Catching a walleye is a dream for many anglers, both seasoned and those who are just starting. Many fishermen want to challenge themselves and catch this elusive fish. However, catching walleye is a hard task. They have unique characteristics that distinguish them from other fish and make them much harder to capture.
Nocturnal Nature
Walleyes are nocturnal species. They get most active when there is little or no light. This is why they hunt at dawn, dusk, and during the night. As they have tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer on their eyes, they have good vision in low-light environments. Because of that, they can easily stay in deeper waters, even when it’s dark. So even if you are ready to spend a night with your rod, you still need to work much more than while catching other species.
Structure-Oriented Habitat
Walleye love structure-oriented habitats. They like to hide in various structures, including rocks, weed beds, or submerged trees. While there, they are less visible and can ambush their prey. Because of that, anglers who want to catch walleye need to know where to search for them and use various techniques that lure them out of their shelters.
Because of the structure-oriented habitat and the fact that walleyes prefer to stay below at least 10 feet in the water, you need to pick the right rod. The best rods for walleye fishing are usually those with a medium or medium-light strength and a length of 6 to 7 feet, according to Findyourfish. This allows you to get a good balance between the casting distance and gives you good control when you fight the fish.
High Sensitivity to Environmental Changes
Walleyes are very sensitive fish that can quickly notice changes around them. They have an acute sense of smell and sight, so they can detect noise, changes in light intensity, and water temperature. Because of that, they can be easily scared.
Additionally, high sensitivity contributes to quick changes in feeding behavior. Walleye prefer to feed when the weather is stable. Even a small change in water temperature can make them resign from food and retreat to deeper waters. If you understand how deeply the environment influences walleye, you have a better chance of catching them.
Seasonal Migration
The location of walleye depends on the season. They change the depth they’re located in, and because of that, you may have a problem with finding the right spot to catch them. Typically, they stay below 10 feet underwater. In the summer, they might seek for a cooler environment and go down to depths between 15 and 30 feet. In late autumn and winter, they can go below 30 feet, as in deeper waters in winter, thermal conditions are more stable. Additionally, it protects walleye from extreme weather conditions, for example, freezing surfaces.
Summary
To catch walleye, you need to understand their seasonal movements and learn about their behaviors. That demands patience and adaptability from your side. You know where you can meet walleye and that the best time to fish for them is dusk and dawn. Be sure to adapt your fishing techniques to a particular season and be flexible when it comes to changing your own actions. This way, you will have a much higher chance of catching walleye.
Sources:
https://findyourfish.net/best-walleye-rod/
https://fisherguideservicevallecito.com/blog/how-to-fish-for-walleye
