk and daybreak, finesse tactics will work best along the edges of weedbeds and in various open pockets within the weeds. During the night, look for trolling or casting to take the majority of fish. Troll shallow-running crankbaits or spinners in the shallows well after dark when the fish have had time to make their way there in search of baitfish.

Access to Gun Lake can be obtained from a couple locations. One is a hard-surfaced ramp located on Murphy's Point in the Yankee Springs State Recreation Area. Another can be found off Marsh Road on the lake's southwest end.

So, it doesn't matter if you are a high-tech angler or just a worm dunker, this is a great time to be out there walleye fishing. Enjoy!