How to Catch Walleye: Best Times, Spots, Rigs and Bait

How to catch walleye? Fish where and when they feed: shallow flats and shorelines in spring, deeper humps, points and reefs in summer, and back toward weedlines in fall, with dawn and dusk usually the best hours. Use a jig-and-minnow, a slip-sinker rig, a slip bobber or slow-trolled crankbaits, and set the hook on light bites.

This guide covers timing, location, the four core techniques, bait and basic gear. Heading out on the boat? Our walleye fishing shirts can carry your name or crew name.

What time of day do walleye bite best?

The Minnesota DNR, whose state fish is the walleye, puts it plainly: "Hours near dawn and dusk are often the best time to fish for walleye. These are traditional feeding times." At those hours, walleye "will often swim up from deep water onto shallow flats to feed on schools of minnow and small prey." (Minnesota DNR)

By season, the same source says "Fishing success tends to be highest in May and June", when walleye sit shallow near shore. As water warms through summer they move deeper. For a wider look at feeding windows, see our guide to the best time of day to go fishing.

Where to find walleye by season

• Spring: near-shore spots, especially big sand flats where schools of shiner minnows gather.
• Summer: deeper water and mid-lake structure such as humps, saddles and points that run out from shore.
• Late summer and fall: walleye gradually move back toward the shoreline; shallow weedlines, gravel bars and points are good targets.

Always check your state and local regulations first. Seasons, size limits and special rules differ by lake and river.

How to catch walleye: 4 proven techniques

The Minnesota DNR says "There is no one way to catch walleye" and lists four popular methods. Pick one, learn it well, then add another.

1. Jig and minnow

A favorite early in the season. Use a jig just heavy enough to feel the bottom, typically 1/8, 1/4 or 3/8 ounce, tipped with a shiner minnow or fathead. Try dark and bright colors; one will often outfish the rest. Ball-style jigs work best for vertical jigging.

2. Slip-sinker (Lindy) rig

A common mid-summer setup that keeps a minnow, nightcrawler or leech near the bottom. Walleye bites are often just a light "tap, tap, tap." Let line slip off the reel for several seconds, reel until you feel tension, then set the hook.

3. Trolling or casting crankbaits

Small hard baits that look like perch or other prey fish work well in fall, when walleye spread out in the shallows. Trolling covers a lot of water, but keep it slow, around one mile per hour, or just fast enough for the lure to work.

4. Slip bobber

Effective all year. Hang a leech, nightcrawler or minnow just above a rocky reef or hump. A slip bobber lets you cast easily even when the bait is set 20 feet deep or more.

What is the best bait for walleye?

Live bait covers most situations: minnows on jigs early in the year, and leeches or nightcrawlers on slip-sinker and slip-bobber rigs in summer. When fish are scattered in fall, perch-colored crankbaits let you cover water. Match what the walleye are eating and adjust color until one works.

Walleye fishing gear checklist

• Medium-action spinning rod and reel with 6 to 10 pound test line (mono, braid, or braid with a mono leader).
• Jigs in several weights and colors, slip sinkers, slip bobbers and a few small crankbaits.
• A landing net and pliers. The DNR notes that walleye have sharp teeth, so pack a few first aid items too.
• Sun and weather layers for long hours on the water. See what to wear fishing and our cold weather fishing tips.

New to casting? Start with how to cast a fishing rod.

Walleye shirts for your crew

Our walleye fishing shirts feature walleye artwork and can be personalized with a name. Styles and sizes vary by design (many include long sleeve, hooded and kids options), so check each product page before ordering for a group.

FAQ

Are walleyes hard to catch?

They can be finicky, with light bites and changing depths. Fishing dawn and dusk, following seasonal locations and setting the hook on subtle taps makes them much easier.

What time of day do walleye bite best?

Near dawn and dusk, when walleye move up from deep water onto shallow flats to feed.

What is the best technique for catching walleye?

There is no single best one. A jig and minnow is a great starting point in spring; slip-sinker rigs and slip bobbers shine in summer; slow trolling crankbaits works well in fall.

What line should I use for walleye?

Six to 10 pound test on a medium-action spinning setup is a solid all-around choice.