How to Fish For Walleye in a River

Are you tired of coming home empty-handed after a day of fishing in the river? Do you dream of reeling in a big catch of walleye, but struggle to make it happen? Well, you’re not alone. Fishing for walleye in a river can be a daunting task, even for experienced anglers. But fear not, because with the right knowledge and techniques, you too can become a successful walleye fisherman.

First things first, it’s important to understand the behavior and habits of walleye in rivers. These elusive fish tend to stick close to structure such as drop-offs, rocks, and eddies. They also prefer deeper water during the day and move shallower at dawn and dusk to feed. But how do you entice them to take your bait? That’s where proper presentation comes into play.

In this article, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of fishing for walleye in a river. From choosing the right lures and tackle to reading the water and understanding seasonal patterns, we’ll cover everything you need to know to increase your chances of catching these prized fish. So grab your gear and get ready to up your walleye game!

Best Time of Day to Fish for Walleye in a River

Fishing for walleye in a river can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, timing is everything when it comes to catching these elusive fish. Generally, the best time of day to fish for walleye in a river is during low light conditions such as early morning or late evening. This is because walleye are known to be most active during these times.

Another factor that can affect the best time to fish for walleye in a river is the weather. On cloudy days or days with overcast skies, walleye may remain active throughout the day, making it possible to catch them at any time. However, on clear and sunny days, they tend to retreat into deeper waters during the day and only become more active during low light conditions.

Factors That Affect Walleye Activity

• Low light conditions
• Cloudy or overcast skies
• Water temperature
• Seasonal changes
• Moon phases

Tips for Fishing During Low Light Conditions:

• Use lures that produce vibration or sound to attract walleye in murky water.
• Fish near structures such as rocks or logs where walleye may be hiding.
• Cast your line upstream and let it drift naturally downstream towards your target area.
• Try using live bait such as minnows or nightcrawlers.

Top Bait Choices for Walleye Fishing in a River

The right bait can make all the difference when fishing for walleye in a river. Walleye are known to be picky eaters, so it’s important to choose bait that will appeal to their senses. Here are some of the top bait choices for walleye fishing in a river:

Live Bait

Live bait is a popular choice among walleye fishers. Some of the most effective live baits include minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers. These baits can be fished on a jig head or hook and bobber rig.

Scented Baits

Scented baits can also be effective when fishing for walleye in a river. Some popular options include soft plastic lures that are infused with scent such as Gulp! Alive! Minnows or PowerBait Ripple Shad. These baits can be fished on a jig head or Carolina rig.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits are another popular option for catching walleye in a river. They come in various colors and sizes and mimic the movement of baitfish, which can attract walleye. Crankbaits should be retrieved slowly and steadily along the bottom of the river.

How Deep Should You Cast Your Line When Fishing for Walleye in a River?

Finding the right depth when fishing for walleye in a river can be challenging but is crucial to catch them successfully. Understanding how deep to cast your line depends on various factors such as water temperature, time of day, and season.

Different depths may work best at different times of day or year, so it’s essential to experiment with various depths until you find what works best for you.

Tips for Finding the Right Depth:

• During early morning or late evening, start by casting your line closer to the surface and gradually work your way deeper.
• Try using a depth finder or fishfinder to locate schools of walleye in deeper water.
• If fishing during the day, try casting your line in deeper water where walleye may be hiding from the sun’s bright rays.

Effective Techniques for Catching Walleye in a River

Catching walleye in a river can be challenging, but with the right techniques, it can also be incredibly satisfying. Here are some effective techniques for catching walleye in a river:

Jigging

Jigging is one of the most popular techniques used when fishing for walleye in a river. To jig effectively, cast your line upstream and let it drift downstream while bouncing the jig along the bottom of the river. This technique mimics how minnows move along the bottom and can attract hungry walleyes.

Trolling

Trolling involves dragging lures or baits behind a moving boat at different depths and speeds. This technique works best when fishing in deeper waters and can cover more ground than other techniques.

Baitcasting

Baitcasting is another popular technique used when fishing for walleye in a river. It involves casting bait or lures into specific target areas such as near structures or drop-offs. The key to this technique is maintaining control over your line so you can feel even gentle bites from wary walleye.

Essential Equipment Needed for Walleye Fishing in a River

Having the right equipment is essential when fishing for walleye in a river. Here are some of the essential gear you will need:

Fishing Rod and Reel

A medium to a fast action fishing rod that’s 6-7 feet long paired with a spinning or baitcasting reel is best suited for walleye fishing in a river. The rod should have enough sensitivity to feel even the slightest bites from wary walleye.

Fishing Line

The best fishing line for walleye fishing in a river is monofilament or fluorocarbon line with a weight capacity of 6-10 pounds. The lighter line will help lures move more naturally and can increase your chances of catching walleye.

Tackle Box

A tackle box is essential to keep your gear organized and easily accessible while on the water. It should include various hooks, jig heads, sinkers, bobbers, and other terminal tackle needed when fishing for walleye in a river.

Finding the Best Spots to Catch Walleye in a River

Knowing where to cast your line can increase your chances of catching walleye in a river. Here are some tips on finding the best spots to catch walleye:

Look for Structures

Walleyes love structures such as rocks, logs, or weed beds that provide cover and shelter from strong currents. Cast your line near these areas as they attract baitfish which can attract hungry walleyes.

Drop-offs

Walleyes often feed along drop-offs where deeper water meets shallow water. These areas offer an abundance of food sources such as minnows and insects that attract hungry fish. Cast your line along the drop-off and retrieve it slowly along the bottom of the river.

Current Breaks

Current breaks such as eddies or behind boulders are also prime spots to catch walleye. These areas offer a break from the strong currents where baitfish can rest, making them easy prey for predators like walleye.

Safety Tips for Fishing Walleye in Fast-Moving Rivers

Fishing for walleye in a fast-moving river can be exhilarating but also dangerous. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when fishing in these conditions:

Wear a Life Jacket

A life jacket is essential, especially when wading through deep and fast-moving water. Always wear one that fits correctly and is suitable for the water conditions you’re fishing in.

Bring Appropriate Footwear

The right footwear is essential when wading through fast-moving rivers. A good pair of wading boots with felt soles or rubber soles will provide better traction on slippery rocks than regular shoes.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re fishing alone. Keep an eye out for changes in weather conditions or rising water levels that could pose a threat to your safety.

Proper Handling and Release of Walleye Caught While Fishing in a River

Catching walleye in a river can be rewarding, but it’s crucial to handle them correctly before releasing them back into the water. Here are some tips on handling and releasing walleye safely:

Handle With Care

When handling walleyes, always wet your hands first to prevent removing their protective slime layer. Gently remove the hook with a pair of pliers, and avoid squeezing or damaging the fish’s internal organs.

Revive Before Release

If your walleye appears to be tired or exhausted after being caught, take the time to revive it before releasing it back into the water. Hold it upright in the water and gently move it back and forth until it regains its strength before letting it swim away.

Follow Catch Limits

It’s essential to follow catch limits set by local authorities to ensure that walleye populations remain healthy for future generations. If you’re practicing catch and release fishing, handle each fish quickly and efficiently to minimize stress on them before releasing them back into the water.

In conclusion, fishing for walleye in a river requires the right equipment, knowledge of the fish’s behavior and habitat, and patience. With these factors in mind, anyone can successfully catch walleye in a river.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Fish For Walleye in a River

What is the best bait for walleye in the river?
When fishing for river walleye, using your preferred jigs will suffice, but they will be more effective if you add a live minnow or a flavored soft-plastic, like a Gulp Minnow or a curly-tail grub. For even better results, you can use both together.

What depth do walleyes like in a river?
During the winter season, walleyes and saugers typically stay in areas of water known as wintering pools, which can range from depths of 15 to 40 feet. They remain in these pools until the spring spawning season begins.

What is the secret to catching walleye?
Crankbaits and Soft Plastics are popular lures for catching Walleye among experienced anglers. However, for beginners, it is recommended to start with Live Bait using either jigging or rigging techniques to catch some fish first. If Live Bait is not an option or you are aiming for bigger catches, then lures are a good choice.

What color lures do walleye like?
Based on their research, Gray and his team found that gold-colored spinners worked best in murky water, while black was the preferred color in water that was green with algae for catching walleyes. When the water condition was not specifically noted, the gold-colored spinner was the most effective among those casting. Gray suggests that walleye in freshwater environments are likely to have similar color preferences.

What time of day do walleye bite the best?
Walleye fishing is most successful during the hours near dawn and dusk, which are traditional feeding times for the fish. During these times, walleye will often swim up from deep water onto shallower areas to feed on schools of small prey such as minnows.

Why is it so hard to catch a walleye?
Fishing for walleye during a sunny afternoon is not ideal as they prefer deep water and shade to avoid the bright sunlight. They are less likely to actively feed during these conditions, so you may need to adjust your fishing strategies and locations.