Walleye fishing is a popular pastime for anglers, particularly in the Great Lakes region and other locations where this game fish can be abundant.
One of the key elements to enjoying a successful fishing trip targeting walleye is understanding their behavior and knowing the best times to fish for them.
In this article best time to fish for Walleye we will discuss some ideal conditions and moments to capitalize on walleye fishing opportunities, ensuring a satisfying and rewarding experience on the water.
The best time to fish for walleye largely depends on location, season, and weather conditions. In general, walleye anglers succeed during low light conditions, which typically occur early in the morning or late evening.
These low-light periods offer reduced light penetration, making it an ideal time for walleye to venture from deeper water into shallower water in search of prey.
It’s also essential to consider how water temperature affects walleye movements; in warm summer months, daytime walleye tend to retreat to deeper water for comfort, while in cooler seasons, they make their way to shallower water in large rivers and smallmouth bass habitats.
Keep reading to learn about the best times to fish for walleye and some tips and techniques for catching these elusive fish!
Understanding Walleye Behavior
Seasonal Patterns
Walleye behavior is greatly influenced by seasonal patterns. In the early spring, as water temperatures rise, these fish move towards shallow water for their spawning season.
In the late spring and early summer, walleye head to deeper water for cooler temperatures. As walleye become more active in the summer, they can often be found in various depths with ranges between 15-30 feet of water.
In the fall, they return to shallower water and deeper water in winter for ice fishing.
Daily Activity Patterns
Understanding the daily activity patterns of walleye can help anglers target them effectively. Walleyes are known to be most active during low light conditions. As such, the early morning and late evening twilight hours are often considered some of the best times for walleye fishing.
In mid-day, walleyes tend to head for deeper water to avoid bright sunlight and to feed on smaller fish such as yellow perch. However, on windy days or in areas with low visibility, anglers might succeed in fishing weed beds and rocky shorelines during daylight hours.
Night fishing can also be a productive time to target this game fish, as they move into shallower water to hunt prey.
In the Great Lakes region, walleye populations often undergo considerable activity at night, making it an excellent place for anglers to try their luck after the sun sets.
Utilizing live bait, such as night crawlers, can enhance the success of a fishing trip, and using spinner rigs can also prove to be an excellent choice to attract these low-light period predators.
Location Selection
When it comes to walleye fishing, selecting the right location is crucial to your success. This section will discuss some prime spots for walleye fishing, focusing on lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams.
Lakes and Reservoirs
Lakes and reservoirs are excellent choices for walleye fishing trips. Walleye anglers often find success in large lakes like the Great Lakes, particularly in the western basin of Lake Erie and Green Bay.
Smaller lakes can also hold walleye populations. Look for weed beds, rocky shorelines, and points where the shallower water transitions to deeper water.
In the early morning and late evening, walleye can be found in shallow water, hunting for smaller fish. As the day progresses, they tend to move into deeper water.
Low light conditions, such as cloudy or windy days, are also an excellent time for walleye fishing, as walleye are more likely to be in accessible areas.
During the winter months, ice fishing for walleye can be particularly productive, especially in areas where yellow perch are also present. The key is to find the right spot, typically around rocky points or drop-offs.
The best time of day for walleye fishing in lakes and reservoirs can vary by season. For example, late April through early June is often considered the best time of year, with the walleye spawn occurring in early spring. Late summer and early fall can also provide excellent walleye fishing opportunities.
Rivers and Streams
Rivers and streams provide different challenges for walleye anglers but can also be prime locations for catching trophy fish. The Detroit River, Missouri River, and the Canadian waters of the smaller rivers that feed into large lakes are great places for walleye fishing.
In rivers, walleye typically prefer areas with a moderate current and a mix of shallow and deep water. Focus on points where currents create breaks or eddies and areas near tributaries or dams.
These are often excellent fishing spots, particularly during the spawning season, which can occur in early April in some river systems.
Slip bobber rigs and spinner rigs with live bait or night crawlers are a popular choices when fishing for river walleye. Jigging with plastic baits and worm harnesses can also be effective, especially during late winter and early spring.
Best Times of the Year to Catch Walleye
Spring
During spring, walleye fishing peaks as the fish move to shallower waters for spawning. The best time to target walleye is during the early spring season, particularly from late April to early May.
Low-light conditions during early morning and late evening provide a great opportunity to catch big walleye, especially near rocky shorelines and spawning areas.
Live bait such as night crawlers or yellow perch are excellent choices during the spring months, and using a slip bobber rig to keep the bait around 20 to 30 feet of water can be very effective.
Choosing the right spot, such as large lakes and the western basin of Lake Erie, is essential for a successful fishing trip.
Summer
As the ice melts and the water warms up, walleye migrate to deeper water. The best time of day for walleye fishing during summer months is low-light periods in the early morning and late evening, as walleye are more active in low-light conditions.
Fishing around weed beds using live bait or spinner rigs can yield great catches.
Night fishing is another good option for summer walleye anglers. Clearwater areas such as Green Bay, Canadian waters, and the Missouri River offer excellent night fishing opportunities.
For those looking for a challenge, windy days are great for targeting a “walleye chop” in shallow water, making the daytime exciting.
Fall
During the fall season, walleye move to deeper water again, making it an ideal time to target trophy fish.
Late fall, in particular, is the best time of year to catch large walleye as they feed heavily before the winter months. Fishing spots such as the Great Lakes and Detroit River offer prime locations.
Live bait such as yellow perch and night crawlers or casting jigs and plastic baits in deeper water (30 to 40 feet) can produce great results. Furthermore, fishing near rocky points and deep drop-offs offers an excellent chance to catch large walleye.
Winter
Walleye fishing in winter can be challenging but rewarding. Ice fishing in cold weather can be a great way to catch walleye, and the late winter months are an excellent time to target large rivers and the Great Lakes region.
Using small jigs and live bait to entice the fish, anglers should focus on low-light conditions during winter months. Fishing in water depths of 10 to 20 feet and targeting structures such as drop-offs and rock piles can be an excellent strategy to land walleye during the colder season.
Remember to stay safe and wary of ice conditions while venturing in winter, and have a successful walleye fishing experience.
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Weather and Environmental Considerations
When planning a walleye fishing trip, it is important to consider weather and environmental factors. These variables play a significant role in determining the success of a fishing outing. This section will discuss barometric pressure, water temperature, wind, and currents.
Barometric Pressure
Barometric pressure is a critical element of walleye fishing. During stable or rising pressure periods, walleye tend to be more active and more likely to be found in shallower water.
Conversely, walleye tend to head for deeper water when the pressure falls, making them more challenging to catch. Anglers can find the best times and places to target walleye by paying attention to these changes.
Water Temperature
Water temperature plays a crucial role in walleye behavior. During the early spring and late fall, walleye prefer cooler water, often found in deeper areas.
However, as the summer months approach and water temperatures rise, walleye move to shallower water or weed beds to seek cooler temperatures.
Ice fishing can be an excellent choice in winter and provides a unique opportunity to target walleye in deeper areas with limited light penetration.
- Early morning, late evening, and night fishing are generally considered great times for catching walleye due to their preference for low-light conditions.
- Warmer water temperatures, typically during the summer months, push walleye to seek cooler, deeper water or weed beds to avoid the heat of shallower water.
Wind and Currents
Wind and currents can greatly impact a walleye fishing trip. Windy days not only create what is commonly referred to as the “walleye chop,” but they can also produce favorable conditions for the following reasons:
- Wind can cause walleye to move into shallower waters, as baitfish and smaller fish are pushed into these areas.
- Windy conditions create low-light periods, when walleye tend to be more active, even during daylight hours.
Currents can also impact walleye behavior in large lakes and open waters like the Great Lakes.
Paying attention to water movement can help you identify prime locations for walleye fishing, as game fish like walleye often congregate in areas with more moderate currents to feed on smaller fish species.
Moon Phase and Fishing Success
For walleye fishing, understanding the impact of moon phases on the fish’s behavior can enhance the likelihood of a fruitful fishing trip. One of the most popular concepts to consider when planning a walleye excursion is the Solunar Theory.
Solunar Theory
The Solunar Theory, introduced by John Alden Knight, posits that fish and game activity is heavily influenced by the position of the moon and sun. During certain positions of these celestial bodies, fish, such as walleye, become more active, providing better opportunities for anglers.
Generally, the best time of day to target walleye is during the early morning or late evening hours, as they are more active in low-light conditions. When aligned with the ideal moon phase and proper solunar conditions, there’s an even greater chance for successful walleye fishing.
According to the Solunar Theory, walleye tend to be more active in shallower water and weed beds during the full moon and new moon periods.
In contrast, walleye are found in deeper water or next to structures during the first and last quarter moon phases, where light penetration is reduced. Walleye anglers often focus on these factors when choosing the best places and times for their fishing trip.
Considering the Solunar Theory, a fishing trip may be planned to coincide with ideal moon phases and times of day, maximizing the potential for catching walleye in various environments.
Examples of using Solunar Theory when fishing for Walleye
For example, ice fishing in winter, when walleye populations are higher in large lakes like the Great Lakes or Canadian waters, can yield larger trophy fish if timed according to the Solunar Theory.
Anglers should also know that various fish species, such as yellow perch, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, can influence walleye behavior.
Investigating the prime locations for these species within large rivers, the western basin of Lake Erie, or along rocky shorelines can further improve walleye fishing success.
Remember that walleye are more likely to feed in low-light periods when considering factors like sun and moon positions. Therefore, planning a nighttime fishing excursion during ideal moon phases while using live bait and spinner rigs in target locations can be an excellent choice.
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Techniques and Baits for Walleye Fishing
When it comes to walleye fishing, several techniques have proven to be successful. This section will discuss four popular methods: trolling, casting, vertical jigging, and using live bait.
Trolling
Trolling is a great way to cover a lot of water searching for walleye. This technique is especially effective in larger bodies of water like the Great Lakes.
It is common to troll with crankbaits or spinner rigs, which can be adjusted to dive deeper or shallower depending on the depth of water you are fishing. When trolling, a good idea is to vary your speed and experiment with different lures to find the right combination for the conditions.
Key Depths for Trolling:
- Shallow Water: 4-10 feet
- Deeper Water: 10-25 feet
Casting
Casting can be an excellent choice for walleye fishing in shallower water, especially in and around weed beds, rocky shorelines, and other structures.
During the early morning and late evening hours, walleye often venture into these areas to feed. This makes casting with jigs, soft plastic baits and crankbaits an excellent option during these low-light periods.
Vertical Jigging
Vertical jigging is a popular technique among walleye anglers, particularly during the colder months when walleye can be found in deep water.
This method involves dropping a jigging spoon or jighead tipped with live bait directly below the boat and then jigging it up and down, varying the retrieve speed and movement to entice a bite. This is an excellent choice during the ice fishing season as well.
Live Baits
Some anglers swear by using live bait when targeting walleye. Key baits include minnows, night crawlers, and yellow perch.
Depending on the situation and location, live bait might be presented on a slip bobber rig or a simple split-shot rig. Live bait can be especially effective in clear water when walleye might be more finicky.
Here are a few general tips for using live bait:
- Use lively, healthy bait
- Hook the bait in a way that allows for natural movement
- Adjust the depth of the bait for the conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal weather for walleye fishing?
Walleye fishing can be productive in various weather conditions. However, walleye anglers often find the best success on windy days, as the wind can mix up the water, creating low light conditions that walleye prefer. Also, the walleye chop—an effect caused by moderate wind on the water—stirs up the food chain, providing excellent feeding opportunities for these game fish.
What time of day are walleye most active?
Walleye are most active during low-light periods, such as early morning, late evening, and night time. The limited light penetration during these times allows walleye to ambush smaller fish more effectively. This makes the early morning and late evening hours the best time of day for walleye fishing. For those who can manage it, night fishing trips can provide an exciting alternative to daytime walleye angling.
Which season is ideal for walleye fishing?
The ideal season for walleye fishing differs depending on several factors, including the fish population in specific waters and the water temperature preferences of individual walleye. In general, however, late winter to early spring (late February to early April) and late fall are prime times for walleye fishing. During these seasons, walleye move from deeper water to shallow spawning areas, making them more accessible to anglers.
What is the most effective bait for walleye?
Live bait, such as minnows, leeches, and night crawlers, is often considered the most effective choice for walleye fishing. Offering a natural presentation, live bait can entice even the most cautious of walleye. Plastic baits and spinner rigs can also be productive, especially when imitating the forage species found in walleye habitats.
What techniques work best when fishing for walleye in rivers?
Using a slip bobber rig or a jig can be an excellent choice when fishing for walleye in large rivers, such as the Missouri or Detroit Rivers. Casting jigs near current breaks, rocky shorelines, and other prime locations can trigger strikes from walleye holding in these areas. Trolling with spinner rigs or crankbaits can also be successful for covering a lot of water and finding active fish.
How can beginners improve their chances of catching walleye?
For beginners, the best way to improve their chances of catching walleye is to familiarize themselves with the preferred habitats and consistently fish in these areas. Walleye often frequent weed beds, rocky points, and underwater humps that provide opportunities to ambush prey. Understanding the seasonal movement patterns of walleye and trying various techniques, such as jigging, trolling, or using a slip bobber rig, is also crucial. Beginners should focus on fishing during low-light conditions and using live bait when possible. With practice and persistence, even novice anglers can successfully catch walleye.
Cory Haasnoot
Cory is a content writer-editor and founder of Tackle Box Talk. Favorite Quote: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."