Short answer Leeches, minnows, and more leeches. Night fishing with live bait can be extremely effective. Often this “chop” will lead to foam on top of the water, and can visually signal good areas to drop a line. You may hear the term “Walleye chop” which refers to rough water that typically increases the Walleye’s feeding activity. On calmer days the walleyes are more often located at the deep side of shoreline drop-offs. In the spring and fall Walleyes are typically located near the shallower areas due to the spawning grounds, and they are most often located in shallower areas during higher winds due to the murkier, higher oxygenated water. In stained or murkier waters, walleyes can be caught with regularity throughout the day. They tend to feed more extensively at dawn and dusk, on cloudy or overcast days and under choppy conditions. Walleyes have excellent vision, particularly in low visibility (lack of sunlight, darker waters, etc…). So be sure to handle the fish with care and caution once landed. That is because the mouth of a walleye is armed with many razor sharp teeth. You don’t want to “Thumb” a Walleye like you would, say, a Bass.

Canada and the Northern US, particularly Minnesota and Wisconsin, although other states have them in their fisheries as well.

Most common areas to catch Walleyes (geographically speaking) is up north. This dark olive and tan/gold pattern is broken up by darker areas that extend to the upper sides.įinally as you look towards the belly, it is more white or beige in color. The top of a walleye is a dark olive color, then as you look down the side of the body, the colors grade into a tan/golden hue on the scales. Walleyes are largely dark olive and gold in color. Before we get into the live bait techniques, let’s go over a few basics about the Walleye. They often strike without fear, put up a strong fight, and are probably one of the best eating fish of all freshwater fish.įishing strategies for Walleyes vary greatly, since they will strike jigs, spoons, spinners, darts and crankbaits.

Rigging a bottom bouncer