How to Catch Walleyes

Walleyes are a popular game fish for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that they make excellent table fare. Walleye meat is known to be white, firm and mild-tasting. But as good as they are too eat, walleyes are notoriously difficult to catch. They are finicky eaters. Anglers also encounter challenges when trying to locate walleyes in rivers or lakes.

Things You'll Need

• Spinning fishing rod
• Spinning reel
• 6-pound test fishing line
• 1/4-oz. walking-style sinker
• #6 hook
• 1/4-oz. jigheads
• Boat
• Depth finder
• Swivels

Instructions

1. Make sure you have the proper bait. Minnows, leeches and nightcrawlers are good live-bait choices.

2. Rig your fishing rods. If you have one rod, tie on a Lindy rig. This rig includes a walking-style sinker attached to the line above the swivel. Below the swivel, tie on a 36-inch leader and hook. If you have two rods, tie a 1/4-oz. jig head onto the second rod.

3. Begin the search for walleye locations. In doing so, consider the season. When the water is below about 55 degrees, walleyes will be in shallow water around the areas in which they spawned. Shallow, rocky areas will be prime spots. As the water temperature rises into the 60s and 70s, walleyes move to deeper water and can be found around dropoffs, weedlines and sunken islands. No matter what the season, remember that walleyes' main concern is food.

4. Drop your Lindy rig and bait to the bottom of the lake and begin trolling. Make sure your sinker maintains contact with the bottom, and stay alert since walleyes often bite lightly. Continue trolling until you catch a walleye.

5. Make note of the spot, once you catch a walleye. Walleyes generally travel in schools, so where you catch one you likely will catch more. Once you find a school of walleyes, continue trolling with your Lindy rig in the immediate area. If you have a second rod rigged with a jig head and bait, cast that into the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Walleyes are notoriously finicky. Make sure to be quiet when you are around them. Walleyes often bite softly, so using your index finger to maintain contact with the line can help you detect bites.

• Know all regulations that pertain to walleyes before fishing for them.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish