Spring is coming, and I need some strategies I can try for catching them.

Spring is the start of spawning season for walleye. They leave rivers and lakes for feeder streams with sandy or gravel bottoms to spawn. Water levels are shallow and temperatures are slowly starting to warm up. Walleye are warming up to an increased activity level. Much of the winter months had them hiding in structures for warmth. One of the best methods to catch spring walleye is using a 6′ 6″ or 7′ graphite rod with medium action and a fast tip. The key here is being able to feel even the slightest bite on a line from walleye. For the period between spawning and resting, match either rod with a four pound test Vanish line combined with a 1/16 ounce tipped jig and fathead minnow. As resting period comes to a close, take things up a notch with a six pound Berkley XL with either a 1/16 or 1/8 ounce jig. The exact type to use will vary greatly depending on water and wind conditions on a given day. In water depths of 15′ or less, a 1/16 ounce fuzzy grub is ideal. For deeper waters of 15′ or more, use a 1/8 ounce fuzzy grub jig. As for location, the best place to seek out springtime walleye is along rocky or woody shoreline areas. A favorite walleye hideout during this time of year is a wood cluttered bottom area. Be prepared for this with an extra supply of jigs in the tackle box. Given that the water is still cold in spring, utilize extremely slow retrieve techniques. Winter is wearing off and the walleye are gradually working up to a faster moving pace. As their metabolism starts to kick in, the attack times will improve.