How to Catch Summer Walleye in Kentucky

Walleye is a fickle game fish that can be a challenge to hook in the hot summer months in Kentucky. With their light-sensitive eyes and a need to congregate in cool 60-degree water, it pays to fish deep for these light-biting members of the perch family. Read on for tips that will help you catch more summer walleyes in the great state of Kentucky.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Jig Deep for Summer Walleye

Things You’ll Need:

Medium-action rod and reel
1/2-oz. jigs
3/4-oz. jigs
Live minnows

Step 1

In the summer, walleyes hold in deep water during the day. Fish at depths of 40 to 50 feet. Locate a deep hole and tie a 1/2 oz. or 3/4 oz. jig head to your line.

Step 2

Grab a fresh, lively minnow and hook it through the lips onto the jig. Hooking it this way allows the minnow to swim seductively at greater depths and hopefully draw a strike from a curious walleye.

Step 3

Lower the jig-and-minnow combination until it hits the bottom. Your line will go completely slack when this happens. Engage the reel to pick up the slack in the line and begin to slowly jig the rod.

Step 4

Work the jig for few minutes, then reel up several feel of line and repeat the jigging motion. Walleye often will suspend off the bottom when they are feeding.

Step 5

When you feel a bite, set the hook hard because there will be extra stretch in the line from fishing this deep.

Tips & Warnings

Use a jig head with a glow-in-the-dark finish for a more attractive presentation.

Keep the jig as vertical as possible or you may miss light walleye bites.

Resources

In-Fisherman Walleye Insider

Article Written By Brian M. Kelly

Brian M. Kelly has been freelance writing since 2003. His work has been published in respected outdoor magazines such as Outdoor Life, Great Lakes Angler and Salmon Trout Steelheader. He holds an associate's degree in automated machine design from Macomb College.

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