Trolling for walleye is one of the most effective and popular fishing methods used by anglers, particularly in larger lakes and reservoirs where walleye tend to be spread out over vast areas. It allows you to cover a wide range of water while maintaining a steady presentation of lures or baits that attract walleye. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, understanding the nuances of trolling for walleye can significantly increase your chances of success. This guide will explore the essential trolling tips, techniques, and strategies that will improve your walleye catch rate, making your next fishing trip a memorable one.
Trolling for Walleye
Walleye Feeding Habits
Walleye are known for being opportunistic predators, feeding primarily on small fish, such as minnows, perch, and shad, as well as insects and other aquatic life. Their feeding patterns are strongly influenced by light conditions, water temperature, and seasonal changes. In low-light conditions, such as early morning, late evening, and overcast days, walleye become more active and are more likely to strike at bait that mimics the movement of their prey.
During the warmer months, walleye often move to deeper waters to escape rising temperatures, while in cooler months, they can be found closer to shore. This makes trolling an effective technique, as it allows anglers to target walleye at various depths and throughout different areas of the lake. Understanding these feeding habits can significantly improve an angler's ability to catch fish.
Walleye Movement and Habitat Preferences
Walleye are known to be bottom-dwellers for most of the day, often hiding near the lakebed, drop-offs, and structures such as submerged rocks, weeds, and ledges. While trolling, it’s important to target these areas where walleye are most likely to be found. They are also known to be more active when near schools of baitfish, so trolling near these schools can increase your chances of encountering walleye.
In the spring and fall, when walleye are most active due to their feeding habits before and after spawning, trolling becomes an especially productive method. During these times, walleye often move to shallow waters or the edges of drop-offs, making them more accessible to trolling. Targeting different depths within the water column can also increase your chances of encountering walleye, as they may reside at various depths depending on the time of day and water conditions.
Trolling Techniques for Walleye Success
Choosing the Right Trolling Motor Speed
One of the most important factors in trolling for walleye is selecting the right trolling speed. Walleye are typically slow feeders and tend to strike at baits that are moving at a slow speed. The ideal trolling speed for walleye generally ranges between 1.5 and 2.5 miles per hour, although this can vary depending on water temperature and the activity level of the fish.
In warmer waters, you may need to slow down the trolling speed, while in cooler waters, you may need to increase it slightly. Always pay attention to the responsiveness of the fish—if you aren’t getting any strikes, try adjusting your trolling speed to see if that attracts more walleye.
Selecting the Right Lures for Trolling
Choosing the right lures is crucial for trolling success, as they need to mimic the natural prey that walleye are feeding on. Commonly used trolling lures for walleye include crankbaits, spoons, spinners, and jigs. Each of these lures offers different actions that appeal to walleye, and selecting the right one can make a big difference.
Crankbaits are effective because they mimic the movement of small fish and can be trolled at varying depths. They come in a wide range of sizes and colors, so it’s important to choose one that matches the baitfish in the area. Additionally, pulling the rod forward while trolling can enhance the movement of the crankbait in the water, helping it achieve the desired action and ensuring it runs straight to reach the targeted depth effectively.
Spoons are another great option for trolling, as they provide a lot of flash and vibration, which attracts walleye from a distance. These are particularly effective when trolling in deeper waters or when the fish are less aggressive.
Spinners work well when walleye are feeding on smaller baitfish and are best used in areas with moderate currents. These lures produce a lot of action, which draws walleye in.
Jigs are often used in combination with live bait when trolling, such as minnows or nightcrawlers. They can be trolled at slower speeds, making them ideal when walleye are less active.
Spinner rigs are highly effective for trolling, as they combine the movement and color of a spinner blade with various types of weights to maneuver through the water. The spinner blade enhances the effectiveness of bait harnesses by attracting more fish strikes, making it essential for enticing walleye. The dynamic presentation created by the spinner blade’s movement and color is particularly appealing to walleye, which are drawn to such presentations.
The key is to match your lure with the conditions you’re fishing in. If the water is clear, use natural colors like silver, gold, and white. If the water is murky or the skies are overcast, opt for brighter colors such as chartreuse, orange, or purple to increase visibility.
Setting the Right Depth for Trolling
Walleye are often found at specific depths, so adjusting your trolling depth is crucial for targeting these fish effectively. To determine the best trolling depth, use a fish finder to locate schools of walleye or look for structures such as drop-offs or underwater points where walleye are likely to congregate. Achieving the desired depth is essential for effective trolling, and tools like a line counter reel, which accurately tracks the depth of your lures, and the Precision Trolling app can help ensure your lures operate at this optimal depth.
Downriggers, lead core line, and diving devices can all help you control the depth of your bait while trolling. These tools allow you to precisely target the walleye’s feeding zone, which is typically around the lake’s bottom but can also be at mid-water or close to the surface depending on the time of day and water temperature. Knowing the maximum depth that certain lures can reach is crucial when targeting deeper walleye, as some baits, like the Bandit Walleye Deep Diver, are designed to reach specific depths effectively.
In general, trolling at depths between 10 and 30 feet is effective, but if you’re fishing in deeper waters, you may need to adjust your lures or use a deeper trolling setup. During the warmer months, when walleye move deeper to escape the heat, trolling at greater depths becomes even more important.
Targeting Key Areas
Successful trolling for walleye involves targeting the right areas of the lake. Focus on structures such as drop-offs, submerged rocks, weed beds, and points where walleye are likely to feed or rest. These areas often provide natural cover and are prime spots where schools of baitfish congregate, attracting hungry walleye.
When trolling, make sure to cover a variety of depths to determine where the fish are located. Start by trolling at shallow depths and gradually work your way deeper if you’re not having success. Using planer boards can help manage multiple lines efficiently and reduce tangles, as well as spread baits across different areas of the water. Pay attention to your fish finder and adjust your trolling pattern accordingly. Walleye are also more likely to be found in areas with good water flow, especially in river systems or lakes with moving water.
Timing Your Trolling Trips
While walleye fishing can be successful throughout the day, they are generally most active during low-light conditions. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to troll for walleye, as they are more likely to be feeding in these hours. Cloudy or overcast days also offer ideal conditions for trolling, as walleye are less likely to be spooked and are more willing to strike at bait.
In addition to considering the time of day, it’s important to consider the season. Spring and fall are the most productive times for trolling walleye, as they are actively feeding before and after spawning. In the summer, walleye tend to move to deeper waters, requiring you to adjust your trolling depth accordingly. During winter months, ice fishing becomes the preferred method for targeting walleye, but trolling is still effective during early and late ice fishing seasons.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Trolling for Walleye
Not Adjusting Trolling Speed
One of the most common mistakes anglers make while trolling for walleye is failing to adjust their trolling speed. Walleye are slow feeders and tend to prefer a more deliberate and moderate presentation of bait. If you’re trolling too fast, you may pass over fish without giving them a chance to react to your lure. Conversely, trolling too slowly can cause your bait to sink too much or not appear enticing enough. A reliable trolling motor can help maintain the proper trolling speed, ensuring your lure stays in the optimal fishing zone.
Always experiment with different speeds, keeping in mind that walleye can be picky. If you aren’t getting bites, try adjusting your speed by a small amount to see if that makes a difference.
Ignoring Water Temperature While Trolling
Water temperature plays a significant role in walleye feeding behavior. If the water is too warm or too cold, walleye may not be feeding actively, and your trolling efforts may not be as successful. Keeping track of the water temperature and adjusting your trolling depth accordingly is crucial. Varying rod tip locations can affect the effectiveness of trolling, as different rod tip positions help maintain consistent lure depth, especially in varying water temperatures. Walleye are more likely to be found in the 40 to 60-degree range, so adjusting your techniques based on water temperature is important for success.
Not Varying Your Lure Selection
Another common mistake is sticking to one type of lure, even when it’s not yielding results. Walleye can be picky, and if one lure isn’t working, it’s essential to try different types to find what they are responding to. Using different types of trolling crankbaits can be particularly effective, as it allows you to cover a broader range of conditions and increase your chances of enticing walleye to strike. Switching between crankbaits, jigs, spoons, and soft plastics will help you cover a broader range of conditions and increase your chances of enticing walleye to strike.
Conclusion
Trolling for walleye is an exciting and productive method that allows anglers to target these fish effectively in both large lakes and rivers. By understanding walleye behavior, selecting the right trolling speed, depth, and lures, and targeting key areas, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Using rod holders to manage multiple lines and increase efficiency while trolling is crucial for maintaining rod tip control and keeping your hands free for other tasks. Whether you’re trolling for walleye in the early morning or late evening, adjusting your approach based on water conditions and seasonal patterns will help you consistently land these prized fish. With these tips and strategies, your trolling efforts will lead to more productive trips and successful catches. Emphasizing the importance of walleye trolling, these techniques and best practices can greatly enhance your fishing experience and success rate.
FAQs
What is the best trolling speed for walleye?
The best trolling speed for walleye generally falls between 1.5 and 2.5 miles per hour. However, it is important to adjust this based on water conditions, the walleye’s feeding activity, and the specific lures being used.
What lures work best for trolling for walleye?
Crankbaits, spoons, spinners, and jigs are all effective for trolling walleye. The best choice depends on the water clarity, the depth of the water, and the walleye's feeding behavior at the time.
How deep should I troll for walleye?
Walleye are typically found at depths between 10 to 30 feet, but the depth can vary depending on the season and water temperature. Using a fish finder or adjusting your trolling gear can help you target walleye at the optimal depth.
Can I troll for walleye at night?
Yes, trolling for walleye at night can be productive, especially during low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. Walleye are nocturnal feeders and are more likely to strike at bait during these times.
What are the best times of year to troll for walleye?
The best times of year to troll for walleye are typically spring and fall when walleye are most active and feeding aggressively before and after spawning. In summer, walleye tend to move to deeper waters, requiring adjusted trolling techniques.
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