How to Catch Walleye Fish in Ohio

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An angler named Tom Haberman set a state record for the largest walleye ever caught in Ohio---16.19 lbs. and 33 inches---in 1999 while fishing at Lake Erie. The Division of Wildlife stocks more than 20 million walleye fry and 2.5 million walleye fingerlings in up to 20 of Ohio's water reservoirs. Obtain a valid state-issued fishing permit before fishing for walleye in Ohio, then follow some specific techniques to catch this tasty fish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Reel
Fishing line
Hook(s)
Jigs
Crankbaits
Spoon lures
Plastic worms

Step 1

Obtain a fishing license, available to both Ohio residents and nonresidents based on age and fishing dates.

Step 2

Check with the Department of Natural Resources for updates regarding general and statewide fishing regulations related to walleye. For example, as of August 2010, "Anglers may not use more than two fishing lines, whether fastened to a pole, a rod and reel or handheld---with a maximum of three hooks---in Ohio waters," according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Step 3

Navigate to shallow waters, and fish under covered and protected areas during the spring season in Ohio. Fish with a jig (you can fish this device deep or shallow) and submerge your line to the bottom, where walleye like to hide under gravel ledges.

Step 4

Set your line in shallow water during early morning hours, and move out to open water---where depths are low---during late evening hours. Rig your line with a top bait lure such as a crankbait---an ideal bait option because of its ability to mimic the action of crawfish. Fish rocky areas during most of the summer season in Ohio.

Step 5

Switch to spoon lures when fishing during the fall season. Drop your line in shallow to moderate depths for most of the season, and cover the outskirts of the water you are fishing---look for structures where walleye can hide. Jigs are also a bait option during the fall.

Step 6

Fish plastic worms when temperatures drop during the winter season. Start early---staying close to the bank and targeting shallow depths---and then move deeper as the sun rises. Perform a slow cast-and-retrieval technique to compensate for walleyes' slower reactivity during winter months. Target the bottom, where obstructions offer walleye a place to hide.

Tips & Warnings

You can purchase your Ohio fishing license online.

Use a 6- to 10-pound test line for fishing jigs and bait cast tackle, and a 10- to 12-pound test line for crank-bait, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.-

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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