Do Walleye Like Spoons

Are you an avid angler searching for the perfect bait to catch Walleye? Look no further than the humble spoon lure! This simple and versatile fishing tool has been a favorite among anglers for decades, but does it truly live up to the hype when it comes to catching Walleye?

Many fishermen swear by spoons for their ability to mimic small prey and attract even the wariest of fish. However, others remain skeptical and wonder if spoons are truly effective in catching Walleye. In this article, we will delve into the science behind using spoons as bait and explore whether or not they are truly a game-changer for those looking to reel in a big catch.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out on your fishing journey, understanding what attracts Walleye can be a challenge. Join us as we dive into the world of spoon lures and uncover whether or not they are truly the key to landing that elusive trophy Walleye.

Discovering Walleye: What They Are and Where to Find Them

Walleye, also known as Sander vitreus, are a freshwater fish that belong to the perch family. They are mainly found in North America and Canada where they inhabit various bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Walleye have a unique appearance with large eyes that glow in the dark, which helps them see their prey better at night.

If you’re looking to catch walleye, it’s essential to know where they can be found. During the daytime, walleye prefer deeper waters where they can stay cool and avoid bright sunlight. However, during dawn or dusk hours, they move closer to shallower areas where food is more abundant.

Fishing Techniques for Walleye

• Trolling: This method involves dragging fishing lines behind a moving boat while using lures or bait to attract fish.
• Casting: This technique requires casting lures or bait into the water using a fishing rod. It’s most effective when targeting specific areas like weed beds or drop-offs.
• Jigging: Jigging involves dropping a weighted lure down into the water column and then jerking it up and down repeatedly.

Where to Find Walleye

Walleye tend to occupy different types of water depending on the season. In early spring before spawning begins, walleyes will move from deep waters into shallow bays or tributaries near shorelines. During summer months, walleyes generally stay in cooler deeper waters with access to structures like rocky points or underwater islands.

In fall seasons after spawning has concluded, walleyes move back toward shallower waters before winter sets in. Usually, they will gather near drop-offs or other structures where food is abundant.

What Walleye Eat

Walleyes are opportunistic feeders and will consume a diverse range of prey items. Their primary diet consists of smaller fish species like minnows, shad, and perch. They also eat insects, crayfish, and nightcrawlers.

To catch walleye effectively, match your bait or lure selection to their natural diet. Using live bait such as minnows can be highly effective when targeting walleye in deeper water structures during the summer months. Jigs with plastic grubs that resemble small baitfish are also popular choices for walleye fishing.

The Lowdown on Spoons: A Guide to Fishing Lures

What are fishing spoons?

Fishing spoons are a type of lure used for catching fish. They are typically made of metal and have a curved shape that resembles the head of a spoon, hence the name. These lures can be used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing and come in various sizes and colors.

How do fishing spoons work?

Spoons work by imitating the movement of small baitfish or insects that fish typically feed on. The curved shape of the spoon creates a wobbling motion as it is retrieved through the water, which attracts fish to strike. Additionally, some spoons have reflective surfaces that mimic the flash of light given off by prey in the water.

Types of fishing spoons

There are several types of fishing spoons available on the market, including casting spoons, trolling spoons, jigging spoons, and weedless spoons. Casting spoons are designed for long-distance casting and retrieve action. Trolling spoons are meant to be dragged behind a moving boat at varying depths to attract fish. Jigging spoons are used for vertical jigging motions from a stationary position. Weedless spoons have an added feature that enables them to glide over weeds without getting tangled.

Spoons vs. Other Lures: Understanding the Differences

Spoons vs. Crankbaits

Crankbaits are another common type of lure used in fishing. Unlike fishing spoons, they have a more streamlined shape with a diving lip that allows them to dive deeper into the water column and maintain their depth during retrieval. Crankbaits also come in different shapes and sizes but typically resemble baitfish or other prey species.

Spoons vs. Soft Plastics

Soft plastics are another type of fishing lure that comes in various shapes and sizes, but they are typically made of rubber or silicone material. Unlike spoons, soft plastics have a more natural feel and texture that can entice fish to bite. They also come in different colors and designs to mimic specific prey species.

Catching Fish with Spoons: Which Species are Most Common?

Walleye

Fishing spoons are popular for catching walleye, especially in freshwater lakes and rivers. Walleye tend to feed on small baitfish, which makes fishing spoons an effective option due to their wobbling action and reflective surfaces.

Pike

Northern pike is another common species that can be caught using fishing spoons. Pike tend to be aggressive predators and will strike at anything that resembles prey swimming through the water column.

Bass

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass can also be caught with fishing spoons. Bass tend to feed on smaller baitfish, making fishing spoons an attractive option due to their realistic movement through the water.

The Best Colors and Designs for Spoon Fishing Walleye

Colors

When it comes to spoon fishing for walleye, some of the most effective colors include silver, gold, copper, and chartreuse. These colors mimic the natural coloration of baitfish found in many freshwater lakes and rivers.

Tips:

• Experiment with different color combinations until you find what works best for the particular lake or river you’re fishing in.
• Consider using brightly colored spoons during low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk when walleye tend to be more active.

Designs

Some of the most popular spoon designs for walleye include the classic teardrop shape, as well as slender and elongated shapes that imitate baitfish movement.

Tips:

• Choose spoon designs that match the size and coloration of prey species found in the lake or river you’re fishing in.
• Consider using spoons with painted eyes or holographic patterns to increase their visibility and attract more fish.

Mastering Spoon Fishing Techniques for Walleye

Casting Techniques

When casting fishing spoons for walleye, it’s important to use a slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses to allow the spoon to sink and wobble through the water column. Casting near weed beds or other underwater structures can also increase your chances of catching walleye.

Tips:

• Use a high-quality fishing rod and reel combo specifically designed for casting lightweight lures like spoons.
• Try varying your retrieval speed or adding small twitches to imitate injured baitfish movements.

Trolling Techniques

Trolling with fishing spoons is another effective technique for catching walleye. Use a slow trolling speed and vary your depth until you find where the fish are biting. Trolling near drop-offs or structure can also increase your chances of success.

Tips:

• Use a planer board or downrigger to keep your spoon at the desired depth while trolling.
• Vary your trolling speed or switch up spoon colors and designs until you find what works best.

Timing is Everything: When to Use Spoons for Walleye Fishing

Season

Fishing spoons can be effective for walleye fishing throughout the year, but they tend to work best during the spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler. During these seasons, walleye tend to be more active and aggressive feeders, making them more likely to strike at a wobbling spoon.

Tips:

• Consider using live bait or soft plastics during the summer months when water temperatures are warmer and fish tend to be less active.
• Fish early in the morning or late in the evening when walleye tend to be more active and feeding near the surface.

Weather Conditions

Fishing spoons can also be effective during overcast or cloudy days when light penetration into the water column is reduced. Additionally, fishing spoons can work well during windy conditions as they make it easier for fish to locate prey items that have been dislodged by the choppy waters.

Tips:

• Consider using brightly colored spoons on cloudy days to increase their visibility in low-light conditions.
• Fish near areas with underwater structure such as drop-offs or weed beds where fish may be seeking shelter from strong winds.

Spoons vs. Live Bait: Which is More Effective for Catching Walleye?

Spoons

Fishing spoons can be highly effective for catching walleye due to their realistic movement through the water and reflective surfaces that mimic prey species. Additionally, fishing spoons do not require constant maintenance like live bait does.

Tips:

• Experiment with different spoon colors and designs until you find what works best for the particular lake or river you’re fishing in.
• Use slow and steady retrieval techniques with occasional pauses to imitate the movement of injured baitfish.

Live Bait

Live bait can also be effective for catching walleye, especially during the summer months when water temperatures are warmer. Live bait provides a natural scent and feel that can entice fish to bite.

Tips:

• Consider using live bait such as minnows or leeches during the summer months when fish tend to be less active and more sluggish.
• Use a slip bobber rig to keep your live bait at the desired depth while fishing.

Ultimately, whether you choose to use fishing spoons or live bait will depend on personal preference and the specific conditions of the lake or river you’re fishing in. Experimentation is key to finding what works best for you.

In conclusion, Walleye do seem to like spoons as they are a popular lure choice among fishermen and consistently produce successful catches.

Frequently Asked Questions about Do Walleye Like Spoons

Will walleye hit spoons?
Walleyes will eat a lot of different presentations. A plain hook and split-shot under a bobber works, as does a jig as we would use in open water. But perhaps the most popular presentation for walleyes involves a spoon: Walleyes really like spoons.

What color spoon is best for walleye?
The 3/8-oz PK Spoon, especially in the “red dot glow” color, is highly recommended for walleye fishing and should be a staple for every fisherman. It is especially effective when used with an aggressive fishing technique.

What is the best bait for walleye?
When trying to catch walleye, live bait is often the most effective method and can be done by still fishing, drifting, or trolling. A bottom-bouncing rig or slip sinker is a good way to get the fish’s attention in clear water. The most successful types of live bait for this include leeches, nightcrawlers, and minnows.

How fast do you troll spoons for walleye?
According to this fishing advice, spoons can be effective in locating fish quickly, but they should not be used at slow speeds below 1.8 mph. Typically, the recommended speed range is between 2.0-2.5 mph, but this year some have found success using spoons at a faster speed of 3.5 mph. The rest is up to the reader to calculate.

What causes walleye not to bite?
It is commonly thought that walleyes do not eat on a daily basis, particularly during the winter when their metabolism is slower compared to warmer months. If they have already eaten, they may not be interested in your bait as they are in a neutral state. Additionally, it can be difficult to catch walleyes when there is an abundance of prey in the water.

What catches the most walleye?
Shiner and Flathead Minnows have been consistently successful as bait options for Walleye Anglers, as they are the most popular options. This was discovered through personal experience and research.