- Use live bait: Walleye are known to be attracted to live bait such as minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers. Try using a slip bobber rig with the bait set at different depths until you find where the fish are biting.
- Try different lures: If live bait isn’t working, experiment with different lures such as jigs, crankbaits, and spinners. Vary the color and size of the lure until you find what works.
- Change your location: Walleye can be finicky and may not be biting in one spot but could be active in another area of the lake. Move around until you find where they are biting.
- Change your presentation: Sometimes it’s not about what you’re using but how you’re using it. Try varying your retrieve speed or jigging technique to entice a bite.
- Fish during low light conditions: Walleye are more active during dawn and dusk when there is less light. Try fishing during these times for better success.
Are you an angler who has struggled to catch walleye that just won’t bite? It can be a frustrating experience, spending hours on the water with no luck. But before you give up and head back to shore, know that there are techniques you can use to increase your chances of landing that elusive fish.
Whether it’s changing up your bait or lures, adjusting your presentation, or finding the right location, there are ways to outsmart those finicky walleye. In this article, we’ll delve into some expert strategies for catching walleye that won’t bite and help take your fishing game to the next level.
So if you’re tired of coming home empty-handed and ready to learn how to hook more walleye, keep reading. We’ll explore common mistakes anglers make when targeting these fish and provide tips for overcoming these challenges. Get ready to reel in some big catches with these proven techniques!
The Quick Answer:
When walleye are being stubborn, jigs can be an effective bait to use. Try using a jig with a minnow or leech for added attraction. Vary the speed and depth of your retrieve until you find what works best for the fish in your area.
Common Reasons Why Walleye Might Not Be Biting
Lack of Food
One of the most common reasons why walleye might not be biting is due to a lack of food. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as changes in water temperature or weather patterns that affect the availability of prey. When walleye are not finding enough food, they will be less likely to bite on your bait.
Water Clarity
Another factor that can impact walleye feeding behavior is water clarity. If the water is too murky, it can make it difficult for walleye to find your bait. On the other hand, if the water is too clear, it can make your bait look unnatural and unappetizing to the fish.
Time of Day
Walleye are known to be more active during certain times of day than others. They tend to feed more aggressively during low light conditions such as dawn and dusk, while being less active during bright daylight hours.
Fishing Pressure
Fishing pressure refers to how many people are fishing in a particular area at any given time. When there is high fishing pressure in an area, it can cause walleye to become wary and less likely to bite on your bait.
The Best Times and Weather Conditions for Catching Walleye
Dawn and Dusk
As mentioned earlier, dawn and dusk are some of the best times to catch walleye. During these low light conditions, walleye tend to be more active and therefore more likely to bite on your bait.
Cooler Temperatures
Walleye prefer cooler water temperatures between 55-68 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, early spring and late fall are typically the best times to catch walleye as the water is cooler during these seasons.
Overcast Days
Overcast days are ideal for catching walleye because of the low light conditions. The clouds can also help to reduce glare on the water, making it easier for you to see your line and make accurate casts.
Effective Baits and Lures for Stubborn Walleye
Jigs
Jigs are one of the most effective baits for catching walleye. They can be tipped with live bait such as minnows or leeches, or paired with soft plastics such as grubs or twister tails.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are another effective lure for catching walleye. These lures mimic the appearance and movement of baitfish and can be used in a variety of depths depending on the type of crankbait being used.
Spoons
Spoons are a classic walleye lure that have been around for decades. They work by mimicking small fish and can be used in both shallow and deep waters.
Adjusting Your Fishing Technique to Catch Uncooperative Walleye
Vary Your Retrieve Speed
If you’re having trouble getting walleye to bite on your bait, try varying your retrieve speed. Some days they may prefer a slow retrieve while other days they may be more responsive to a faster retrieve.
Change Up Your Bait/Lure
Another technique that can help you catch uncooperative walleye is changing up your bait or lure. If one type of bait isn’t working, try switching to something else until you find what works best.
Finding Inactive Walleye: Where to Look in a Body of Water
Deep Water
When walleye are inactive, they will often move to deeper water. Look for drop-offs, humps or other structures that provide access to depth.
Shaded Areas
Walleye will also seek out shaded areas during bright daylight hours. Look for areas with overhanging trees or other forms of cover that can provide shade.
The Role of Depth in Catching Walleye That Won’t Bite
The depth at which you fish can play a crucial role in catching uncooperative walleye. If the fish are inactive and holding in deeper water, it may be necessary to adjust your fishing technique and equipment to reach them.
Use a Deeper Diving Lure/Bait
One way to reach inactive walleye is by using a deeper diving lure or bait. These baits are designed to sink quickly and reach greater depths than traditional lures.
Suspend Your Bait/Lure
Another technique that can help you catch inactive walleye is suspending your bait or lure at the appropriate depth. This can be achieved through the use of a slip bobber or other types of specialized fishing gear.
Identifying Inactive Walleye and What to Do About It
If you’re not getting any bites from walleye, there’s a chance they may be inactive. To identify inactive fish, pay attention to your line and rod tip for any subtle movements or changes in tension.
If you suspect the fish may be inactive, try adjusting your fishing technique by changing up your bait/lure, varying your retrieve speed or trying a different location within the body of water.
Alternative Strategies for Catching Walleye That Won’t Bite Using Traditional Methods
If traditional methods aren’t working to catch walleye, there are alternative strategies that can be effective. These include:
Trolling
Trolling involves dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat. This technique can cover a lot of water quickly and is particularly effective for catching inactive walleye.
Night Fishing
Walleye are known to feed more actively at night, making it an ideal time to fish for them. Use specialized equipment such as black lights and glow-in-the-dark lures to attract the fish in low light conditions.
Live Bait Rigging
Live bait rigging involves presenting live bait in a natural way using specialized fishing rigs. This technique can be highly effective for catching finicky walleye that won’t bite on traditional lures or baits.
In conclusion, catching walleye that won’t bite requires various techniques such as adjusting bait size and color, changing fishing locations, and altering retrieval speed. It’s essential to be patient and persistent while experimenting with different strategies to increase your chances of catching a walleye.
Frequently Asked Questions about How Do You Catch Walleye That Wont Bite
How do you catch walleye that won’t bite?
If you are fishing a deep northern shield lake, then your best bet is to fish deeper, while keying in on productive structure areas. Searching out breaklines and drop-offs and jigging the area thoroughly, or running a live-bait rig or bottom bouncer, will do the trick.Mar 25, 2013
What is the secret to catching walleye?
The Walleye fishing community commonly uses Crankbaits and Soft Plastics as lures. For beginners, it’s suggested to start with Live Bait, either jigging or rigging, to increase the chances of catching fish. However, if Live Bait is not an option or if the goal is to catch larger fish, using lures is recommended.
Why is it so hard to catch a walleye?
Catching walleye during a bright and sunny afternoon is the least favorable time. Although not impossible, walleye tend to seek shade and deep water to avoid harsh sunlight and don’t usually feed actively during these times. To catch walleye during these conditions, you need to adjust your fishing strategy and location.
What is the most effective bait for walleye?
Small fish known as minnows are a great option for catching walleye when using live bait. Different fishing methods, such as still fishing, drifting, or trolling, can be effective when using live bait. To attract the fish’s attention in clear water, a rig like a bottom-bouncing or slip sinker can be used. Along with minnows, nightcrawlers and leeches are also recommended as good choices for live bait.
What is the best depth to catch walleye?
When the water is calm, walleyes can typically be found between 35 and 55 feet deep, especially near a transition from a hard to soft bottom along a drop-off on a point or hump. When they go deeper, it’s best to use rigging and jigging techniques.
What temperature do walleye bite the best?
Jerry, you may find it surprising, but the ideal water temperature for walleyes is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is both the most comfortable and the most conducive to their aggressive behavior.