Night Walleye Fishing Tips

Be Prepared

Anglers often do not realize how vital the light is until they try fishing after dark, especially when clouds block what little light there otherwise would be. As a result, anglers should keep their boat as free of clutter as possible and have a flashlight or head lamp handy. If extra fishing rods are lying around, it is likely they will get stepped on and broken. Unless the net is in an easy-to-reach location, a walleye could break the line or free itself from the hook before anglers can shuffle around to reach it. Keep a minimum of items on the boat deck after dark, and know where they are so you do not have to fumble for them.

Focus on Shallows First

Walleyes often move into shallow water to feed after dark, focusing their attention on the minnows and other small fish species that inhabit shallow flats. Search out shallow rock or weed flats adjacent to deep-water areas that walleyes inhabit during the day. If the walleyes are nowhere to be found in the shallows, go to the drop-offs, weed edges, or other areas where you catch them during the day. It could be they are actively feeding, but just did not move up to shallow water to do it.

Troll to Find 'Em

One of the best ways to locate and catch walleyes after dark is to troll crankbaits for them. Use crankbaits that swim in the top of the water column, since walleyes' attention will be focused upward and they likely will not be shy about blasting your bait. Some anglers use planer boards to spread their crankbaits out and get them as far from the noise of the boat as possible. Other anglers use their trolling motor and let out 50 feet or more of line. While the walleyes may be spooked when the boat initially goes over them, they likely will be ready to hit your bait when it swims by.

Live Bait can Produce

Anglers often choose to troll crankbaits after dark because doing so allows them to cover large expanses of water. But there are times that using live bait like a leech or minnows is a better option. That is especially true if the walleyes are in a confined area, like on top of a shallow rock pile or in a specific portion of a weed bed. In these cases, anglers should use a lighted slip bobber and cast to these precise areas. As with fishing for walleyes during the day, it is important to use lively bait.

Keep Safety in Mind

Even though night fishing for walleyes is often a shallow-water affair, anglers must keep safety in mind. If you are trolling, pay attention to the depth of the water and to anything in front of the boat. Many anglers have destroyed a boat prop by running into a rock they did not know was in their path. Your boat should have proper navigation lights (most states have requirements in that regard), and it is a good idea to carry navigational devices like compasses, which can point you in the right direction should you become disoriented after dark. It is a good idea to wear a life jacket anytime you are in a boat, but especially after dark.