Successful Walleye Fishing

Learn the Walleye's Habits

It is important to know the local dives when fishing for walleyes. This will depend on the underwater terrain and, just as importantly, the weather.

Many people tend to think that fishing is a battle of wits; man against fish, fish against man. But, really, how much time could a fish actually spend contemplating the strategies of the predators when it is simply looking for food? Learning habits of these these slippery characters could make all the difference in the world.

Walleye Fishing in Calm Water

When the weather is stable and the water is calm, walleyes tend to 'hang out' in large groups, spread across flats anywhere from 5-15 feet deep. In this scenario trolling works well because there are many fish just waiting for their next meal to swim by. Keep in mind that there are two difficulties to overcome in trolling over shallow water; the noise from a boat motor scares the fish away, so using an electric motor or simply drifting will take the noise problem out of the equation. The shadow of the boat on the floor of the lake or riverbed will also make them skittish, so it is wise to keep bait approximately 60 feet away from the boat.

Fishing in Weedy Water

When fishing in water with new weeds, try to find a spot where the river tapers gently from shallows to the deep water as opposed to a drop-off. The walleyes often glide in to lurk among the weeds looking for food. "Weeds are an important source of food for the fish in a lake. They harbor plankton, insect larvae, and minnows. They play an essential role in the food chain in our lakes. Without weeds much of our fishing and fish patterns would be very different," explains Colin D. Crawford in his article, 'Looking for Early Weeds and Walleyes' (www.walleyehunter.com).

Cast bait into the weedy area and jig it every so often to catch the attention of the fish. Make sure that the weeds are not too matted or tangled so as not to snag the line continually; snarls also tend to make landing the fish difficult.

Walleye in Deep Water

For deepwater walleye fishing, patience is more than a virtue; it is a necessity if you want to net a fish. Many fishermen like to fish in these areas because their catches tend to be larger fish. Walleyes that like to keep well under the radar are much rarer than those in the shallows. They are sluggish and tend to travel in smaller schools. If one spot doesn't yield any walleyes it is best to move on and try another area. With perserverence and the willingness to keep on the move it is possible to haul in a good-sized fish.

Food or Fun

Although a warm, sunny day may seem ideal for an enjoyable fishing expedition, there is less chance to catch your limit. Rainy days are generally excellent, if soggy, opportunities to fish. When a cold front is rolling in, walleyes tend to congregate in groups in more sheltered areas, such as bays and inlets.

Weather and location are the main consideration when deciding where and how to angle; a pleasant excursion on the lake may not yield a cooler full of walleye, but a cold, rainy day is not ideal for an enjoyable experience. Keep these factors in mind when planning a fishing trip for the most rewarding adventure.

Lurking

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