Depending on the year, the water temperature can be at a variety of degrees when targeting springtime walleye. This water temperature directly drives walleye prespawn spawn and postspawn locations.
There is a second factor that drives fish location, and that’s forage. For the most part, walleye starts spawning around the 45-degree water temperature. Once these fish get done with this activity, there’s only one thing on their mind, and that’s food.
Now it just so happens the spottail shiners in our neck of the woods come in and stage to spawn in the shallows soon after the walleyes are done, so these fish do not need to move very far to get a bite to eat. 
That is where we’re at today, intercepting schools of walleyes roaming the flats in search of an easy meal. Al and Troy Lindner spend the day chasing springtime walleyes, which is often toe to toe action on spinning gear in the shallows.
Springtime is a fantastic season for walleye fishing. The water is clear, and the fish are starting to feed up after spawning. In this article, we will explore some tips and techniques for catching walleye during this time of year.
Clear Water Springtime Walleye
One of the challenges of fishing in clear water is that walleye can become wary. When there are a lot of fish in shallow water, it’s better to cast off to the sides rather than directly over them.
In the past, when the lakes were dirtier, you could drift over the fish and vertical jig them. However, with the introduction of zebra mussels, many lakes have become crystal clear, making it necessary to adjust your approach.
Fishing Shallow Breaks for Springtime Walleye
When fishing shallow breaks, it’s important to be aware of the fish’s movements. As you approach, you may notice the fish moving off to the side. In this case, it’s best to make long casts away from the boat and retrieve your bait back towards the fish. This will help to avoid spooking them and increase your chances of getting a bite.
Using Soft Plastics
Soft plastics can be a highly effective bait for walleye fishing, especially during the spring. In the past, many anglers relied on live bait such as minnows or nightcrawlers.
However, using soft plastics can often outfish live bait. One common mistake anglers make when using soft plastics is fishing them the same way they would fish live bait. It’s important to fish soft plastics more aggressively, with quick snaps of the rod to make the bait jump off the bottom. This can trigger a reaction bite from walleye and result in more hookups.
Choosing the Right Jig
When it comes to choosing a jig for walleye fishing, there are a few options to consider. The VMC Moon Eye Jig is a great universal bait that can be rigged with various types of soft plastics.
The aspirin-shaped head of the jig causes it to react aggressively when popped, which can entice walleye to strike. Another option is the VMC Bucktail Jig, which can be fished with or without a trailer. In shallow water, there is often no need for added bulk, and fish will eat the bucktail jig as it is.
Rigging Tips
To prevent line twists, it’s important to rig a barrel swivel about a foot above your jig. This will help to keep your line from tangling and ensure a smooth presentation. Additionally, using a fluorocarbon leader can be beneficial in clear water conditions, as it is less visible to fish. Many anglers prefer to use braid with a fluorocarbon leader, but the speaker in the video recommends using the new Sufix Advanced Mono as a mainline and adding a fluorocarbon leader for increased bites.
The Importance of Confidence
Confidence is key when it comes to fishing with soft plastics and hair jigs. Many anglers are hesitant to switch from live bait to artificial baits, but once they start catching fish with them, their confidence grows. The speaker in the video mentions that artificial baits often produce bigger fish day in and day out. It’s important to have confidence in your bait selection and fishing techniques, as this can greatly increase your chances of success on the water.
The Importance of Equipment
Having the right equipment can make a big difference in your fishing success. The speaker in the video recommends using a 6’8″ medium-action St. Croix Icon series rod paired with a Daiwa Fuego reel. He also mentions spooling up with the new Suffix Advanced Mono, which he finds to be forgiving and fish nice. Additionally, he adds a 6-foot fluorocarbon leader to his setup for increased bites in clear water conditions. Having a well-balanced and properly rigged setup can greatly improve your fishing experience.
What are some of the best methods for catching walleyes in the summer?
During the summer, successful walleye fishing often requires looking deep for these elusive fish. They can be found in various areas of the lake, so it’s important to know where to search. Three key places to locate summertime walleyes are [insert examples here, if needed]. To effectively catch walleyes in the summer, some of the best methods include [provide detailed descriptions of effective fishing techniques here]. By employing these strategies, anglers can increase their chances of reeling in walleyes during the summer months.
What are three places to look for summertime walleyes?
During summertime, walleyes can often be found in three main locations. One common spot to search for these fish is river mouths, where the freshwater rivers meet larger bodies of water. Another productive area to look for summertime walleyes is near rising structures in the water, such as humps or submerged islands. Additionally, underwater points and drop-offs are known to attract walleyes during the summer months. By targeting these three types of locations, anglers can increase their chances of hooking into some walleyes during summer fishing trips.
Where can walleyes be found in the summer?
Walleyes can often be found in specific locations during the summer months. One common area to look for summertime walleyes is at river mouths. These areas can provide excellent opportunities for catching walleyes using various methods.
How can you catch spawning walleye?
To catch spawning walleye, you should first understand the importance of knowing when and where they will be. It’s crucial to check local fishing regulations during spawning season, as there may be specific rules in place to protect the fish population. When looking for spawning walleye, focus on areas with current, such as hard-bottom river channels and creeks that flow into larger bodies of water.
These areas provide the ideal conditions that walleye seek during the spawning period. When targeting spawning walleye in rivers, make sure to search in shallow areas, as walleye can often be found in less than two feet of water, particularly on current seams. Pay attention to water clarity and light levels, as these factors can influence the depth at which the fish are present. In addition to rivers, reefs are another prime location to catch spawning walleye.
Look for hard bottoms like reefs, rockpiles, or other structures where male and female walleye might move up and down as temperature and light conditions change. Females may stage out off the reefs during the day and only move onto them during low-light conditions or when actively spawning.
Males, on the other hand, can be easily caught around the spawning grounds as they follow the females for mating purposes. Overall, to catch spawning walleye successfully, focus on areas with suitable conditions like current, warmer water, and hard bottoms, and pay attention to the behavior of male and female walleye during the spawning season.
Where can you catch spawning walleye?
You can catch spawning walleye in rivers by rigging the jig with a worm or crawler-style plastic. It is common to find walleye in less than two feet of water on current seams during spawning. Spawning walleye prefer hard bottoms, so look for them near structures such as reefs, rockpiles, or other isolated formations where they move up and down based on changing temperature and light conditions.
What is the significance of the end of March to early April time period for walleye spawning?
The end of March into early April is significant for walleye spawning as it marks the period when the bulk of spawning typically begins, although variations can occur based on environmental factors.
Is there a specific date or answer that always applies to walleye spawning?
There isn’t an exact answer or date that always applies to walleye spawning, but the end of March into early April is considered a good rule of thumb.
What role does lake ice play in extending the walleye spawning period?
Lake ice plays a role in the walleye spawn by allowing fish to spawn over a longer period of time.
How does the timing of walleye spawning vary based on geographical location?
The farther North you go, the later walleye spawning occurs, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Travis Hartman.
When does the bulk of walleye spawning typically occur?
The bulk of walleye spawning typically occurs from the end of March to the beginning of April, but the timing can vary based on geographical location.
The end of March into early April is significant for walleye spawning as it marks the period when the bulk of spawning typically begins, although variations can occur based on environmental factors.
There isn’t an exact answer or date that always applies to walleye spawning, but the end of March into early April is considered a good rule of thumb.
Lake ice plays a role in the walleye spawn by allowing fish to spawn over a longer period of time.
The farther North you go, the later walleye spawning occurs, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Travis Hartman.
The bulk of walleye spawning typically occurs from the end of March to the beginning of April, but the timing can vary based on geographical location.
During the springtime, the water temperature can vary significantly depending on the year. This water temperature is a crucial factor that directly influences the spawning behavior of walleye. Typically, walleye will begin their spawning process when the water temperature reaches around 45 degrees. Understanding this key temperature threshold is essential for predicting walleye pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn locations. While the exact timing of walleye spawning can fluctuate, monitoring the water temperature provides valuable insights into when this process is likely to occur.
In conclusion, springtime is a great season for walleye fishing, and using soft plastics and hair jigs can be highly effective. Adjusting to clear water conditions, fishing shallow breaks, and using aggressive techniques can help increase your chances of success. Choosing the right jig and rigging your setup properly are also important factors to consider. Having confidence in your bait selection and equipment is key to a successful fishing trip. So get out on the water, try out some soft plastics and hair jigs, and enjoy the thrill of catching walleye. Happy fishing!
