Walleye Fishing Information

Walleye is a freshwater fish species that is native to North America. They are widely sought after by anglers for their delicious white meat and challenging behavior. In this article, we will discuss what a walleye is, what they eat, where to find them, and the best gear and fishing lure to use to catch them.

What is a walleye?

Walleye, also known as Sander vitreus, is a predatory freshwater fish that belongs to the perch family. They are found in various water bodies throughout North America, including lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Walleye are known for their unique eyes, which are reflective and appear to glow in low-light conditions. This adaptation helps them to see their prey better in low-light situations.

What do walleye eat?

Walleye are predatory fish and will eat a wide variety of prey, including smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans. Their diet changes depending on their size and the time of year. In the spring, when the water is colder, they tend to feed on smaller fish, such as perch and shad. During the summer months, when the water warms up, walleye will switch to feeding on crayfish and other crustaceans.

Where to find walleye fishing in a lake?

Walleye prefer cool, clear water and can be found in various depths throughout the water column, depending on the time of day and the season. In the summer months, they tend to move to deeper, cooler water during the day and move shallower at night to feed. During the fall, they will start to move back into the shallows to spawn.

When fishing for walleye, it is best to look for structure in the lake, such as drop-offs, weed beds, and rock piles. Walleye tend to hold near structure, as it provides cover and a place for them to ambush their prey. They are also often found near points, humps, and ledges, as these areas can concentrate baitfish.

Best gear and fishing lure to use to catch walleye

When fishing for walleye, it is important to have the right gear and lures. A medium to medium-light spinning rod and reel with a sensitive tip are ideal for detecting bites. It is also important to use a good-quality fishing line, such as monofilament or fluorocarbon, with a test strength of 6 to 10 pounds.

The best lures to use for walleye fishing are those that mimic their natural prey, such as minnows, leeches, and crayfish. Jigs and soft plastic baits are popular choices for catching walleye, as they can be fished at various depths and mimic the movement of live bait. Crankbaits, particularly those with a tight wobble, are also effective for catching walleye.

Walleye are a popular and challenging fish to catch. They can be found in various water bodies throughout North America and are predatory fish that eat a variety of prey. When fishing for walleye, it is best to look for structure in the lake and use lures that mimic their natural prey. With the right gear and technique, anglers can have a successful day on the water and catch some delicious walleye.

Walleye Fishing Techniques

Catching walleye can be tricky, and it requires a certain set of skills and techniques to be successful. In this article, we'll cover some of the best fishing techniques to catch walleye.

1. Jigging

Jigging is one of the most effective ways to catch walleye, particularly during the colder months when these fish are closer to the bottom of the water. A jig is a small fishing lure that is bounced up and down in the water column to attract fish. When jigging for walleye, it's important to use a light jig that matches the color of the baitfish in the area.

2. Trolling

Trolling is another popular technique for catching walleye. This involves slowly dragging a lure or bait behind a moving boat to entice fish. When trolling for walleye, it's important to use a lure that imitates the prey in the area. Many anglers use a combination of live bait and artificial lures when trolling for walleye.

3. Drift fishing

Drift fishing is another effective technique for catching walleye, particularly in rivers and streams. This involves casting a bait or lure upstream and letting it drift naturally downstream with the current. This technique is particularly effective when using live bait like nightcrawlers or leeches.

4. Slip bobber fishing

Slip bobber fishing is a popular technique for catching walleye, particularly in shallow water. This involves using a bobber that can be adjusted to any depth in the water column. The bait is suspended beneath the bobber and allowed to float freely in the water, making it more attractive to walleye.

5. Casting and retrieving

Casting and retrieving is a popular technique for catching walleye in open water. This involves casting a lure out and reeling it in quickly, mimicking the movements of a baitfish. When casting and retrieving for walleye, it's important to vary the speed and depth of the retrieve to find what works best for the fish in the area.

6. Bottom bouncing

Bottom bouncing is a technique that is particularly effective for catching walleye in deeper water. This involves dragging a weighted lure or bait along the bottom of the water, bouncing it up and down to attract fish. When bottom bouncing for walleye, it's important to use a lure that matches the color and size of the baitfish in the area.

How To Clean and Cook Walleye

Walleye is a popular freshwater fish that is often prized for its firm, white flesh and mild, sweet flavor. Here are some steps to help you clean and cook walleye:

Cleaning Walleye:

1. Rinse the walleye under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Lay the fish on a cutting board and use a sharp fillet knife to cut behind the gills and down to the spine.
3. Turn the fish around and make the same cut on the other side of the spine, cutting through the rib cage.
4. Use the fillet knife to remove the fillets from the fish, starting at the top and cutting down along the spine.
5. Remove any remaining bones with a pair of tweezers.

Cooking Walleye:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the walleye fillets with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice.
3. If baking, place the fillets in a lightly oiled baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
4. If grilling, brush the fillets with oil and place on the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. It's important to ensure that the fish is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety.