Walleye Fishing Techniques

By: Tyler Adams

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Walleye fishing techniques will give you the edge when it comes to chasing your favorite toothy game fish! Walleye are extremely fun to catch, especially when you use the right equipment, fish the right areas and know when they are really biting. These walleye fishing techniques will help you put your plans together in your pursuit of these majestic fish.

  1. The right stuff to get the job done. The first technique for walleye fishing is having the right equipment to battle those pesky walleye. Having the wrong equipment can be the difference between success and failure. To be successful, you’ll need a wide variety of tackle from down riggers for trolling to deep diving crankbait for casting/trolling. Not only will you need a wide variety of tackle, but you’ll need to have the right rod that offers the sensitivity of lighter rods with the backbone to really drive the hooks home once you’ve hooked up with a walleye. Finally, you’ll need a quality reel that will withstand the runs and battles that walleye are known for.
  2. The right spots for success. The next technique for walleye fishing is knowing the right areas to be fishing for walleye. Whether you’re fishing gin-clear lakes, deep river channels or below spillways where walleye compete with other predators like muskies for forage, knowing the right spots to fish can really make a huge impact on your success. Focus on these aforementioned areas where walleye are present and focus on areas that will optimize your success at catching bigger and more walleye. Some of the best “spot-on spots” for walleyes include drop-offs, deep fallen timber, current breaks and deep, rocky lake bottoms where walleye love to feed throughout the year.
  3. Timing is everything. Our final technique for walleye fishing begins by putting it all together to optimize your success at catching walleyes. This means not only equipping yourself with the best equipment and having a few good fishing holes, but knowing the right time to pursue walleye. Some of the best times to catch walleye are during weather changes, such as a cold front moving in upon a warm front, approaching storms and consistent weather patterns. Also tracking the moon phases and knowing the prime times where walleye feed most heavily will also factor in the equation. When you can combine both of these elements, you’ll have optimized your success at catching walleye to the max!
Posted on: Feb. 05, 2011