When walleye fishing in Pennsylvania in the spring, the walleye hang out in shallow water in preparation for spawning season, and you should start with small bait sizes. Think along the lines of small crank baits, jigs and plastic worms. After a few trips out in early spring, switch up bait selection to expand past small baits. The common misconception is that walleye are just gearing up for active waters. Therefore, their movement is slow. While this may be the case, walleye will still go after bigger size baits. Now is a good time to pull out the leftover baits from last year and give them a fresh spin in the water.

As summer approaches and quickly fades into fall season, bait in medium size ranges work. Crawfish rank at the top of walleye food choices. Mimicking the movements of this delight along rock or overhang locations will have walleye biting from a line in no time flat. Medium size crank baits, jigs and spoons are effective. The key here is to match bait selections to natural baitfish in the water. This could require an angler to dig out baits left over from last year. Selections may include minnow and young perch.

Winter brings colder water temperatures. Walleye slow down and need a little extra push to chase a piece of bait. Stick to deep structures and keep bait moving in slow directions. Walleye will bite at jigs, spoons and plastic worms. It is just going to require extra time and patience on the angler’s part. Vertical jigging and spinning are effective techniques for wintertime walleye fishing. Nighttime trolling with crawlers and minnows would also be effective.

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