Walleyes are a game fish that gets lots of attention from anglers of all ages. They’re sought out for the sport and for food. They offer everything anglers look for in a species such as, being a challenge to catch and putting up a good fight when you do hook one. This is why they are an excellent species for both the experienced angler and the beginner.
The best habitat for walleyes are the lakes and rivers with cold water and gravel, sandy or rocky bottoms but you can find them in other types of water as well. You can fish for them anytime but they are usually the most active during the night due to their cat-like eyes that allows them to see well in the dark. If you fish for them during the day, try early morning and late evening for the best results.
Weather conditions that reduce the amount of sunlight that shines through the water such as, windy days when the water is choppy or when it’s cloudy are also good times to fish for this species. Anytime you go fishing for walleyes on bright sunny days, fish for them in the deeper parts of the water and in the shadows for the best results.
There are many different ways to fish for walleyes but many experienced anglers use rigs. Fishing rigs can greatly increase the number of bites you get, which in turn increases the chances of reeling in more fish. Below are two different types of walleye rigs that can make your fishing trips more productive along with a few tips on how to make them:
1. The Lindy Rig- Walleyes are highly attracted to live bait such as nightcrawlers, minnows and leeches and the Lindy Rig helps you to present live bait in such a way that it appears completely natural. To make one, you need about two to three feet of fishing line ranging in the six to eight pound range. Tie a size four or six inch hook to one end and a barrel swivel to the other end to make your leader line. Place a slip sinker on the fishing line coming from the reel and then tie the leader line to it just underneath the slip sinker. The swivel helps to reduce tangling and keeps the slip sinker in place. When the walleye takes the bait, it won’t feel any resistance because the slip sinker allows the rig to move freely.
2. The Spinner Rig- This rig uses different components to effectively entice the walleyes to strike. Begin by cutting off about four or five feet of fishing line and tie a four to six inch hook to one end with a clinch knot. Place five or six glass beads on the line and allow them to drop down to the hook. Tie an overhand knot on the line just above the last bead but leave a little room for the beads to move and make noise. Place the clevis into the spinner in such a way that the spinner sits in the “U-shaped portion” of the line and pull the loose end through the openings in both ends of the clevis. Move this whole piece down the line until it rest at the knot above the beads and then tie an overhand knot just above the clevis leaving the spinner room to move. Make a knotted loop at the opposite end of the line and attach the main line to the rig at this end.
Walleyes are considered one of the hardest fish to catch because they are an elusive fish and one that will put up a strong fight when hooked. For this reason, anglers look for ways to increase their productivity and reel in more fish. Using walleye rigs is a great way to do just that. Below are a few more tips that can help make your walleye fishing trips a success.
Use the lightest tackle possible when fishing for walleyes. This has many advantages. For example, it will help you feel when you have a bite and it will ensure the fish can get the bait into its small mouth. It will also help prevent the walleyes from seeing the gear and swimming away.
Using electronics can help to make all of your fishing trips more fun and productive. Use a fish finder to help you locate the fish and a GPS system to maneuver throughout the body of water and to map out the hotspots.
When you do hook a walleye, keep your line tight when reeling it in. This will help to reduce the odds of the fish getting loose before you have a chance to get it onboard. These tips and using walleye rigs can help to improve your fishing skills and make all of your fishing trips a success.
