WALLEYE: A GREAT ALTERNATIVE

Walleye fishermen are generally a die hard group of anglers that spend most of their time searching out walleye and don’t usually spend much time in search of other species. In this area, walleye are also known as walleyed pike or pike-perch. Walleye are not a spectacular fighter and often times come to net in a very docile manner. But, for some reason there is a strong appear this fish has to the many walleye fishermen.

Walleye fishing is generally best during bad weather or after dark. It is the largest member of the perch family and therefor it’s nicknames can be misleading. The walleye is a great lover of cold, clear, deep, large waters of lakes and streams and of dim light. Mid summer walleye fishing is difficult at best except when experienced fishermen present baits in the depths. During the spring and fall when the wind blows, the rain or sleet whips the water surface, or when overcast, gusty days force most anglers to stay within the comfort of fire warmed cottages, the walleye angler is catching fish and in his glory. The first signs of winter draw walleye fishermen to the ice.

The range of the walleye is expansive and covers the territory from norther Canada to as far south as Tennessee and Alabama. The Great Lakes has seen a decline in walleye populations but good fishing still remains. The finger of Lake Champlain the separates Vermont and New York remains a favorite location for local fishermen. On the New York side of the lake, a train rumbles along the shoreline and is affectionately known as the Walleye Express. When the train passes by, the ground shakes and rumbles and shortly after it passes the walleye become very active for a period. Many a good catch has been made right after the Walleye Express passes by.

The walleye is a dark bronze to gold to yellowish fish or it may be bronze to bluish, in either case with dark and patternless blotches. The most striking physical attribute is the eye, which gives the appearance of having a film or cloud over it. Walleyes have strong fin spines and spikes gill covers and therefor should be handled very cautiously to avoid injury to the hands. There is a black blotch on the membrane of the spinous portion of the dorsal fin. This is an important characteristic that distinguishes it from it’s close relative the sauger.

The average walleye weighs between three and five pounds. In especially good walleye waters such as Lake Champlain, fish weighing between seven and ten pounds are not uncommon, and the species grows to a maximum of about twenty pounds or better. T%he walleye is a lunker in deep water and feeds on small fish and crayfish. Good numbers of walleye will generally hang around the same area therefor, when the first walleye is caught, fishermen mark the spot to work it again as they will often "clean up".

Trolling is, in fact, one of the most productive methods for catching walleye as the depth of the lure or bait can be controlled. Not only can trolling depth be easily controlled, but this method allows fishermen to cover a great deal of water helping to locate fish. Once they are located, fishermen ill mark the area and troll back and forth over the same area. Some fishermen will choose to switch methods to still fishing.

The type of bottom that one fishes over is quite important. Wall-eyes are seldom found over mud. They prefer gravel, sand or rock. They are seldom found in roiled waters unless they are force into that environment. Some of the most experienced walleye anglers prefer to drift fish over favored areas with live minnows. Others prefer using minnows or crayfish presented on a dropper rig and cast from the boat and allowing the rig to settle to the bottom. Reeling the bait slowly or "crawling" the bait close to the bottom is a successful technique. Ordinarily, the walleye is not a worm feeder but night crawlers presented along the bottom is a sure killer. It’s effectiveness is increased is increases many times when a spinner is added before the bait. Spoons and spinners that run deep are best. During the spring when walleye start their spawning run into shallow water, casting baits to them is a productive technique.. The use of wobbling spoons is also popular.

Although walleye do prefer colder water, they will feed in waters as warm as 65 to 70 degrees for a short period of time. Some feel that higher surface water temperatures are a blessing in disguise as these conditions will generally concentrate walleye in cooler waters or it will cause them to feed at night. On occasion, night feeding gives way to excellent fishing. The fish will remain quiet throughout the day until dusk settles in. A water temps cool off, walleye start move in search of food many times bringing them into the shallows. Look for night time walleye to be along the beaches and at the edges of weedlines. The weedlines provide excellent opportunities for fish to feed on large schools of minnows.

The walleye is basically a dogged fish that gives up easily. Often one will strike and allow itself to be easily reeled in. It might struggle a bit as it is netted. In fast water it is a little better at fighting. Regardless, the walleye will always be popular because it hits quite freely, can be taken on simple tackle and is one of the best eating freshwater fish that swims.

Once the fisherman has plotted out the fish’s preferred locations during the spring, summer and fall, along with it’s vertical movement, anglers can return to these areas year after year and expect to find and catch fish. These fish are creatures of habit. Because of these concentrations walleye fishing differs from other species. Walleye will be in a few specific places as a rule. In addition, they will often time strike out even after they have gorged themselves on a recent feeding spree.

The next time you are looking for a different type of fishing, try walleye fishing as an alternative to the type of fishing you do most often.