Walleye & Sauger Fishing Tips

Spring

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says that during the spring walleye and sauger tend to be spread throughout the shallows, and trolling can be extremely effective in locating scattered fish in larger waters. Troll a minnow or lure at least 150 feet behind a boat. You may find casting into shallow areas to be very productive. When fishing large rivers drift with the current, allowing your bait to drift through holes naturally. In the spring walleye and sauger can be a little shy, and they will often strike short of the lure. To prevent this from happening, rig a secondary trailing using a 10 or 12 size hook about an inch behind the main hook. Use sensitive rods with lightweight monofilament line with a slow, up and down retrieve by allowing the bait or lure to sink, raising it up quickly and repeating.

Summer

Once summer hits and spawning is completed the fish begin to search aggressively for food. Aquatic vegetation produces excellent cover areas for walleye and sauger to lie in wait for smaller fish. The Iowa DNR suggests an excellent technique is to retrieve a live bait like a minnow through the heavy cover with a jerky retrieve to simulate an injured fish. In large rivers look for obvious structures such as rock ledges or dams and fish a live bait into the shallow areas.

Fall

In the fall walleye and sauger tend to gather in schools, which makes them harder to locate. On lakes look for inlets as the currents attract bait-fish. The Iowa DNR suggests you troll or cast a line with a slip-sinker baited with a live minnow or imitation minnow-type lure with a slow retrieve just off the bottom. For rivers drift through deep pools just off the banks as fish will gather in the holes as the water cools.

Winter

In the winter walleye and sauger become very lethargic as their metabolism slows and they do not need to feed as often. The fish will remain in deepest water, feeding primarily at dawn and dusk. For lakes cut through the ice and fish live bait or lures just off the bottom. The Iowa DNR says using a light line and small bobber will reduce the resistance the fish feels when taking the bait. The DNR also suggests that you avoid the temptation to set the hook too quickly, since during the winter the fish may start to carry the bait off before swallowing it. River fishing for walleye and sauger in winter is almost identical to fall, except you will need warmer clothing than in the fall.