One Eyed Wally

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Upper Potomac

The upper river level has improved lately following a few rainy days, but is still quite low, running clear, and in the upper 50 degree range.

On the evening of October 18th, another cold front had recently passed and it was a warm bluebird day, we didn't expect good fishing, but we would certainly enjoy the time out. We arrived to find several other fisherman in the prime locations we had in mind, so we moved on to another spot just down the bank that receives less attention. We waded and casted hard minnow plugs and soft plastic shads and grubs as the light faded. The moon was high in the cloudless sky, about 80% full, and long after the sun had set there was enough light to walk around. The fish in the clear water were not responding to our approach, so we went back to our prime locations and found everyone had left.

We tried our best in all of our favorite areas, but the fish just weren't active, but I'm sure they were in the area. Finally I felt a hard THUNK, but missed the fish. I casted back to the same general area and luckily again THUNK, then the headshake of a walleye. This fish didn't give up and put up a strong fight, I thought it was a giant for sure. Once landed we found a beatiful walleye about 22 inches and the fish had only one eye. The fish's right eye was normal, but the left eye was pointed inward and had scales covering the rearward portion of the eyeball.

This fish was hooked well, handled gently, and swam away strongly.

After having 2 bites in 2 casts, and one nice fish landed, we hoped to experience a bite for a little while. As another hour passed and several lures were tried, but we had no more action.

Next time there's a bright moon out and the river is clear, keep in mind, you might be able to go out and catch One Eye'd Wally.

Thanks again to DNR for providing the Angler's Log and for managing such a great river for us to fish.