Tap the Night Bite for Early 'Eyes
Early season walleye fishing can be a time of plenty, but on many lakes—especially clear waters—the action is fastest at night. The reason is simple: it’s when walleyes are most active.
Nighttime’s the right time for several reasons. Most spawning occurs under the cover of darkness, so postspawn walleyes are already in tune with nocturnal behavior. Plus, their remarkable night vision gives them a decided advantage over baitfish. And finally, intense daytime fishing pressure only reinforces the walleye’s tendency to prowl at night.
Still, success on the night shift isn’t a slam dunk. It hinges on your ability to offer hungry ‘eyes the right presentation in the right location. With that in mind, we offer the following perspectives to help you make the most of the night scene on your favorite lakes.
Forage-rich areas near walleye spawning grounds are key nightfishing locations. Typically, walleyes spawn on shallow, windswept rock-rubble areas where hard bottom and wave action boost the odds their eggs will survive to drive the next year-class. Depending on the conditions, some fish also ascend tributaries to spawn. After the spawn, walleyes follow their stomachs into nearby areas where baitfish are abundant.
On many lakes, yellow perch are prime forage. Spawn-run perch move into shallow weedbeds and marshy backwaters shortly after the walleye spawn. Even though large adult perch are too big for most walleyes to eat, juvenile perch follow their parents shallow, providing ample feeding opportunities. Pure sand and both sandy and rocky areas with patches of emerging weedgrowth are also worth checking. Inside turns on large main lake points and bars are among my favorite nightspots. The bottom line to it all is finding areas near the spawning grounds—usually six to nine feet deep—where hungry walleyes can find something to eat.
Night Moves
Although some anglers are intimidated by the prospect of nightfishing, it’s a relatively simple affair. Tactics are determined by the fishing area. “Longline trolling is a great choice for covering sand flats, large weedbeds and other sizeable structure,” says veteran walleye guide Jon Thelen, who pulls tight-wobbling, size 5 Lindy Shadlings at speeds of 1.5 to 1.8 mph. “The Shadling’s reflective finish is perfect because it draws in and reflects all available light, including moonlight. Plus, the bait’s intense rattles help walleyes home in for the kill.” Most nights, Thelen favors natural colors that mimic the predominant baitfish. “But on extremely dark, moonless nights I opt for brighter patterns,” he notes.
When walleyes gather on a specific spot to feed, or the area is too snaggy to troll, he drops anchor and reaches for rods rigged with lighted slip floats. Such tactics are also perfect for fishing from shore or a dock. Thelen prefers Thill’s new Splash Brite, which automatically lights up when it hits the water. “Splash Brite solves the problems you have with so many other floats,” he says. “Built-in batteries power bright-red LED lights that are easy to see, even at the end of a long cast in heavy seas. Plus, a brass grommet at the top helps avoid cutting grooves in the stem or catching your line and suspending your bait too high above the fish.”
“As a bonus,” he adds, ”Splash Brite makes it easy to tell when a fish pulls it under because the lighted section of the body totally disappears under the surface, taking all the guesswork out of nighttime bite detection.”
Small minnows and leeches get the nod in the early season, impaled on a size 2 Lindy X-Change jig or plain hook. “Jigs are my favorite,” he says, “Because whenever waves move them up and down, they rock the bait, producing an extra, subtle action that triggers walleyes to bite.”
Thelen cautions against running your boat over areas you plan to fish. “You can get away with it longline trolling, but not with slip floats,” he says. “Instead, anchor a long cast-length away.” Hotspots are best scouted during the day using electronics to probe and mark their location for later return.
One final word of advice. Always wear a life jacket and tell someone where you’re headed and when you plan to return. With the right approach, nightfishing can be a safe and productive way to enjoy fine walleye action. Use these tips to put more fish in your boat this season.