You can troll crankbaits through the shallows to hook big-water walleyes in the spring, but one of the most effective approaches is to cast a jig-and-bait combo. “To most anglers’ disbelief, walleyes holding in the shallows on the Great Lakes can be regularly caught casting a jig and bait,” LaCourse said.
How shallow do walleye go?
At noon on a bright sunlit winter day, walleye are usually always found in the deeper basins around 30-40 feet. But as the sun starts to set, they move into more shallow water to hunt their prey in waters that are 10-25 feet deep.
Can you troll in shallow water?
How shallow is the bite? Many anglers troll stick baits along weedbeds, dropoffs, humps and sand bars as shallow as 5 feet of water. Most try running stick baits 3 to 5 feet down.A productive trolling speed with stick baits is 1.5 to 1.8 mph, adjusting speed as fish or water conditions dictate.
How do you fish shallow weedy lakes?
There are some baits that are made for the weeds, and will do the trick for enticing those hidden fish:
- Texas-rig plastic baits when working inside the weeds.
- Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are two top choices.
- Weedless frogs and creature baits are ideal for pads, slop and weed clumps.
Where can I find walleye in January?
By January, walleye on popular hotspots have been stung hard by anglers, and remaining fish are likely not biting. Look for active fish at the base of dropoffs or cruising along subtle breaks on basin bottoms. They’ll often be at precise depths, in transition areas from sand to mud, or gravel to sand.
What depth do walleye like in winter?
Generally speaking walleye will hold to the same structure as they would during fall months during early ice. Slight drop-offs, sandy or rocky flats, green weed beds, and hard structure anywhere from 8 to 15 feet deep are great places to start.
How deep do you fish for walleye?
Walleye are generally caught between 10-40 Ft. A typical mid-sized lake in the Midwest would likely hold Walleye between the depths of 10-15 Ft. during the Spring, 15-25 Ft. transitioning to Summer, 25-40 Ft.
What is the best bait for walleye?
Minnows
Minnows are the most popular bait option for walleye anglers, I have found consistent success with shiner and flathead minnows. When targeting bigger fish, shiners in the 4-6″ range are the mainstay, these will weed through some of the smaller fish and get you on 25″+ Walleye.
What lures for shallow water?
David Walker’s 5 favorite shallow water baits
- Koppers Live Target Golden Shiner. I like to use a 1/2-ounce Live Target Golden Shiner as a search lure, especially around hydrilla.
- Koppers Hollow Body Frog.
- Jig with Z-Man Flappin’ Crawz.
- Koppers Live Target Popper Frog.
- Koppers Live Target Crawfish Crank.
How do you catch walleye in muddy water?
5 Tips for Dirty-Water Walleyes
- Find the Clearest Water. Dirty water proceeds in stages.
- Jazz Up the Bait. Presenting a bait or lure to walleyes is more difficult when there’s low visibility.
- Cover More area.
- Be Ready To Strike.
- Fish Shallower.
Where can I find walleye in 60 degree water?
When water temperatures reach the 60-65-degree mark, these baits start producing and producing big. Typically, I will be looking for flats between the 10 and 25 foot of water, with a nearby drop off and if possible, a weed line that holds prey fish and bait fish.
What is a Texas rig for fishing?
The Texas Rig is a technique used for fishing soft plastic lures. It involves a bullet weight being threaded onto the line first followed by an optional glass or plastic bead, and then the line is secured to a hook, usually an offset worm hook. Very good for bass fishing.
Are pond weeds good for fish?
In most cases, pond vegetation is good for the fish. Those green plants produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. They also serve as a place for insects and small fish to hide from predators.Remember, a weed is simply a plant growing where it’s not wanted.
How old is a 28 inch walleye?
Average Walleye Length vs. Age
| Length (inches) | Typical Female Age (Yrs) |
|---|---|
| 28 | 12-13 |
| 29 | 14-16 |
| 30 | 16-17 |
| 31 | 18-20 |
What do big walleye eat?
Adult walleye feed mostly on fish such as yellow perch and minnows, but dozens of fish species have been found in walleye stomachs. Adults will also feed on crayfish, snails, frogs, mudpuppies and small mammals when fish and insects are scarce.
How big is a trophy walleye?
Trophy Fish Size Chart
| Species | Weight | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye | 5 lbs. | 25 “ |
| White Bass | 2 lbs. | 16 “ |
| White Crappie | 2 lbs. | 15 “ |
| White Perch | 1 lb, 4 oz. | 13 “ |
How do you target walleye ice fishing?
Walleye like to move around in small groups that patrol relatively large areas every day, stopping by the same structures repeatedly. Because of this habit, another great way to find them in midwinter is to look for “choke points” where fish movement is channeled into a smaller area.
How deep are fish in the winter?
Best depths to try while ice fishing
| Fish Species | Early Winter | Mid-Late Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye | 18 to 25 feet | 15 to 25 feet |
| Lake Trout | 20 to 60 feet | 20 to 60 feet |
| Kokanee | 10 to 80 feet | 10 to 80 feet |
| Northern Pike | 5 to 15 feet | 5 to 15 feet |
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