How To Catch Walleye In Rivers Expert Tips

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Catching Walleye in rivers requires strategic planning and understanding of their behavior. Walleye move upstream during the fall, positioning themselves in deep holes, along gravel bars, and at the bases of dams. Scout the river for deep, slow sections, especially around gravel or sand bars and back eddies. Baitfish like gold shiners, fatheads, or small suckers work well, as do leeches or nightcrawlers.

If you’re fishing from a boat, jigging with the current is effective. Walleye are sensitive to light, so they tend to head into deeper areas during bright and hot conditions. They are also active night feeders, so consider fishing at night.

Walleye is a prized fish species that can be found in rivers across North America. Known for their elusive nature and delicious taste, catching walleye in rivers can be a thrilling and rewarding experience for any angler. In this guide, we will some basic aspects of How to Catch Walleye in Rivers.

Essential Fishing Equipment

To catch walleye successfully, you’ll need the right fishing equipment. Here are some essentials to consider:

Rod and Reel: Opt for a medium to medium-heavy spinning rod around six to seven feet long. This length provides a good balance between casting distance and sensitivity. Pair it with a high-quality spinning reel that offers smooth drag and good line capacity. The rod should have enough backbone to handle the fight from a walleye, while still being sensitive enough to detect subtle bites.
Fishing Line: Choose a monofilament or fluorocarbon line with a test strength of 6 to 10 pounds. Heavier lines may be necessary in rivers with strong currents. Monofilament lines are more forgiving and have better knot strength, while fluorocarbon lines are virtually invisible underwater and have a higher abrasion resistance. Consider the water clarity and current strength when selecting the appropriate line.
Lures and Baits: Walleye have a diverse palate, so having a variety of lures and baits is crucial. Effective options include jigs, crankbaits, soft plastic worms, live minnows, and leeches. Jigs are versatile and can be used in various depths and water conditions. Crankbaits imitate injured fish and are great for covering larger areas. Soft plastic worms can be rigged weedless and bounced along the river bottom to entice walleye. Live minnows and leeches are natural baits that can be used with a slip bobber rig or jig.

Check : How To Catch Walleye From Shore

How to Catch Walleye in Rivers Techniques

Now that you have the necessary equipment, let’s explore some proven techniques for catching walleye in rivers.

Drift Fishing

Drift fishing is a popular technique for targeting walleye in rivers. Here’s how to do it:

Begin by positioning your boat or kayak upstream from your desired fishing spot. This allows you to naturally drift downstream and cover a larger area.
Cast your bait or lure downstream, allowing it to drift naturally with the current. Walleye are often positioned facing upstream, so presenting your bait in this manner increases your chances of attracting their attention.
Maintain a slow retrieve speed, making occasional twitches to imitate injured prey. This erratic movement can trigger a walleye’s predatory instinct.
Pay attention to any changes in the current, as walleye often hide behind structures or in eddies. These areas provide shelter from the main current and serve as ambush points for walleye.

Trolling

Trolling is an effective method for covering a large area of the river and enticing walleye to strike. Follow these steps:

Attach a crankbait or spinner to your line and let out enough line to reach the desired depth. The depth at which you should troll depends on the water conditions and the location of walleye.
Slowly drive your boat or kayak upstream, allowing the lure to move through the water. Vary your trolling speed and change lure colors or sizes until you find what works best. Walleye can be finicky, so experimenting with different presentations can increase your chances of success.
Keep an eye on your rod tip for any signs of a strike, such as a sudden dip or twitch. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to immediately set the hook. Instead, maintain a steady retrieve for a few seconds to allow the walleye to fully engulf the lure before setting the hook.

Vertical Jigging

Vertical jigging is a versatile technique that allows you to present your lure precisely where walleye are hiding. Here’s how to do it:

Position your boat or kayak directly above the target area. Use a fish finder to locate underwater structures or drop-offs where walleye may be holding.
Lower your jig to the desired depth, allowing it to touch the river bottom. Walleye often feed near the bottom, so this presentation can be highly effective.
Use a combination of short, sharp upward jerks and pauses to mimic the movement of prey. This action can trigger a walleye’s predatory instincts and entice a strike.
Pay close attention to any subtle taps or changes in resistance, as walleye often strike on the descent. Be ready to set the hook when you feel a bite.

Night Fishing

As mentioned earlier, walleye are most active during low-light conditions. Night fishing can yield excellent results if you follow these tips:

Utilize lights to attract prey and walleye to your fishing spot. Submerged lights or floating lighted buoys can create an enticing environment for walleye.
Opt for larger, noisier lures that produce vibrations and rattle to help walleye locate your bait in the darkness. Lures with built-in rattles or blade baits can be particularly effective in low-light conditions.
Slowly retrieve your lure or bait, allowing walleye ample time to strike in the darkness. Walleye rely on their excellent low-light vision and vibration detection to locate prey, so a slow and steady presentation can be enticing.
Exercise caution and ensure you have appropriate lighting and safety equipment while night fishing. It’s important to be able to see and navigate your surroundings to ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing experience.

Best River Locations for Walleye

Finding the right river locations greatly increases your chances of catching walleye. Consider the following areas:

Eddies and Current Breaks: Walleye often seek refuge behind structures, such as fallen trees or boulders, where the current is weaker. These areas provide a calmer environment for walleye to conserve energy and wait for passing prey.
Deep Pools: Look for deep pools in the river, especially those with gravel or rocky bottoms. These areas provide ideal habitat for walleye to hide and ambush prey. Walleye often position themselves near the edge of the pool or along drop-offs, waiting for prey to swim by.
Rocky Shorelines: Walleye are known to traverse along rocky shorelines, feeding on baitfish that seek shelter in crevices and gaps. Casting parallel to the shoreline and working your bait or lure along the rocky structure can be effective in enticing walleye to strike.
River Mouths: When walleye migrate downstream during fall, they tend to congregate near river mouths, taking advantage of the increased food supply. River mouths often have a mix of deeper water and shallower areas, providing a variety of habitats for walleye to feed and rest.

Catch and Release Tips

Practicing catch and release is essential for the conservation of walleye populations. Follow these tips to ensure the fish’s survival:

Use barbless hooks or pinch down the barbs to minimize injury to the fish. Barbless hooks make it easier to release the fish without causing excessive damage.
Handle the fish gently and avoid touching their sensitive gills. Wet your hands before handling the fish to minimize the removal of their protective slime layer, which can help prevent infections.
Keep the fish in the water as much as possible while removing the hook. If you need to take a quick photo, support the fish horizontally and minimize air exposure.
Minimize air exposure and release the fish quickly, allowing it to swim away on its own. Avoid forcibly releasing the fish or throwing it back into the water, as this can cause additional stress and injury.

By following these guidelines and respecting catch limits and regulations, you can contribute to the sustainability of walleye populations for future generations of anglers.

FAQ

What are the preferred habitats for walleye in rivers?

Walleye prefer rivers with moderate currents and deep pools. Look for areas with rocky or gravel bottoms, submerged structures like fallen trees or boulders, and areas with ample vegetation.

When are walleye most active and what do they feed on?

Walleye are most active during low-light conditions, such as dawn, dusk, and overcast days. They prey on smaller fish, insects, and crayfish.

How can I increase my chances of catching walleye in rivers?

To increase your chances of catching walleye in rivers, you should follow their seasonal movements, use the right fishing equipment, and employ techniques such as drift fishing, trolling, vertical jigging, and night fishing.

What are the best river locations to find walleye?

Some of the best river locations to find walleye include eddies and current breaks, deep pools with gravel or rocky bottoms, rocky shorelines, and river mouths where walleye congregate during fall migration.

conclusion

In conclusion, catching walleye in rivers can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Understanding their behavior, using the right equipment, and employing proven techniques will greatly increase your chances of success. Remember to always practice catch and release to preserve this remarkable fish species. So grab your fishing gear, head to the nearest river, and embark on your walleye fishing adventure!

Best Fishing Reels

Best Fishing Rods

Best Fishing Combos

How to Catch Walleye in Rivers

Essential Fishing Equipment