Our fishing friend Bruce DeShano took this walleye close to the surface. Walleyes are often thought of as a fish that inhabits the depths, and there are times when most of them will be found in deep water. However, there are other times, more than you may think, when you can catch walleyes shallow.
Do walleye feed on surfaces?
Not uncommon to catch them in very shallow water 2′ or less but I haven’t seen a feeding frenzy that I was able to identify as walleye. White bass will often school minnows up to the surface — It’s possible that this happened and there were a few walleye lurking in the schools for an easy meal also.
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.
Are walleye on the bottom?
Walleyes are basically bottom feeders, but don’t ignore those fish that suspend over drop-offs in deep lakes. Some of the best summer walleye fishing is provided by suspended fish.Big walleye are consistently taken from these holes.
Why do walleyes go shallow at night?
During the warmest months, walleyes are usually found in deep, cooler water during the daylight hours, barely moving and often not feeding. But when the sun goes down and the temperatures drop, the walleyes move into shallow water in search of prey.
Do walleye bite when its hot?
Walleye anglers stuck in spring mode often struggle in summer. But it’s actually prime time for these marble-eyed beauties. The trick is being able to change — as in, leaving early hotspots and tactics behind. Here’s how to find hot-weather walleyes and make them bite.
Will walleye eat other walleye?
Walleyes are quite cannibalistic, if presented with the opportunity. Yes it would but I think the population that the GFP is worried about being too big is those fish that are 8-12 inches. There isnt much of a predator for them and they eat the same food as the bigger walleye.
How deep should 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.
How far should walleye be from the bottom?
Baits can be set within 6 inches of the bottom, even half that, which is often where the bait should be when Walleyes are only slightly active.
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 can you tell a female walleye?
The anus on a male is circular while the anus of a female resembles a keyhole, and the female’s will become larger once it is time for her to lay eggs. Examine the weight of your walleye. A male will weigh less and look slimmer than a female, with a more streamlined appearance; female walleyes are rounder and plump.
What time of night is best for walleye fishing?
The best times of day to fish for large walleye is around dawn and dusk. In particular, 30 minutes before and after sunset and sunrise are peak times. That said, walleye will continue to feed all night long.
What color is most visible to a walleye?
Scientists tell us walleyes should see red, orange, and yellow the best, followed by green. Theory also suggests walleyes see blue and violet less well, and these colors may even appear black.
What depth do walleye like in summer?
Troll at 1.5 to 2.5 miles per hour to quickly cover a lot of water. In many situations, you’ll be trolling with 60-70 yards of leadcore out, which positions your lure at about 25-35 feet deep.
What is the best water temperature for walleye fishing?
So is there a “real” best temperature to catch walleye at? The best water temperature to catch walleye at is between 65-70° but any temperature above 35° will yield walleye willing to bite.
How fast do you troll for walleye?
Trolling speed, in the spring, is best at 1.3 – 1.5 mph. Summer trolling speeds increase 1.5- 2 mph as walleyes are more active in warmer water temperatures.
Do walleye bite humans?
As I already mentioned, their teeth are quite blunt, and are not a serious threat to humans. Also, walleye will not intentionally bite you. On the other hand, some common sense and caution are advisable. If you stick your hand into walleye mouth, they can bite you, and even leave some marks on your skin.
Is a walleye a pike?
walleyed pike, also called Walleye, fish that is a type of pikeperch (q.v.).
How long does a walleye live?
Walleye spawn in the spring or early summer. They spawn over gravel or rocks in rivers or shallows, where there is enough of a current to clear away sediment and aerate the eggs. Females can deposit more than 100,000 eggs, which hatch in about two weeks. A walleye lives about 10 years on average.
What color lures do walleye like?
The most basic and most productive colors for targeting walleye are purple and green. These colors come in a variety of shades and can be used in a large range of depths. For sunny days, select bright or flashy purple or green, and for cloudy days try a solid, darker green or purple.
What kind of bottom Do walleye like?
A deep diving crankbait that drives 10-13 Ft. down is required to reach typical walleye depths, a #8 in Firetiger is my favorite. These should be trolled along expansive Flats and Reefs during the summer months.
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