Walleye Fishing Tips in Early Spring

First, Find Them

The saying that the three most important things in real estate are "location, location, and location" also applies to walleye fishing in the early spring. While the fish can be active and willing to bite, you will not catch any unless you locate them first. Shallow, rocky areas--especially those that have water moving through them or nearby--attract walleyes in the early spring as they prepare to spawn. Other likely locations are shallow rock piles, sunken islands and points that have rocks on them.

Choose the Right Tackle

The early spring is a good time to catch a trophy walleye, but that does not mean you necessarily should use heavy equipment. In most instances, the water is at its clearest during the early spring. Walleyes are finicky as it is, so do not add to their natural wariness by using equipment that is easy for them to see. Instead, use light line--6-pound test is a good option--and light jigs or sinkers--from about 1/16-oz. to 1/4-oz. Use the lightest jig you can, but make sure it is heavy enough so you can maintain contact with the bottom.

Minnows are King

Walleyes focus on minnows during the early spring period, so it is a good idea to use a minnow for bait, or a lure, like a crankbait, that resembles a minnow. If you choose a live minnow, hook it on a jig or on a Lindy rig, which consists, in order, of a sliding sinker, swivel, 36-inch leader, and hook. Minnows also can be fished below a bobber, which is especially productive once you have located an early that walleyes are using.

Ditch the Boat

Many anglers opt to fish for walleyes from the shore during the early spring. Since the fish are in shallow water during this part of the year, it gives anglers the opportunity to take a relatively low-tech approach to catching them.

Fish at Night

Since the walleyes are in such shallow water, they can receive a lot of pressure from anglers. But since most fishermen fish during the day, some anglers choose to head out at night. The fish are often less pressured after dark and may be more willing to bite. If you have located the walleyes in a specific area, use a bobber and a minnow to target them. If you have not located them, tie on a floating, cigar-shaped crankbait. Troll this lure slowly along rocky shorelines or shoals. Avoid making any unnecessary noises.