What baits to use for spawning walleye?

What baits to use for spawning walleye?

Four- to 6-inch ring worms are most popular for walleyes, and they’re usually rigged on a jighead. Veteran river anglers, however, often bite an inch or two off the head to make their ring worms more compact if the fish are snubbing full-size baits.

Where do you find pre-spawn walleye?

However, in perfect conditions walleye can be found spawning in the shallows on rock and gravel. This often means migrating up rivers or streams when applicable, making rivers a hot spot during the pre-spawn period. Males tend to reach these areas first, and stay longer.

How do you fish for early season walleye?

Early in the spring when water temps are cold and the sun shines I have often seen walleyes hanging out in shallow water where they appear to be sunning themselves. Clear, calm water can mean a difficult bite, but slow rolling a jig and minnow or dangling a leech under a bobber can often entice these wary walleyes.

What water temp is best for walleye fishing?

The best water temperature to catch walleye at is between 65-70° but any temperature above 35° will yield walleye willing to bite. Water temperature is an important factor that drives walleye feeding and can dictate how easy they are to catch.

How deep do walleye waters spawn?

1 to 20 feet
Walleye spawn occurs in shallow waters — usually from 1 to 20 feet (0.3 to 6.1 meters) in depth and preferably rocky-bottomed areas.

Where do walleyes spawn in a lake?

Walleye spawn occurs in shallow waters — usually from 1 to 20 feet (0.3 to 6.1 meters) in depth and preferably rocky-bottomed areas. They use reefs, gravelly beachfronts and rip-rap used to protect the shoreline from erosion [source: Pitlo].

Are walleye top or bottom feeders?

bottom feeders
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.

Where are walleyes in the early spring?

The walleyes are almost always oriented toward shorelines in early spring, so there is no need to explore deep structure or cover. Because of their fertility, shallow lakes normally have discolored water; consequently, fish have a comfort zone of turbidity and might feed at depths of only a few feet throughout the day.

What depth are walleye at in spring?

As the water temperature or the water rises, more fish will move shallow. Walleyes, especially, can move into depths of 2 to 5 feet.

Where do walleyes spawn on the river?

The best walleye-spawning habitats are large, sloping, shallow gravel bars comprised of pea gravel and palm-sized rock with moderate to slower gradient current rich in dissolved oxygen passing over and through them. Walleyes disperse their eggs and milt over the shallow current-oxygenated structures.