Trolling for fish in deep waters can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, especially when equipped with the right tools. Among these, the Dipsy Diver stands out as a versatile and effective device for reaching fish at specific depths and covering a wide area. This article explores how to use a Dipsy Diver, the species it targets, and the best locations to deploy it, offering anglers a comprehensive guide to mastering this technique.
What is a Dipsy Diver?
A Dipsy Diver, manufactured by Luhr Jensen, is a directional trolling sinker designed to pull lures or baits to precise depths while allowing anglers to control the direction of their spread. Its round shape and adjustable base plate enable it to track straight, to the port, or starboard side, making it ideal for covering large areas of water. The device features a trip mechanism that releases upon a fish strike, reducing resistance so anglers fight only the fish, not the diver. Available in four sizes (000, 001, 003, and Magnum), Dipsy Divers can reach depths of up to 20, 35, 50, and 100 feet, respectively, depending on trolling speed, line type, and lure weight.
How to Use a Dipsy Diver
Setting up a Dipsy Diver is straightforward but requires attention to detail to maximize effectiveness. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Attach the Main Line: Connect the main line (braid, mono, or wire) to the swivel on the Dipsy Diver’s trip mechanism using a strong knot, such as a clinch or loop knot. Braided line is popular for its low stretch, while wire is favored for advanced setups.
- Add a Leader: Tie a leader (typically 3–6 feet, though up to 10 feet in clear water) between the diver’s clip and the lure. Use 20-pound test monofilament for stretch, especially with non-stretch lines like braid or wire.
- Choose a Lure: Select lures that don’t dive deeply on their own, such as spoons (e.g., Michigan Stinger Scorpion), crawler harnesses, or shallow-diving crankbaits (e.g., Bandit Walleye Shallow Divers). Avoid deep-diving crankbaits, as they can interfere with the diver’s action.
- Adjust the Diver: Set the base plate to control direction (left, right, or center) and depth. Settings like 1 or 3 determine how far the diver tracks to the side. Use a snubber—a flexible device that absorbs shock—for non-stretch lines to prevent hook pulls.
- Deploy and Troll: Lower the diver slowly to avoid tangles, using a line counter reel to track depth. Troll at speeds of 2–3.5 mph, adjusting based on lure action and target species. Test the setup beside the boat to ensure proper lure movement.
When a fish strikes, the diver’s trip mechanism releases, and the rod tip will show increased action or a heavier load. Reel in steadily, popping the rod if the release doesn’t trip. Multiple divers can be used to create a spread, with shallow divers set widest and deeper ones closer to the boat, minimizing tangles.
Target Species
Dipsy Divers are particularly effective for species that inhabit deeper waters or suspend in the water column, making them a favorite among Great Lakes anglers. Key target species include:
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- Walleye: Dipsy Divers excel at targeting walleye in deep water, especially during summer when they move to cooler depths of 30–70 feet. Crawler harnesses and spoons like the Dreamweaver Wormburner are top choices.
https://www.fishusa.com/learn/how-to-use-a-dipsy-diver/
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- Salmon: Chinook and coho salmon, often found in the top 30 feet during spring, respond well to Dipsy Divers rigged with peanut flies, dodgers, or flashers (e.g., Luhr Jensen size 00 Red Dodger). Deeper-running salmon in summer can be reached with larger divers.
https://lakemichiganangler.com/pages/rigging_peanut_flies_trolling_dipsy_divers
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- Steelhead: These trout prefer warmer surface waters and are attracted to mono divers set high in the water column. Spoons like Michigan Stinger Stingray work well, especially at faster trolling speeds.
https://www.fishusa.com/learn/how-to-use-a-dipsy-diver
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- Lake Trout: Found in deeper waters (50–100 feet), lake trout can be targeted with Magnum Dipsy Divers and heavy spoons or flasher-fly combos.
https://www.michigan-sportsman.com/threads/diving-for-kings-a-beginers-guide-to-dipsy-divers.92565/
Prime Locations for Dipsy Diver Fishing
Dipsy Divers are most popular in large, deep bodies of water where fish are spread out or suspended at specific depths. The following locations are ideal:
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- Great Lakes (U.S. and Canada): Lakes Erie, Michigan, Huron, Ontario, and Superior are hotspots for walleye, salmon, steelhead, and lake trout. Lake Erie’s deep basins are renowned for summer walleye, while Lake Michigan’s open waters are prime for salmon and steelhead. Divers are used to probe depths of 20–100 feet, depending on the season and species.
https://www.fishusa.com/learn/how-to-use-a-dipsy-diver/
https://www.michigansportsman.com/Tips_n_Trix/Diverolgy101.html
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- Devils Lake (North Dakota): This large lake supports deep-water walleye fishing, where Dipsy Divers help anglers reach fish over featureless mud flats.
https://nodakangler.com/forums/threads/dipsy-divers-for-walleyes.15545/
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- Pacific Northwest (U.S.): Coastal waters and reservoirs like the Columbia River system offer opportunities for salmon and steelhead, with divers used to target fish in deep channels or offshore.
https://en.orcaretail.com/blogs/info/all-about-the-different-fishing-techniques
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- Lake Ontario (New York): Known for its robust salmon and trout populations, this lake is a proving ground for Dipsy Diver setups, especially in spring and summer when fish are active at varying depths.
https://www.lakeontariounited.com/fishing-hunting/topic/16139-dipsy-diver/
Tips for Success
To get the most out of Dipsy Diver fishing, consider these tips:
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- Use Line Counters: Line counter reels help track how much line is out, ensuring precise depth control. Apps like Troll Master can provide depth charts for different diver sizes and settings.
https://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=733794
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- Experiment with Speed: Trolling speed affects lure action and diver depth. Walleye prefer 2–2.5 mph, while salmon and steelhead may respond better to 2.5–3.5 mph.
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- Avoid Deep-Diving Lures: Deep-diving crankbaits can overpower the diver, reducing depth and causing tangles. Stick to level-running baits.
https://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=733794
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- Paint for Stealth: In clear water or when fish are finicky, paint an old Dipsy Diver flat black to reduce visibility.
https://www.michigansportsman.com/Tips_n_Trix/Diverolgy101.html
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- Check Rod Action: Watch rod tips for changes in vibration or load to detect strikes, especially with small fish that may not trip the release.
https://majorleaguefishing.com/archives/2007-08-15-deadly-divers/
Conclusion
The Dipsy Diver is a game-changer for anglers targeting deep-water species like walleye, salmon, steelhead, and lake trout. Its ability to reach precise depths, track directionally, and cover wide areas makes it indispensable in large lakes and coastal waters. By mastering the setup, experimenting with lures and speeds, and fishing in prime locations like the Great Lakes or Devils Lake, anglers can significantly boost their catch rates. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned troller, the Dipsy Diver offers a dynamic and effective way to connect with some of North America’s most sought-after game fish.
