FreeFishWalleye fishing basics
Where walleye live, when they feed, and the jigs, rigs and crankbaits that catch them through the year.
Walleye are one of North America's favorite freshwater fish, prized as much for the table as for the challenge. They have a reputation for being moody, but once you understand their eyes and their habits, they become far more predictable.
Built for low light
A walleye's eyes have a reflective layer (the tapetum lucidum) that gives them their glassy look and lets them see well in dim light. That one fact explains much of their behavior:
- They often feed most actively at dawn, dusk and through the night.
- On bright, calm days they tend to go deeper or tuck into weeds, rocks and darker water.
- Wind, waves, clouds and stained water can keep them feeding in the middle of the day. Anglers call a wind-whipped shoreline a "walleye chop".
Where to find walleye
Walleye relate to structure and to changes in bottom. Use a depth map to find:
- Points and drop-offs next to shallow feeding areas.
- Rock and gravel: reefs, rock piles, riprap and transitions from soft mud to hard bottom.
- Weed edges, especially in lakes with clear water and fewer rocks.
- Mud flats in summer in some lakes, where they feed on insect larvae and baitfish.
- Rivers: current breaks below dams, eddies, deep holes and the seams along the edges of fast water.
Through the seasons
Spring
Walleye spawn shortly after ice-out, when water is in the low to mid 40s °F, over rock and gravel in rivers, inflows and wind-swept shorelines. Many states have closed seasons or special rules around the spawn, so check regulations before you go. After spawning, fish recover and start feeding in shallow, warming water.
Summer
Walleye spread out to main-lake structure: points, humps, weed edges and deeper flats. Expect a good bite at low light and on windy days. Trolling crankbaits or pulling spinner rigs covers water to find scattered fish.
Fall
As water cools, walleye feed heavily and often move shallower at night and back to steep breaks during the day. Big fish are caught every fall on minnow-imitating baits.
Winter
Walleye are a top target for ice anglers. Fish the edges of structure in the first and last hours of daylight with jigging spoons, small jigs tipped with minnows, and tip-ups. Always check ice conditions; see our ice safety guide.
Proven presentations
Jig and minnow
The classic walleye presentation. Use a 1/8 to 3/8 oz jig tipped with a live minnow or a soft plastic. Cast or drop it to the bottom and use short lifts and drops, staying in contact with the bottom. In current, use the lightest jig that still reaches the bottom.
Live bait rigs
A slip sinker, a swivel, a 3 to 6 foot leader and a plain hook with a leech, nightcrawler or minnow. Drag it slowly along breaks with the bow pointed into the wind. When you feel a bite, let the fish take a little line before setting the hook.
Bottom bouncers and spinners
In summer, a bottom bouncer with a spinner rig and a nightcrawler, trolled at about 1 to 1.5 mph, covers a lot of water and is one of the most reliable ways to catch walleye.
Crankbaits
Long, thin minnow-shaped crankbaits trolled or cast along breaks and rocky shorelines at low light. Check each lure's diving depth so it runs just above the bottom.
Tip: Walleye bites are often light, just a tap or extra weight. When fishing a jig, watch your line where it enters the water and set the hook on anything that feels different.
Gear
- A 6'3" to 7' medium-light or medium spinning rod with a fast tip.
- 6 to 8 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon, or 8 to 10 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader.
- Jigs in several weights, a few live bait rigs, and a handful of crankbaits in natural and bright colors.
Handling and regulations
Walleye have sharp spines on their dorsal fin and sharp gill plates, so handle them carefully. Many waters have size slots, length limits and daily bag limits for walleye, and they differ from lake to lake. Look up your state's regulations before keeping fish. Our licensing and regulations guide explains how.