Walleye (Sander vitreus) is a popular freshwater game fish known for its delicious taste and challenging behavior. These predatory fish are found in North America, primarily in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. If you’re interested in pursuing walleye, this guide will provide you with extensive information on how to catch them, including techniques, equipment, and various types of baits to use.
Understanding Walleye Behavior
Before you can catch walleye successfully, it’s essential to understand their behavior. Walleye are known for their nocturnal feeding habits and are often found in deeper waters during the day. They are sensitive to light, which is why they prefer low-light conditions. Walleye also tend to inhabit areas with underwater structures, such as rocky points, weed beds, and drop-offs, where they can ambush their prey.
Equipment and Tackle
- Rods and Reels: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rods and reels are ideal for walleye fishing. Choose a rod with a sensitive tip to detect subtle bites.
- Fishing Line: Use 6-10 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line, depending on the size of the walleye in your area. A good line choice allows you to feel the bites and provides enough strength to handle larger fish.
- Hooks: For live bait fishing, opt for a variety of hooks like Aberdeen or Octopus hooks in sizes ranging from 2/0 to 4/0. For artificial lures, treble hooks in the same size range are suitable.
- Lures: Walleye lures come in various shapes and sizes, including jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Different lures work well in specific conditions. Experiment with different colors and styles to find what works best in your location.
Bait Selection
Selecting the right bait is crucial when targeting walleye. Walleye are opportunistic feeders, and their preferences can vary by location and season. Here are some effective bait options:
Minnows
Live minnows are one of the most popular baits for walleye. They mimic the natural prey of walleye and can be fished using a variety of techniques:
- Jigging: Hook a live minnow through the lips or back and jig it near the bottom or around underwater structures.
- Slip Bobber Rig: Use a slip bobber to present a suspended minnow at the desired depth.
Leeches
Leeches are another live bait option loved by walleye. Rig them on a slip sinker or a Lindy Rig and present them near the bottom. Leeches are particularly effective in cooler water temperatures.
Nightcrawlers
Nightcrawlers can be a versatile and readily available bait. Use them on a spinner rig or Lindy Rig to drift or troll for walleye. They work well in various conditions.
Soft Plastic Lures
Soft plastics like paddle-tail grubs and curly-tail worms can be rigged on jig heads and used for vertical jigging or casting. They offer versatility in color and presentation.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are excellent for covering larger areas quickly. Choose models that mimic the size and color of the local forage fish. Use a slow and steady retrieve, varying the depth until you find the walleye’s preferred strike zone.
Fishing Techniques
- Jigging: Jigging is a classic walleye technique. Use a jig head with a live bait or soft plastic and lift and drop your lure to entice strikes. Pay attention to the bottom structure, as walleye often hold near it.
- Trolling: Trolling involves moving your boat slowly while dragging lures or bait behind. This method allows you to cover a lot of water and locate active fish.
- Casting: Cast lures or jigs towards underwater structures or drop-offs. Retrieve them at varying speeds to trigger strikes.
- Drifting: Drifting with live bait or soft plastics can be effective, especially when trying to locate schools of walleye. Use a drift sock or sea anchor to control your drift speed.
- Still Fishing: In some situations, especially in low-light conditions, you can anchor your boat and fish vertically with live bait or jigs near the bottom.
Best Times to Catch Walleye
Walleye are most active during dawn and dusk and tend to feed more aggressively under low-light conditions. However, they can be caught throughout the day, especially in cooler water temperatures during spring and fall.
Conclusion
Catching walleye can be both challenging and rewarding. Understanding their behavior, using the right equipment, and selecting the appropriate bait are key factors in your success. Remember to check local regulations and practice catch-and-release when necessary to preserve this popular sportfish for future generations. Enjoy your walleye fishing adventures!