WHERE TO FISH
Walleye are found in rivers, lakes and reservoirs. In rivers, concentrate on areas below dams, in river bends, behind obstructions, and anywhere in slack water directly next to moving water. In lakes, concentrate in dark bottom areas in early Spring. As the Spring progresses, fish deeper weeds, rocky areas and land points.
WHAT TO USE
Walleye prefer minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches. Use the components in this kit to set up a bottom rig. Rigged grubs and spoons are excellent lures. Walleye best see brighter colors like chartreuse, white, orange, and yellow.
WHEN TO FISH
Walleye are sensitive to bright light and are most active on overcast days and dawn and dusk conditions. Walleye feed actively at night.
FISHING STRATEGIES
Walleye are shy. Keep noise and light reflections to a minimum. Fish many areas. Due to their schooling behavior, if you catch one Walleye, you have a good chance to catch more from the same spot.
BASIC RIGS AND TECHNIQUES
The choice of rig and technique depends on fishing conditions. Here are some popular approaches to Walleye fishing.
BOTTOM RIG
This is excellent for still fishing & drifting. It resists snags and it provides little weight or resistance as the fish picks up the bait.
1. Run line through hole in sinker.
2. Tie swivel onto line.
3. Snap pre-snelled leader onto swivel.
4. Place live bait on hook.
DRIFT FISHING
This is an excellent method of fishing live bait, as it allows the natural action of the bait to trigger strikes.
1. Tie line to swivel.
2. Attach splitshot 2-in above swivel. (Add more splitshots for faster current or deeper water.)
3. Snap snelled leader onto swivel.
4. Place live bait on hook.
GENERAL USE
With a rigged swirlltail grub or other bait, walleye will generally respond to a steady retrieve. Cast out and let it sink, retrieve steadily. As a general rule the lure or bait will sink an average of one foot per second.
HOOKING LIVE BAIT
Leech: Pass hook through sucker.
Nightcrawler: Pass hook through tip of head.
Minnow: Hook minnow through lips.
