The walleye is the state fish for Minnesota and fishing for this elusive fish is a sport the whole family can enjoy together. The many lakes and rivers in Minnesota offer the prefer habitat for them to grow and thrive so, you can fish for them no matter where you’re located. They’re a fun species to catch because they’re challenging and they’ll put up one heck of a struggle when you finally get one hooked. They also make a tasty meal when cooked up for dinner.
When fishing for walleyes in Minnesota, the location where you fish and the time you go fishing will have a huge impact on the amount of success you have. The walleye are harder to find during the day because they avoid direct sunlight. Therefore, night fishing or going out on rainy or cloudy days is the best time to seek out this species. Knowing a few good tactics to use will help make your fishing trips more productive as well.
Walleye Fishing Tactics for Minnesota
There are many tactics that can be used to catch walleyes and most anglers have certain ones they always use that work great for them. However, part of becoming a great fisherman is experimenting and trying different methods. Therefore, it’s good to mix things up a bit and try different techniques. You may even find a tactic that works better than you ever hoped for.
Here are five tactics for catching walleyes in Minnesota that can help turn a good trip into a fun and exciting one you’ll be talking about for a very long time:
1. Fish with Live Bait- The walleyes feed on smaller fish like perch and minnows. They’re also attracted to nightcrawlers and leeches. When you fish with these baits, you’ll surely draw many walleye your way.
2. Use Small Tackle- The toothy mouth of the walleye may look big when you’re trying to remove a hook but it’s still relatively small compared to some of the other species. For this reason, you should use small tackle to make it easy for the walleye to get the bait into its mouth. It also makes it easier for you to feel the strike when you do get a bite. You’ll want to combine this with a lightweight line and a sensitive rod.
3. Go Trolling- Trolling is an excellent way to catch a lot of walleye in a short amount of time. It’s easy and has many advantages that you can’t get when using any other tactic. If you don’t have the gear to go trolling, then consider jigging or drift fishing. Both of these will also yield some excellent results and they can be done from the shoreline or a boat.
4. Use Fishing Rigs- Many experienced anglers have already discovered the benefits associated with using fishing rigs. They really work and can help you get the results you’re seeking. Some of your options include the lead-head jig rig, a live-bait rig and a bobber rig.
5. Learn the Weather Patterns- The weather pattern plays a vital role in how the walleye respond to your bait. If you learn all you can about the weather pattern and how it affects the behavior of the walleye in Minnesota, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.
A successful angler uses strategy and plans out their fishing trip instead of simply heading out to the water hoping for the best.
Where to Fish in Minnesota and a Few Basic Tips
There are many excellent places to go walleye fishing in Minnesota but a few of the most well-known lakes include Lake of the Woods, Mille Lacs, Minnesota River, Winnibigoshish, Upper Red Lake and Leech Lake. Pre-spawning season when the ice is thawing and the water is just beginning to warm up is an excellent time to fish in this great state. The walleye are hungry and very aggressive because they have just gone through a long cold winter and they’re getting ready to spawn soon.
When Minnesota walleye fishing you need to always stay alert and pay attention to what is going on around you. This is partly for your safety and partly to help increase the number of bites you can get. Look for areas filled with baitfish and the walleye should be close by. You also need to be watching your line because this species will gently take your bait and if you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss a lot of bites.
It’s always a good idea to fish in areas that you’re familiar with but this is not always possible. If you’re new to Minnesota or visiting for awhile, consider hiring a charter service or a guide to take you out on the water a few times before going out on your own. This will save you a lot of time and trouble because you can learn where the hotspots are located and some of the areas that should be avoided. Before long, you’ll be ready to head out on your own.