Walleye fishing can be incredibly rewarding if you know what you’re doing. To maximize your success, it’s essential to adjust your bait and techniques according to the time of year. Each season brings different conditions that affect Walleye behavior, and understanding these changes can significantly impact your fishing results. Let’s take a closer look at how to fine-tune your bait choices for each season to increase your chances of landing that prized catch:
Spring
Walleye become more active in spring and start their spawning activities. During the early part of the season, they are typically found in shallower waters, where they prepare for spawning. Fish tend to be sluggish after the long winter, so subtlety is key. Focus on using smaller, more subtle baits like soft plastics and small minnows. You may also want to try jigs tipped with live bait or small swimbaits. These will imitate the small prey that Walleye are actively seeking. Use a slow retrieve to match the fish’s slower metabolism.
As the spring progresses forward, the water temperature will continue to rise and Walleye will become more aggressive. This is when you can start using slightly larger baits since their appetites will be increasing. Larger jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits that mimic small baitfish are effective as Walleye begin to hunt more actively.
Summer
When summer hits, Walleye will be in full feeding mode. As the water warms up, they’ll often move to deeper waters during the heat of the day and become more active during the cooler mornings and evenings. For summer fishing, opt for larger baits such as big minnows, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. These lures can cover more water and attract more aggressive Walleye. Large, flashy lures can mimic the larger prey that Walleye are targeting as they feed heavily. Since they’re likely to be found in deeper water during the hottest parts of the day, consider using a bottom-bouncing rig with live bait or heavier jig that can reach the depths they’re hiding in.
Fall
As the days get shorter and the water temperatures start to drop, Walleye will begin to feed heavily in preparation for winter. When fall hits, use larger, more substantial baits that can attract Walleye as they look to bulk up. Big minnows, larger crankbaits, and jigs with hefty trailers are effective choices. The key is to match the bait size to the fish’s increased appetite. Since Walleye are preparing for the longer winter months, so they are actively seeking out more substantial meals.
As Walleye start to migrate to shallower waters and near structures, focus on fishing around underwater structures like rock piles, drop-offs, and weed beds. These areas provide cover and are prime feeding grounds. Try different retrieval speeds and techniques to find out what works best.
Winter
Walleye fishing in the winter presents a unique set of challenges. With the temperature so low, the fish’s metabolism slows down, and they become less aggressive. In these conditions, it’s crucial to use smaller, slower-moving baits. You may want to try jigs with live bait such as minnows or worms or soft plastics.
Adapting to Conditions
Regardless of the season, it’s important to be able to adapt. The weather, water clarity, and local forage can all impact Walleye behavior. If you notice that your usual bait isn’t working, don’t hesitate to switch things up. Experiment with different sizes, colors, and types of bait to find out what the fish are responding to on any given day. Observing the conditions and understanding the fish’s behavior will help you make the necessary adjustments to your bait strategy.
Final Tips
Seasonal patterns and weather changes can greatly affect Walleye feeding habits, so staying flexible and observant is key to a successful fishing trip. And if you’re ready to put these Walleye fishing tips to the test, come visit us at Anderson’s Lodge for a memorable fishing experience where our expert guides can help you make the most of every season. We have comfortable accommodations amid beautiful scenery. Make a reservation today!