Walleye Fishing Techniques

Walleye are a popular fish to go after for those who enjoy fishing. These fish can grow up to three feet long and can weigh up to 15 pounds, though there have been cases where Walleye have weighed even more. Understanding how the fish eats and when and where to find them is the key to success.

Where to look for the walleye

In the early spring you will find them close to shore, near sandbars. As the day wears on, fish in deeper waters. If you want to catch a big one, fishing at night is when to do it. That is when the bigger females come to the sandbars close to shore. During the summer as the water warms up, the Walleyes will go into water a bit deeper. Walleye like to hang around in the weeds a little farther away from the shore. The fish closer to the shore will be smaller; larger fish will be out in deeper waters. Between sundown and midnight is usually the best time to fish for walleye.

How to keep the fish from getting away

One problem that many who fish for walleye complain of is that the fish strikes quick and gets away. The reason this may be happening is because the person doing the fishing does not understand the way the fish eats. The walleye will strike quickly and move back. The fish will then suck in the food and water surrounding it. This is when you can hook the fish. If you pull away too quick, you miss getting your hook sucked into the fish's mouth. Be patient and let the fish feed.

Use bait that the walleye likes to eat and jigs made for them

The walleye like small fish. Use live bait such as fish, small crustaceans and worms, plastic or real worms will work.  Use jigs that are made for walleye and line that is light. A heavier line will cause too much drag and may stop them from sucking in your bait.