What Is The Best Time Of Day To Catch Walleye?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The best times of day to fish for large walleye is

around dawn and dusk

. In particular, 30 minutes before and after sunset and sunrise are peak times. That said, walleye will continue to feed all night long. On cloudy or windy mornings, walleye may feed up to an hour and a half after sunrise.

Why is walleye fishing better at night?

Walleye are

negatively phototactic

, which means that, unlike humans who are positively phototactic, they see better at night than they do during the day. Equally important is the fact that many of the fish that walleye prey on, such as suckers and yellow perch, have difficulty finding their way around in the dark.

What is the best bait to catch walleye?


Minnows

are the most popular bait option for walleye anglers, I have found consistent success with shiner and flathead minnows. When targeting bigger fish, shiners in the 4-6′′ range are the mainstay, these will weed through some of the smaller fish and get you on 25′′+ Walleye.

Do walleye feed up or down?

Walleyes are

basically bottom feeders

, but don’t ignore those fish that suspend over drop-offs in deep lakes. Some of the best summer walleye fishing is provided by suspended fish.

Are walleye more active at night?

Walleyes are

adept nocturnal hunters

best caught by night fishing. While most anglers are sleeping, walleyes are pursuing and feeding on unsuspecting prey that cannot see as well in low-light conditions. This nocturnal activity offers a prime opportunity for walleye anglers.

What colors do walleye see best?

Walleyes also possess color vision, based on analysis of the structure of the light-sensitive cones. Scientists tell us walleyes should see

red, orange, and yellow

the best, followed by green. Theory also suggests walleyes see blue and violet less well, and these colors may even appear black.

What are walleye attracted to?

A few more night fishing tips to keep in mind: At night, walleye are attracted

to light

, so use lighted or glow-in-the-dark jug heads. Be sure to match your lure size with the bait size. Always use a slip bobber, and be sure to reel in the slack before you set the hook.

What eats walleye at night?

Since walleye feed primarily on baitfish, try fishing with

live minnows or minnow-imitating crankbaits

. Two of the best types of lures to use when fishing at night for walleye are minnow-tipped jigs and minnow-imitating crankbaits.

What colors do walleye see best at night?

When targeting walleye at night your lure color selecting can be extremely important. The best colors to use for walleye at night are:

white, blacks, chartreuse, and glowing baits

. Dark and bold colors like this are going to help your lures stand out in the dark.

How old is a 10 inch walleye?

Length (inches) Typical Female Age (Yrs) Typical Male Age (Yrs)
23


6-7


10
24 7 11 25 8 12-20 26 9

Will walleye hit spinners?

For many, a classic jig and a minnow is the go to walleye presentation on Lake of the Woods. … Spinners for

walleyes really kicks into gear as the water begins to warm up

. Normally when water starts to hit the mid 50’s, it is time to start considering drifting or trolling with spinners.

Why is walleye so popular?


Walleyes are easy to stock and cultivate artificially

, which makes them even more popular. And, finally – the taste. “They’re definitely my favorite,” said one angler. “A beer batter is great, you can bake them, they’re just an awesome fish.”

What temperature do walleye bite?

So is there a “real” best temperature to catch walleye at? The best water temperature to catch walleye at is between 65-70° but

any temperature above 35°

will yield walleye willing to bite. Water temperature is an important factor that drives walleye feeding and can dictate how easy they are to catch.

How do you attract walleye?

Live bait can be highly successful for walleye, which usually involves still fishing, drifting, or trolling the bait. A bottom-bouncing rig or slip sinker is effective for drawing the walleye’s attention in clear water. The best choices of live bait include

leeches, minnows, and nightcrawlers

.

What speed should you troll for walleye?

The magic speed for walleye is somewhere between

1.8 to 3.5 miles per hour

, about the pace of a fast walk or slow jog. The best trolling speed varies widely based on lure type and water temperature. Rod placement is another important aspect of trolling that a lot of anglers neglect.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.