For Walleye, How Deep Do You Fish?

Walleye fishing requires caution and common sense. Using the wrong methods can result in unnecessary damage to your catch. Slow and deliberate fishing is the best approach because jerking a walleye up quickly will cause it to lose its air bladder and die. However, there are a number of ways to counteract the effects of deep-water fish. Using specialized lures, slow and deliberate trolling, and a weighted line are just a few of the techniques available.

During the summer and fall, walleyes tend to disperse, making slow, slack water ideal for catching them. Near underwater obstacles, look for calm water. Walleyes frequently use current breaks and food sources to travel between different depths and feed during this time of year. Fishing in run habitats is possible all year round, but it's especially fun in the summer. Walleye spawning occurs in these areas because of the slow currents and shallow depths. Walleye love the eddies created by boulders and other downed objects.

Using lighted or glow-in-the-dark jug heads to attract walleyes at night is an effective way to catch them. The dangers of night fishing must always be taken into consideration when fishing in deep water. On your boat, use a fog or black light to prevent accidents and injuries. Alternatively, you can use a flashlight. Be prepared with a flashlight or fog light when fishing alone because the sun's glare can reflect light and cause an accident with your boat.

However, even in large plateau reservoirs like the Missouri River, walleyes can be found in the shallow waters. In a shallow area of a lake or reservoir, walleyes may congregate at the tips of points during the daytime. Hooks, spoons, and precise livebait rigging can all be used to catch them. If they are fishing in shallow water, they should hover over the fish and drop their lures on its nose.

In shallower waters, walleye are more likely to congregate around specific features. An exception to this is steep, vertical lake structures. When the fish are in shallow water at night, they move away from it in the daylight. They will, however, concentrate on the crests of humps and points throughout the day. To get the best results, choose a location that includes these elements.

When fishing for walleye, the water temperature is crucial. Walleyes move deeper into lakes and occupy a wider range of habitats in the spring and fall. This makes it easier to locate trophy fish, which tend to move deeper and gather in larger groups at the surface. The less weed cover there is in deeper water, the more vulnerable fish will be to electronic devices. Establishing productive depths is critical when trying to find the best spots for walleye.

Depending on the species of walleye you're after, you should experiment with different depths when casting your line. Ideally, you want to use live bait, but artificial lures can also be effective. To catch walleye, keep your bait at least a foot below the surface. Walleye that are lazy will be caught on a jig set up in this manner as well. Watching a rig like this one in action can be a real treat. If your target fish are sluggish and unwilling to move, a slip bobber rig is a good option.

Walleye tend to congregate near the water's surface in the summer. At this time of year, you can catch them in shallow water during the day, but they will be scarce as bait. You can also go fishing during the day, but the fish will usually be too full to eat. When fishing with live bait, it's best to use it in the fall and spring when they're near the bottom and more easily seen.

However, walleye are typically between 2 and 3 pounds; occasionally a 5-pounder is found. It has been confirmed that a 25-pounder from Tennessee has set an all-time record. Because of their high food value and impressive fighting skills, these fish are highly sought after as sport fish. Because of their silver-tipped lower tail fins and distinctive olive-green coloration, these fish are easy to spot in open waters. The more you fish for walleyes, the more likely you are to catch one.

To catch these fish, you'll need a simple set of fishing gear. Baitcasters need a 7.5-foot hook and line reel, a bottom bouncer, and a leader made of either 12# super braid or 10# mono. To increase your chances of catching a walleye, use a plain 1/0 or 2/0 Aberdeen style hook and creek chubs.