Walleye thrive in lakes throughout the United States and Canada from the Great Lakes to the Western and Southern States. What makes walleye fishing better than anything else is it’s a four-season fishery. Walleye can be caught in the summer, spring, fall, and winter.
In this beginner guide to walleye fishing, we will cover the basics so you can get started. There are a lot of different techniques, tackle, lures, and locations used to catch walleye. It can be overwhelming. Hopefully, this article will guide you in the right direction.
Walleye Fishing for Beginners
Walleye Basics
These fish are native to freshwater lakes and rivers across the northern U.S. and Canada. They are a cool-water species. They are most active during dawn, dusk, and cloudy or windy days.
Why Walleye Fishing Appeals to Beginners
For those new to fishing, walleye offer a unique challenge without requiring highly specialized gear. Their predictable feeding patterns and habitat preferences make them an accessible target. With a bit of patience and the right techniques, beginners can quickly build their skills and land their first walleye.
- Tip for Beginners: Start in lakes with known walleye populations. Popular walleye fishing lakes include Lake Erie, Mille Lacs, and Lake of the Woods. Research your local area DNR site to see what lakes have the best walleye populations.
Rods and Reels for Walleye Fishing
Selecting the Best Rod
For beginners, choosing the right rod ensures both comfort and success. A 6’6” to 7’ medium-light spinning rod with fast action is perfect. The fast action tip helps detect subtle walleye bites, which are often light and easy to miss. A rod with a sturdy backbone ensures you can set the hook effectively and reel in larger fish.
Characteristics of a Good Walleye Rod:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Medium-Light Power | Balanced strength and sensitivity. |
| Fast Action Tip | Detects light bites quickly. |
| Durable Material | Graphite or carbon fiber rods work best. |
Choosing the Right Reel
A spinning reel is beginner-friendly and pairs well with the rod mentioned above. Look for features like a smooth drag system (important for preventing line breaks) and a gear ratio between 5:1 and 6:1.
- Reel Size: A 2000-3000 size reel is ideal for walleye fishing.
Fishing Line for Walleye
The type of line you choose depends on where and how you are fishing for walleye. For example, if you are fishing in clear water, fluorocarbon line is a must. If you need casting distance, you might use braid to a mono leader.
Different Line Types and Their Uses
- Monofilament: Stretchy, forgiving, and affordable, monofilament is ideal for shallow water or trolling with crankbaits.
- Braided Line: Thin, strong, and sensitive, braided line is perfect for jigging or fishing in heavy vegetation.
- Fluorocarbon: Invisible underwater, fluorocarbon excels in clear water and for finesse fishing.
Matching Line to Techniques
- Jigging: Use braided line for increased sensitivity and casting distance.
- Trolling: Monofilament is better because of its stretch, which absorbs shock from strikes.
- Finesse Fishing: Fluorocarbon works best for picky walleyes.
Fishing Live Bait for Walleye
Why Live Bait is so Good
Walleye rely heavily on their sense of smell and movement detection, making live bait an excellent choice. The natural scent and behavior of live bait attract walleye more effectively than artificial lures in many situations.
Best Live Bait Options
- Minnows: Perfect for colder water or springtime.
- Nightcrawlers: Work well during summer months and for bottom-feeding walleye.
- Leeches: A favorite in warm waters during late spring and early summer.
Pro Tip: Use live bait in combination with rigs like slip bobbers or bottom bouncers to keep it in the strike zone longer.
Walleye Jigs
Why Jigs Are Irresistible
Jigs are versatile and can mimic baitfish with incredible precision. They allow anglers to work both shallow and deep waters, making them a staple in every angler’s tackle box. They are most popular when used in the spring during the spawn, but can be just as effective in the summer, fall, and winter under the right conditions and location.
How to Choose Jigs
- Weight: Start with 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz for shallow waters. Use 3/8 oz or heavier for deeper or fast-moving waters.
- Color: Chartreuse, orange, and pink work well in murky water, while natural colors like green and white are better for clear water.
Techniques for Jig Fishing
- Vertical Jigging: Drop the jig to the bottom, lift it slightly, and let it fall back. This mimics injured prey and triggers bites.
- Casting and Dragging: Cast the jig and retrieve it slowly while keeping it near the bottom.
Walleye Fishing Rigs
Popular Rigs
- Lindy Rig: Features a sliding sinker and is excellent for presenting live bait.
- Bottom Bouncer Rig: Designed for trolling live bait along the bottom.
- Slip Bobber Rig: Ideal for maintaining bait at a specific depth.
Lindy Rig Setup:
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sliding Sinker | Keeps bait near the bottom. |
| Leader Line | Reduces visibility. |
| Hook | Holds live bait securely. |
Best Walleye Lures
Top Lures to Try
- Crankbaits: Great for covering large areas. On the Great Lakes use bandits, husky jerks, and P10’s.
- Soft Plastics: Mimic minnows or worms effectively. Northland Tackle makes a great soft plastic.
- Blade Baits: Emit vibrations to draw strikes from aggressive fish.
Walleye Fishing Terminal Tackle
Essential Tackle
- Hooks: Size 2 or 4 for live bait.
- Sinkers: Use split shot for precision and egg sinkers for rigs.
- Swivels: Prevent line twist when trolling or using spinning lures.
Where to Fish for Walleye
Prime Walleye Locations
- Lakes: Target weed edges, rock piles, and submerged humps. If a lake has current, find where it is the strongest.
- Rivers: Look for current seams, deep holes, and bends.
- Reservoirs: Submerged structures and channels are hotspots.
Seasonal Tip: In spring, walleye spawn in shallow, rocky areas. During summer, they move to deeper, cooler waters.
Walleye Fishing Techniques
Key Strategies
- Drift Fishing: Perfect for covering large areas while maintaining precise bait depth.
- Trolling: Allows anglers to locate active fish efficiently. This is popular on inland lakes, rivers, and the Great Lakes in the summer.
- Jigging: Ideal for targeting walleye holding close to the bottom.
Hopefully, this short beginner’s guide to walleye fishing will help you catch more fish this year. Remember, nothing replaces time on the water to better your skills but using this guide will give you a head start!