You’ve probably heard that the walleye is one of the most elusive fish species around, which makes them one of the hardest species to catch. It also makes them one of the most fun and exciting to seek out. This explains why so many men, women and children of all ages and skill levels fish for walleyes. They pose a real challenge that any angler can appreciate.

One of the reasons why the walleye is considered an elusive fish is because they can see very well and if you don’t present your bait in a realistic manner, they won’t touch it. If the hook is sticking through or if the fishing line is visible to them, you won’t get any bites. Another reason is because they strike the bait so gently that it’s easy to miss it. For this reason, they have a tendency of stealing the bait away and you won’t even know they were there, until you reel in your line and notice the bait gone.

You can find walleyes in all types of water from small lakes to large rivers. They prefer cold water but they can grow and thrive in warmer water if necessary. They can be recognized by their olive green or brown color back and sides, dark vertical bands running down the sides and their very large glassy eyes with a silvery tint to them.
They also have a soft and spiny dorsal fin and a white tip on the lower part of the tail fin. This species is hard to catch but the following information can help to make all of your fishing trips more productive.

Walleye Fishing Tips

Considering the walleye is such a hard species to catch, it helps to have a few tips that will make it easier to reel in a nice catch. As a fisherman, your first goal is to increase the number of bites you get and the four tips below can help you do that:

1. Pick the Right Gear- When fishing for walleyes use lightweight fishing rods combined with fishing line ranging in the four to six pound range. Choose the smallest tackle you can use because this species has a small mouth and a light bite so, you’ll need this type of gear in order to feel when you have a strike. They also see so well that if your fishing line is too thick or the tackle is too big, they will see it and not strike the line.
2. Choose the Best Colors- The color of your lure affects the way the walleyes strike. They’re more attracted to some colors than others. It’s recommended you use dark colors when fishing in late summer or when fishing in clear water. In the spring and when fishing in dark water, use bright colors.
3. Map Out the Hot Spots- Each time you fish a specific lake, map out the areas where the walleyes are the most populated. Record the surrounding conditions and it will help you to locate this species easier the next time you go fishing under the same conditions. Using a GPS system is recommended.
4. Take Advantage of Electronics- Use electronics to help you determine the depth of the walleye. Once you know where they’re suspended, it’ll be easier to get the bait in the strike zone and this will automatically increase the number of bites you get. Look for areas where the baitfish is plentiful and the walleye should be close by.

These tips can help give you a head start so you can spend more time fishing instead of figuring out what gear to use or which baits work the best.

Walleye Fishing Strategies

There are many walleye fishing strategies available and each one of them can help improve the odds of catching your limit each time you go fishing. If you want to be successful at reeling in more walleyes, you need to plan out your moves.

For example, walleyes need to be enticed to take the bait and the best way to do this is by presenting something they’re attracted to naturally. Fishing with live bait such as minnows and worms usually always get results. When using artificial lures, jigs is one of the best options around.

Fish between dusk and midnight for the best results because this is when they’re the most active. However, early morning and overcast days are also very productive. Avoid fishing for this species during sunny days because they move out to deeper water and avoid direct sunlight. If you do end up going fishing during the day, stay in the shadows.

Walleye fishing is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery. It’s fun, entertaining and something that anyone can do no matter where you live. It can cost as much or as little as you want to put into the sport and reeling in a mess of these fish can be quiet rewarding.