Early Season Walleye Fishing Tips

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When fishing for walleye during the early season, choose a fishing spot along shallow to moderate waters. Walleye spawn from February to April and spend most of the spring slowly migrating from shallow waters to protected areas along the bottom of deeper waters. For walleye, the early season is mostly spent recuperating and feeding on forage fish, so pay attention to these patterns when rigging and dropping your line.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

6.6 medium action rod with a 2500 series reel
8- to 10-lb test line
1/8- to 1/2-oz jigs
Crankbaits
Plastic worms

Step 1

Choose tackle based on the demands of the early season. Rig a 6.6 medium action rod with a 2500 series reel using 8- to 10-lb. test line--which is sufficient for both small and large walleye.

Step 2

Hook walleye bait to your line. Effective early season walleye bait options include 1/8- to 1/2-oz jigs, crankbaits and plastic worms.

Step 3

Engage the drag mechanism knob--which is located on the top or bottom of your fishing rod--and loosen the drag on your reel. Bounce the line to spool off enough drag for a long cast. Eye your target and drop your line 15 to 20 feet deep for an early season strike.

Step 4

Fish shallow waters in the morning, then move to deeper waters as the sun rises. Work your line near rocks, weeds, gravel beds and obstructions at the bottom of shallow and deep waters.

Step 5

Mimic real bait swimming against the current using a quick cast-and-retrieval technique. To execute, quickly cast and retrieve your line several times. Allow your bait to dangle at the bottom to entice a strike. Wait for visible strain on your fishing line. Set your hook.

Tips & Warnings

Always wear fishing gloves when handling fishing hooks.

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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