What Time of Night Is Best for Walleye

Are you an avid angler looking to catch the elusive walleye? Do you find yourself staying up late at night wondering what time is the best for this sought-after fish? Look no further, as we dive into the question of what time of night is best for walleye fishing.

As any experienced fisherman knows, catching walleye requires patience, skill and a little bit of luck. But what about timing? Is there a magic hour when the walleye are more likely to bite? The answer may surprise you.

In this article, we’ll explore the different factors that influence when and where walleye can be caught, including moon phases, water temperature and feeding habits. We’ll also provide practical tips on how to increase your chances of success on your next fishing trip. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee (or energy drink), and get ready to learn everything you need to know about catching walleye at night.

Understanding the Feeding Behavior of Walleye at Night

Walleye are well-known for their nocturnal feeding behavior, making them a popular target for anglers who prefer to fish at night. Understanding their feeding behavior is crucial in catching more walleye. During the day, they will often stay near the bottom of the water column and hide in structure or cover. At night, they become more active and move towards shallower water to feed on baitfish.

One of the reasons walleye feed at night is due to their sensitive eyesight. They have large eyes that allow them to see well in low-light conditions. This gives them an advantage over their prey, which may not be able to see as well during the night.

Another factor that contributes to their nocturnal feeding behavior is the decrease in light intensity. The reduction in light triggers a chemical response in walleye’s brains that increases their activity levels and appetite. As the sun sets and darkness takes over, walleye becomes more active and starts hunting for food.

Walleye Feeding Preferences

When it comes to feeding preferences, walleye has a diverse diet that includes insects, crayfish, minnows, and other small fish. However, they tend to prefer certain types of bait depending on factors like water clarity, temperature, and time of year.

In clear water with good visibility, walleye can be picky eaters and may only go after certain types of baitfish. In murkier water with reduced visibility, they tend to be less selective and will often take whatever bait is available.

The type of bait you use when fishing for walleye at night can also depend on the time of year. During the spring months when water temperatures are cooler, they may prefer smaller baits like jigs or live minnows. In summer when water temperatures are warmer, they may go after larger bait like crankbaits or spoons.

Important Tip:

It’s essential to match your bait and lure to the walleye’s feeding habits and preferences. Experiment with different types of bait and lures until you find what works best for the current conditions.

Locating Walleye at Night

To catch walleye at night, it’s crucial to know where to find them. They tend to move towards shallower water when feeding, so look for areas with structure like weed beds, drop-offs, and rocky shores that provide cover.

Using a fish finder can be helpful in locating walleye during the day or night. Look for schools of baitfish or other signs of activity on the screen, which could indicate that walleye are nearby.

Another effective way to locate walleye is by trolling along weed lines or drop-offs using a depth finder. This method allows you to cover more ground and can help you pinpoint where they’re feeding.

Important Tip:

Pay close attention to wind direction and speed when fishing for walleye at night. Wind can push baitfish towards shorelines or other areas where walleye may be feeding.

The Impact of Moon Phases on Walleye Activity at Night

Moon phases can have a significant impact on walleye activity levels and feeding behavior. During a full moon, there is more light available at night, making it easier for them to see and hunt prey. As a result, they may feed less aggressively during these times since they don’t need to work as hard to find food.

On the other hand, during new moons or periods with little moonlight, walleye may become more active since there is less light available for hunting prey. These conditions can make them more aggressive in their feeding behavior, making it easier to catch them.

How to Use Moon Phases to Your Advantage

When planning a fishing trip for walleye at night, it’s essential to take into account the moon phase. Aim to fish during periods of low light intensity, such as new moons or cloudy nights, when walleye are more likely to be active and feeding aggressively.

Another factor to consider is the time of day. During a full moon, walleye may feed less aggressively during peak moonlight hours. But they may become more active during pre-dawn or post-sunset hours when there is less light.

Important Tip:

Pay attention to how the moon phase affects walleye activity levels in your local area and adjust your fishing strategies accordingly.

Exploring the Relationship Between Water Temperature and Walleye Feeding at Night

Water temperature can have a significant impact on the behavior and feeding habits of walleye. In general, they tend to be more active and feed more aggressively when water temperatures are cooler, especially in spring and fall.

During summer months when water temperatures are warmer, walleyes may become less active during the day and move towards deeper areas with cooler water. However, they may still feed actively at night in shallower areas where water temperatures are cooler.

The Best Water Temperatures for Walleye Fishing at Night

The best water temperature range for catching walleye at night is usually between 50°F-70°F (10°C-21°C). When temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), they may become less active or even go into a dormant state until water temperatures warm up again.

In contrast, when water temperatures rise above 70°F (21°C), they may become sluggish during the day but remain active at night when conditions are cooler. During these times, it’s essential to fish in deeper areas or areas with more cover where walleye may be hiding during the day.

Important Tip:

Pay close attention to water temperatures when planning your fishing trip for walleye at night. Use a thermometer to measure water temperatures and adjust your fishing strategies accordingly.

How Weather Patterns Affect Walleye Activity at Night

Weather patterns can have a significant impact on walleye activity levels and feeding behavior at night. Wind, precipitation, and barometric pressure are all factors that can influence their behavior.

In general, walleye tend to feed more actively before a storm front moves in since they can sense changes in barometric pressure. They may become less active during periods of high pressure or calm weather.

The Best Weather Conditions for Walleye Fishing at Night

The best weather conditions for catching walleye at night are usually when there is low light intensity, such as on cloudy nights or during new moons. These conditions can make them more aggressive in their feeding behavior, making it easier to catch them.

When fishing for walleye during periods of high pressure or calm weather, try using smaller bait or lures fished slowly along the bottom. This method can be effective in enticing them to bite even when they’re less active.

Important Tip:

Pay attention to weather patterns and how they affect walleye activity levels in your local area. Adjust your fishing strategies accordingly based on current conditions.

The Best Baits and Lures for Catching Walleye at Night

Choosing the right bait or lure is crucial when targeting walleye at night. Since they rely heavily on their vision to hunt prey, it’s essential to use bait or lures that mimic their natural prey and are visible in low-light conditions.

The Best Live Bait for Walleye Fishing at Night

Live bait can be highly effective when fishing for walleye at night. Some of the best live baits to use include minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers.

When using live bait, it’s essential to rig it properly to ensure that it stays on the hook and looks natural in the water. Try using a slip bobber or float rig with a small weight to keep the bait at the right depth.

Important Tip:

Make sure your live bait is fresh and lively. Walleye are more likely to go after active bait that looks like it’s swimming naturally in the water.

The Best Lures for Walleye Fishing at Night

There are many types of lures you can use when fishing for walleye at night. Some of the most effective ones include jigs, crankbaits, and spoons.

Jigs can be highly effective in shallow water since they can be fished slowly along the bottom, mimicking natural prey like crayfish or minnows. Crankbaits and spoons are also popular choices since they create vibrations in the water that can attract walleye from a distance.

Important Tip:

Experiment with different types of lures until you find what works best for current conditions. Look for lures that mimic natural prey and are visible in low-light conditions.

Mastering Techniques for Fishing Walleye at Night

Fishing for walleye at night requires some specific techniques to increase your chances of success. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master walleye fishing at night.

Slow Down Your Retrieval Speed

Walleye are known for their slow feeding behavior, so it’s essential to slow down your retrieval speed when fishing for them. Try using a slow and steady retrieve, pausing occasionally to give the lure or bait time to sink to the bottom.

Important Tip:

When using jigs, try bouncing them along the bottom, mimicking natural prey like crayfish or minnows.

Use Fluorocarbon Line

Fluorocarbon line is highly effective when fishing for walleye at night. It’s nearly invisible in water and can help increase your chances of getting a bite. Try using a fluorocarbon leader with a monofilament or braided mainline for best results.

Important Tip:

When using live bait, it’s essential to use a light leader since walleye can be sensitive to heavy line.

Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

Walleye are often found near structure or cover in shallow areas of the water. Pay attention to your surroundings and look for weed beds, rocky shores, or other areas where they may be hiding.

Important Tip:

Use a depth finder or fish finder to locate schools of baitfish or other signs of activity that could indicate where walleye are feeding.

The Role of Water Depth and Structure in Walleye Feeding Behavior at Night

Water depth and structure can play a significant role in walleye feeding behavior at night. They tend to move towards shallower water when feeding on baitfish but will also seek out deeper areas during periods of high pressure or calm weather.

The Best Water Depths for Walleye Fishing at Night

The best water depths for catching walleye at night can vary depending on factors like water temperature, time of year, and local conditions. In general, they tend to prefer depths between 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) during spring and fall months when water temperatures are cooler.

During summer months, when water temperatures are warmer, they may move towards deeper areas with cooler water. However, they may still feed actively at night in shallower areas where water temperatures are cooler.

Important Tip:

Experiment with different depths until you find where walleye are feeding. Use a depth finder or fish finder to locate schools of baitfish or other signs of activity that could indicate where walleye are feeding.

The Importance of Structure for Walleye Fishing

Structure plays a crucial role in walleye feeding behavior since they rely on it for cover and protection. Look for areas with structure like weed beds, drop-offs, rocky shores, or other areas where they can hide and ambush their prey.

Using a fish finder can be helpful in locating structure since it can show you underwater features like drop-offs or submerged trees that provide cover for walleye.

Important Tip:

Pay attention to wind direction and speed when fishing for walleye at night. Wind can push baitfish towards shorelines or other areas with structure where walleye may be hiding.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Trying to Catch Walleye at Night

Fishing for walleye at night can be challenging, but avoiding common mistakes can help increase your chances of success. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to catch walleye at night.

Fishing Too Fast

Walleyes are known for their slow feeding behavior, so it’s essential to slow down your retrieval speed when fishing for them. Try using a slow and steady retrieve, pausing occasionally to give the lure or bait time to sink to the bottom.

Important Tip:

When using jigs, try bouncing them along the bottom, mimicking natural prey like crayfish or minnows.

Using Heavy Line

Walleye can be sensitive to heavy line, so it’s essential to use a light leader when using live bait. Try using fluorocarbon line since it’s nearly invisible in water and can help increase your chances of getting a bite.

Important Tip:

When using live bait, it’s essential to use a light leader since walleye can be sensitive to heavy line.

Fishing in the Wrong Areas

Walleye tend to move towards shallower water when feeding on baitfish but will also seek out deeper areas during periods of high pressure or calm weather. Pay attention to local conditions and adjust your fishing strategies accordingly.

Important Tip:

Use a depth finder or fish finder to locate schools of baitfish or other signs of activity that could indicate where walleye are feeding.

In conclusion, catching walleye at night requires some specific techniques and knowledge about their behavior and feeding habits. Understanding factors like moon phases, water temperature, and weather patterns can help increase your chances of success. Experiment with different types of bait and lures until you find what works best for current conditions. Remember to slow down your retrieval speed and pay attention to your surroundings when fishing for walleye at night.

In conclusion, the best time of night for walleye fishing varies depending on factors such as location, season and weather conditions. However, generally speaking, dusk and dawn are considered optimal times to catch walleye.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Time of Night Is Best for Walleye

Do walleye move shallow at night?
Night fishing for walleye presents a benefit in that these fish tend to migrate towards shallower waters during the evening. This allows for various fishing options such as casting from the shore, fishing off a pier, or boating.

What colors do walleye see best at night?
Certain research has validated suspicions held by anglers for some time. The study discovered that in clear water, walleye will bite on white lures or almost any color, while in sediment-clouded water, they tend to prefer yellow or gold. In waters abundant with green algae, walleye eyes are most sensitive to black.

What time of day are walleye most active?
Walleye fish are more likely to actively feed during low light periods, like just before and after sunset. For this reason, fishermen often choose these times to catch walleye. Walleye tend to live within one or two feet of the bottom of their habitat.

Is walleye fishing better in the morning or evening?
The optimal times for catching Walleye fish are early morning and late evening. When the sun is high during midday, Walleye often remain in deeper waters and under shaded areas. However, during low light conditions, Walleye tend to move towards the shore to feed on baitfish.

How deep do walleye go at night?
At night, walleyes are usually found suspended at a depth of 10 to 15 feet over water that is 20 to 40 feet deep. They can be located near pier heads or as far as 2 to 3 miles out and 4 to 5 miles in either direction along the shoreline. This information was reported on July 11, 2012.

How do you fish walleye at night?
Walleye fish are active in shallow waters during the night, making it possible for anglers to fish from the shore, wade in, or use a boat for casting or trolling. Experienced fishermen suggest that narrow entrances to bays and harbors are some of the best places for night fishing. Live bait is more effective during the night, so lures such as shallow-dive crank bait or thick minnow plugs are recommended.