In some locations, such as Canada and northeastern North America, walleyes are often referred to as “walleyed pike." Walleyes are popular among anglers for their aggressive, predatory feeding habits. With a powerful strike, walleyes provide an exciting fight and retrieve. Found in freshwater lakes and rivers throughout North America, walleye can be caught using a variety of fishing methods.” Each fishing method has its advantages, disadvantages and recommendations.
Trolling
Trolling is a popular walleye fishing method that allows you to have one or more fishing lines in the water. This method allows you to cover large amounts of water in search of fish concentrations. Walleyes will suspend in the water at a specific depth making it essential to troll the bait past the fish at the proper depth. You can use line counters, planer boards and adjust the boat’s speed to achieve the required depth. Once the depth is achieved, troll past the concentration of walleye and be ready to set the hook.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are a popular lure and fishing method for a variety of fish species and are particularly effective for walleyes. Characterized by a bill and body, crankbaits have various sizes, shapes and colors to match the fishing conditions. The size of the bill changes the depth that the crankbait will swim as you retrieve the bait. Use a depth finder to determine the relative depth of the walleye and select a crankbait for that depth. Experiment with different sizes, speeds and motions during the retrieve to attract a bite.
Back-Troll
On windy days, use a back-trolling technique to create a slow bait presentation. Twin Lakes Outfitters from Ontario recommends using back-trolling while using a three-way swivel rig and worm harness. Point the motor of the boat backward to control the boat and troll past the walleyes at the appropriate depth. Twin Lakes Outfitters says that the big walleyes will typically be between 15 feet and 35 feet deep in holes close to shore.
Surface Lures
When walleyes start feeding on top water, use a fishing method that incorporates surface lures. The most common surface lures include flies, spoons, jitter bugs and bucktails. Cast the surface lure into the middle of thick weeds, next to deep ridges, along wild rice beds or under lily pads. Using the surface lures gives you another fishing method when normal lures or trolling can’t be used.
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