- Walleye are primarily bottom feeders, but they also feed on prey in the water column.
- Their diet consists of a variety of aquatic organisms, including insects, crayfish, minnows, and other small fish.
- Walleye have specialized eyes that allow them to see well in low-light conditions, making them effective predators at dawn and dusk when their prey is most active.
- They use their sharp teeth to capture and hold onto their prey before swallowing it whole.
- During the winter months, walleye may move to deeper waters where they can find suitable temperatures and food sources.
Are walleye top or bottom feeders? This is a question that has puzzled anglers for ages. It’s no secret that understanding the feeding habits of fish is critical in catching them. But with walleyes, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it may seem.
Many believe that walleyes are exclusive bottom-feeders, while others argue that they are equally adept at feeding at the surface. The truth, however, lies somewhere in between. And knowing where and how these elusive creatures feed is essential knowledge for any angler looking to reel in a big catch.
So, what’s the real story? Do walleyes feed on the top or bottom? Join me as we dive into the fascinating world of this elusive fish species and uncover the truth behind their feeding habits. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting, this article will provide valuable insights into one of the most pressing questions about walleye fishing. So grab your gear and let’s get started!
The Quick Answer:
Walleye use their sharp eyesight, lateral line system, and sense of smell to locate their prey while feeding. They can be found feeding at both the surface and bottom of a body of water, depending on factors such as light levels, water temperature, weather conditions, and the availability of prey.
What Do Walleye Fish Typically Eat?
Walleye fish are carnivorous and eat a variety of prey items. They feed on smaller fish such as perch, shad, minnows, and ciscoes. Insects such as mayflies, dragonflies, and damselflies are also part of their diet.
They have been known to consume crayfish, leeches, worms, and snails as well. Walleye are opportunistic feeders that take advantage of whatever food source is available in the body of water they inhabit.
Walleye have sharp teeth that allow them to capture and swallow their prey whole. They tend to ambush their prey by hiding behind rocks or other structures in the water before pouncing on it.
Do Walleye Feed Near the Surface or Bottom of a Body of Water?
Walleye can be found feeding at both the surface and bottom of a body of water. Their feeding behavior is influenced by factors such as light levels, water temperature, weather conditions, and the availability of prey.
In low light conditions or during overcast days, walleye tend to move up towards the surface to feed on insects or smaller fish swimming near the top. During sunny days or bright light conditions, they may retreat deeper into the water column or towards the bottom where they can find cover from predators.
The time of day also affects their feeding habits; walleye typically feed more actively at dawn and dusk when there is less light in the water.
How Do Walleye Locate Their Prey While Feeding?
Walleye use their keen eyesight to locate their prey while feeding. They have an adaptation called a tapetum lucidum which allows them to see in low light conditions better than most other freshwater fish species.
Their lateral line system is another sensory mechanism that helps them detect vibrations and movements in the water. They can sense the presence of prey by detecting the vibrations caused by their movement.
Walleye also have an excellent sense of smell, which they use to detect chemical cues released by their prey. This allows them to locate prey even in dark or murky water.
Factors That Influence Whether Walleye Feed Near the Top or Bottom of a Body of Water
Several factors influence whether walleye feed near the top or bottom of a body of water. These include:
Water temperature:
Walleye are cold-water fish that prefer water temperatures between 55-68°F. They tend to move towards deeper, cooler waters during hot summer months when surface temperatures rise above 70°F.
Light levels:
Low light conditions such as dawn and dusk can trigger walleye to move up towards the surface to feed. During bright sunny days, they may retreat deeper into the water column where there is more cover.
Weather conditions:
Cloudy or overcast weather can increase low light levels and trigger walleye to move up towards the surface. Conversely, bright sunny days can drive them deeper into the water column.
Prey availability:
If their preferred prey items are abundant near the surface, walleye will move up to feed on them. If their prey is found at deeper depths, they will hunt near the bottom.
Catching Walleye with Lures and Baits that Imitate Bottom-Dwelling Organisms
When targeting walleye that are feeding near the bottom, it’s essential to use lures and baits that imitate bottom-dwelling organisms such as crayfish or leeches. Jigging with a lead head jig tipped with a soft plastic tail or live bait is a popular technique for catching walleye.
Crankbaits that mimic the movements of baitfish are also effective when retrieved slowly along the bottom. Spinner rigs with a live minnow or nightcrawler can be fished close to the bottom using a slow retrieve.
When fishing in deeper waters, it’s crucial to use heavier lures that can reach the desired depth and stay close to the bottom where walleye are feeding.
Fishing Techniques for Targeting Top-Feeding or Bottom-Feeding Behavior in Walleye
The fishing techniques used to target top-feeding or bottom-feeding behavior in walleye differ significantly. When targeting top-feeders, it’s essential to use lures or baits that imitate insects such as mayflies, dragonflies, and damselflies.
Topwater lures such as poppers or buzzbaits can be effective in triggering strikes from active fish near the surface. Crankbaits with a diving lip can also be retrieved quickly near the surface to mimic fleeing prey.
When targeting bottom-feeders, it’s important to use jigs or other lures that can be fished close to the bottom. Jigging with a lead head jig tipped with a soft plastic tail or live bait is an effective technique for catching walleye feeding near the bottom.
When Are Walleye More Likely to Be Feeding Near the Surface Versus at the Bottom?
Walleye are more likely to feed near the surface during low light conditions such as dawn and dusk. During these times, they move up towards the surface to feed on insects and smaller fish.
During bright sunny days, they tend to retreat deeper into cooler waters where there is more cover from predators. They are more likely to feed near the bottom during these times when their preferred prey items are abundant.
Comparing the Feeding Behavior of Walleye to Other Species of Freshwater Fish
Walleye have a unique feeding behavior compared to other species of freshwater fish. They are ambush predators that tend to hide and wait for their prey before striking.
Bass, on the other hand, are active hunters that chase down their prey. Catfish are bottom-feeders that use their sense of smell to locate food in the sediment at the bottom of a body of water.
Pike and musky are also ambush predators like walleye, but they tend to feed on larger prey items such as other fish or even small mammals like muskrats. Each species has adapted its feeding behavior to suit its preferred prey items and habitat.
In conclusion, Walleye are versatile feeders and can feed both on the surface and bottom of water bodies depending on availability and preference.
Frequently Asked Questions about Are Walleye Top or Bottom Feeders
What is the best bait to catch walleye?
When fishing for walleye, live bait is often very effective and can be used in various ways, such as still fishing, drifting, or trolling. In clear water, a bottom-bouncing rig or slip sinker can be used to attract the walleye’s attention. The most effective types of live bait for walleye are leeches, minnows, and nightcrawlers.
Do walleye hit topwater?
Surface lures can be used to catch more than just bass. Pike are known for their aggressive strikes on topwater baits, and under specific circumstances, trout, walleyes, and catfish can also be caught this way. However, the most common mistake anglers make when using topwater baits is setting the hook too early, according to Castiglioni. This was stated on June 26, 2018.
What do walleye get eaten by?
Walleyes have no natural predators in their habitat except humans, who catch and eat them. However, their eggs and young fish can be preyed upon by other fish species including white bass, muskellunge, white perch, largemouth bass, northern pike, and catfish.
What type of fish do walleye eat?
Walleye are a type of fish that are carnivorous and only eat other animals. When they are young, they consume tiny organisms called zooplankton, but as they grow older, they primarily eat other fish including yellow perch and freshwater drum. Additionally, walleye also consume aquatic insects, crayfish, snails, and mudpuppies, which are a type of salamander.
What time of day do walleye bite the best?
If you want to catch walleye, the best times to fish are usually near dawn and dusk as these are the traditional feeding times for the fish. During these times, walleye tend to swim up from deeper waters to shallow flats in search of small prey like minnows.
What is the secret to catching walleye?
Crankbaits and Soft Plastics are popular lures used by experienced Walleye fishermen. It’s recommended to start with Live Bait, either jigging or rigging, to catch some fish first. However, if Live Bait is not available or if you’re targeting bigger catches, then lures are the preferred option.