How to Fish For Walleye

Are you tired of coming home from your fishing trips empty-handed? Do you dream of reeling in a big catch and impressing your friends and family with your skills? If so, it’s time to learn how to fish for walleye.

Walleye can be elusive and tricky to catch, but with the right techniques, equipment, and mindset, you can increase your chances of success. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about walleye fishing, from where to find them to the best baits and lures to use.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this guide will provide you with valuable tips and insights that will help you take your fishing game to the next level. So grab your gear and get ready for an adventure on the water!

Best Locations for Walleye Fishing

When it comes to walleye fishing, location is key. Knowing the best spots to fish can make all the difference in the world. Here are some of the best locations for catching walleye:

Rivers and Streams

Rivers and streams are excellent places to catch walleye. These areas provide a steady flow of water that brings food to the fish. In addition, the water temperature tends to be cooler in these areas, which is ideal for walleye.

Tips:

• Look for deep pools or eddies where walleyes like to rest.
• Try casting along rocky shorelines or under bridges.
• Use jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics.

Lakes

Lakes are another great place to catch walleye. Look for areas with underwater structures such as weed beds, rock piles, and drop-offs. These structures provide cover and attract baitfish, which in turn attract bigger fish.

Tips:

• Use a slip bobber rig with a jig and a minnow or leech.
• Cast along weed lines or drop-offs using crankbaits or jigs.
• Fish during low light conditions such as dawn and dusk when walleyes are most active.

Ponds

Although ponds may not be top of mind when it comes to walleye fishing, they can still be productive if you know where to look. Look for ponds that have been stocked with walleye, typically by state fisheries departments.

Tips:

• Fish during early morning or late evening when water temperatures are cooler.
• Use a jig tipped with live bait or soft plastics.
• Look for areas with underwater structures such as logs, rocks, or weed beds.

Coastal Areas

If you’re fortunate enough to live near the coast, walleye can still be caught in saltwater. Look for areas where freshwater streams or rivers flow into the ocean.

Tips:

• Fish during incoming tides when fresh water is flowing into the ocean.
• Use jigs or swimbaits that mimic small baitfish.
• Look for areas with rocky shorelines, submerged trees, or other underwater structures.

No matter where you decide to fish for walleye, always remember to follow local fishing regulations and practice catch-and-release whenever possible. By doing so, you can help ensure that these amazing fish will be around for generations to come.

The Ultimate Guide to Bait and Lures for Walleye Fishing

Bait Options

When it comes to bait for catching walleye, there are several options that have proven to be successful. Live bait such as minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers are popular choices. Artificial baits like jigs, crankbaits, and spinners can also be effective.

Jigs

Jigs are a versatile option that can be used in various depths of water. They come in different sizes and colors to imitate the prey that walleye feed on. Jigs with a slow fall rate tend to work best.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits are artificial lures that mimic small fish or other prey. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. One important factor when choosing a crankbait is the diving depth.

Lure Selection

Selecting the right lure is crucial when fishing for walleye. The key is to match the lure with the conditions you’re fishing in. Factors such as water depth, clarity, and temperature should all be considered.

Water Clarity

In clear water conditions, natural-looking lures like jigs or live bait tend to work well. In murky water conditions, brighter colored lures like spinners or crankbaits can help attract fish.

Weather Conditions

During cloudy or overcast days, using darker colored lures can help contrast against the sky and potentially attract more bites. On sunny days, lighter colored lures may work better.

When is the Best Time of Day to Catch Walleye?

Walleye tend to prefer low light conditions and are known for being most active during dawn and dusk. However, this does not mean they cannot be caught during other times of the day.

Factors to Consider

Factors such as weather conditions, water temperature, and location can all play a role in determining when walleye are most active.

Weather Conditions

Walleye tend to be more active during cloudy or overcast days compared to bright sunny days. Additionally, a drop in barometric pressure can also trigger feeding activity.

Water Temperature

Walleye prefer cooler water temperatures ranging from 60-70°F. In warmer temperatures, they may become less active and seek deeper waters.

Tips for Catching Walleye Anytime

One tip for catching walleye during any time of day is to focus on areas with structure such as drop-offs or weed beds. Using the right bait and lure selection is also important.

How Deep Should You Fish for Walleye? Tips and Tricks

Determining the depth at which walleye are holding can be a key factor in catching them.

Finding the Right Depth

The depth at which walleye are holding can vary based on factors such as time of day and water temperature. Experimenting with different depths can help determine where the fish are located.

Time of Day

During dawn and dusk, walleye may be found in shallower waters near shorelines or weed beds. During midday, they may move to deeper waters.

Water Temperature

In warmer water temperatures, walleye may seek deeper waters where it’s cooler. In cooler water temperatures, they may be found closer to shorelines.

Fishing Techniques for Different Depths

Once you’ve determined the depth at which walleye are holding, adjusting your fishing technique can increase your chances of catching them.

Shallow Water

In shallow water, using a slow and steady retrieve with live bait or jigs can be effective. Casting towards structure like weed beds or drop-offs can also help attract bites.

Deep Water

In deeper water, vertical jigging or trolling with crankbaits or spinners at different depths can help locate walleye.

Proven Techniques to Catch More Walleye

There are several techniques that have proven to be successful when it comes to catching walleye.

Trolling

Trolling involves slowly moving the boat while dragging lures behind it. This technique allows you to cover more water in search of walleye. Varying the speed and depth of the lure can help attract bites.

Jigging

Jigging involves dropping a weighted lure up and down in the water column to imitate prey movement. This technique is effective in both shallow and deep waters.

Night Fishing

Walleye tend to be more active during low light conditions, making night fishing a popular option. Using glow-in-the-dark lures or lights around the boat can help attract fish.

Setting Up Your Rod and Reel for Successful Walleye Fishing

Having the right equipment setup is crucial for successful walleye fishing.

Rod Selection

When selecting a rod for walleye fishing, choose one with a sensitive tip that can detect subtle bites. A medium-light power rod is typically sufficient for most walleye fishing scenarios.

Reel Selection

A spinning reel is a popular choice for walleye fishing due to its versatility and ease of use. Choosing a reel with a high gear ratio can help retrieve lures quickly and efficiently.

Line Selection

Using a monofilament line in the 6-10lb test range is typically sufficient for walleye fishing. Fluorocarbon lines can also be effective due to their low visibility in the water.

The Optimal Water Temperature for Catching Walleye: What You Need to Know

Water temperature is an important factor when it comes to walleye fishing.

Preferred Water Temperature Range

Walleye prefer cooler water temperatures ranging from 60-70°F. In warmer temperatures, they may become less active and seek deeper waters.

Seasonal Changes

As seasons change, water temperatures will fluctuate. During spring and fall months, walleye tend to be more active due to cooler water temperatures.

Safely Handling and Releasing a Caught Walleye: A Step-by-Step Guide

Properly handling and releasing caught walleye is important for preserving the fish population.

Handling the Fish

When handling a caught walleye, wet your hands first before touching it. Use pliers or a hook remover tool to carefully remove the hook. Avoid squeezing the fish too hard as this can cause internal damage.

Releasing the Fish

To release the fish, gently place it back in the water and hold it upright until it swims away on its own. Avoid throwing or dropping the fish back into the water as this can cause injury.

Overall, successful walleye fishing involves considering factors such as bait selection, time of day, depth preference, technique, equipment setup, water temperature range, and proper handling/release methods. By taking these factors into account and continuously experimenting with different approaches, anglers can increase their chances of catching walleye.

In conclusion, fishing for walleye can be a fun and rewarding experience with the right techniques and equipment. By following these tips and tricks, anglers can increase their chances of successfully catching this elusive fish.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Fish For Walleye

What is the best bait to catch walleye?
Minnows are among the most effective live baits for fishing walleye, and can be used for still fishing, drifting, or trolling. To attract walleye in clear water, a bottom-bouncing rig or slip sinker can be used. Nightcrawlers and leeches are also popular live bait options.

What is the secret to catching walleye?
Crankbaits and Soft Plastics are popular types of lures used by experienced Walleye fishermen. If you are new to Walleye fishing, it is recommended to start with Live Bait, either by jigging or rigging, to increase your chances of catching fish. However, if Live Bait is not accessible or you are specifically targeting bigger fish, then lures are a good option.

What depth should I fish for walleye?
Consider this scenario: a pristine, crystal-clear lake in the northern region. When the water is calm, walleyes tend to reside in the depths of 35-55 feet, frequently near the area where the hard bottom meets the soft bottom at the edge of a point or hill. If the fish are located at a great depth, using rigs and jigs is the best approach.

What time of day do walleye bite the best?
The most optimal time to catch walleye is typically during dawn and dusk hours as these are known as traditional feeding times for the fish. During these times, walleye may swim up from deep water to feed on schools of smaller prey located on shallow flats.

What time of day are walleye most active?
Walleye are known to be most active during low light conditions, specifically before and after sunset. Anglers often take advantage of these times to catch the fish. Walleye can usually be found near the bottom of the water, within a depth of one to two feet.

What causes walleye not to bite?
According to popular belief, walleyes do not eat on a daily basis, particularly during the winter months when their metabolism slows down compared to warmer seasons. If they are already full, they may not be interested in your bait as they are in a neutral state. Additionally, it can be challenging to attract walleyes when there is an abundance of bait in the area.