When you’re searching for a unique and fun species to fish for, seek out walleyes. This species is a lot of fun to catch and a real challenge. It’s not easy to catch walleyes and for this reason, many new anglers give up before getting the most from their fishing trips. It’s the challenge that makes them so exciting and when you get one hooked, you’ll feel the adrenalin rush though your body as you’re trying to reel him in and he’s fighting hard to get away!
You can’t let your guard down when fishing for this species or you won’t have much luck. However, if you stay alert, watch your line and have lots of patience, you too can enjoy the thrill of catching walleyes. One of the best places to fish for walleyes is the Columbia River. This is the perfect habit for this species so you will find some of the largest walleyes here. Some have been caught between the eight and twelve pound range with the average size being around five pounds.
Places to Fish on the Columbia River
The Columbia stretches through parts of Canada and the United States. There are many excellent places to go fishing all along the river depending on where you are located. It’s a good idea to try different spots until you find the best places to fish in your area. However, here are a few tips that can help you start finding the walleyes faster.
One thing that you need to be aware of is that the hot spots can change from one year to the next on this river. This is because the environment changes. Still, there are a few places where you can search for this species that will usually prove to be very productive.
One obvious place to look is anywhere the baitfish is plentiful. This species, like any other, will stay where the food source is the most plentiful simply because they like to be near food. However, there are other things to look for as well. For example, one of the best places to fish on the Columbia River is in the bends where the river twists and turns. Walleyes seem to be drawn to these areas naturally.
Other good places to fish on this river are around drop offs, sunken Islands and breaklines that run parallel to the bank. It’s a good idea to drift fish around these areas in parts of the water that is around ten to twelve feet deep. If you’re not having any luck, gradually move out deeper.
Your best bet is to use a fish finder because the depths on this river changes quickly and drastically in some cases. As a result, the depth of the fish will vary depending on where you’re fishing on the river. Using a fish finder will make finding walleyes a lot easier but start your search between ten to thirty feet deep. This seems to be where most anglers are having the best luck.
Best Baits to Use on the Columbia River
When fishing the Columbia River you can use an assortment of bait. Live baits always work great for this species especially minnows and worms but you can use lures as well. When choosing your lures consider where you’re fishing on the river and how deep the water is. This will help you choose the best ones. Crankbaits, jigs and spinners are some of the best choices to use on this river. You may find a different type of lure that also works great, which is why it’s always a good idea to experiment every chance you get.
When fishing during the spawning season, small jigs, crankbaits and plastic worms will all yield excellent results. These work great in the fall too but you can also give spoons a try. These will often entice a strike during this season. As the water cools down, slow down your presentation to accommodate for the fish slowing down.
River Fishing Tips
Walleyes are plentiful in the Columbia River so you’re sure to reel in a nice catch most anytime you go fishing but it never hurts to be armed with a few tips too. This is a huge river so it would be wise to get a map of the water and study it before heading out. This way, you’ll have some idea of where you’re going. Be sure and take the map with you fishing.
Allowing your boat to drift down the river while jigging is a great method to use on this river that usually always gets good results but you do need to keep your line tight. You can also fish the Columbia River from the shore so if you don’t have a boat, don’t get discouraged. Many times, walleyes will make a home along the banks of the river so anyone can join in on the fun.