Walleye are considered some of the best tasting freshwater fish and are much sought after for the table. They don't fight as hard as some other species but bigger ones will give you a good fight on light tackle.
Where To Find Walleye in Lakes
Rocky points, rock ledges humps are all good places to find walleye in lakes. The ends of trees blown into the water from the bank, if in deep water, can also be good as are deep weedlines.
They get there name from their big eyes, made for collecting dim light. They need them since they usually stay in deeper water and also feed a lot at night.
Baits To Use Fishing For Walleye In Lakes
Small minnnows and earthworms are good live bait for walleye, and they are often put behind a small spinner to attract the fish. Placing a minnow on a jig head works well as does a bottom bouncer rig, a "V" shapped wire with a loop for a leader on top and a lead weight on the bottom end. All these rigs keep the bait down near the bottom where the walleye feed. There are walleye tournaments and fishermen use a variety of baits to catch them.
Slow trolling one of the above rigs or a crankbait that runs deep will also catch walleye, but you need to fish slowly. Dropping a worm or minnow on a small hook with a split shot above it catches a lot of walleye, too. Troll or fish under the boat along weedlines and deep cover.
Tackle To Use Fishing For Walleye In Lakes
Walleye don't fight hard and are usually in open water so light tackle is the way to go. A spinning rod and reel loaded with six to eight pound test works well for most rigs. Set your drag light so you won't tear the hook out of the fishes mouth, and you will get a better fight, too. But you can use heavier tackle, especially around cover and if you are trying for big fish.
