Walleye: Where and How to Catch Them by Season

After ice-out, walleye gather near tributaries and rock and gravel shorelines at 40-50F in 3-12 ft. They feed best at dusk and into the night. Jig-and-minnow, stick baits and slow crankbaits work well.

Fish settle on points, humps and weed edges at 15-30 ft, with some drifting just above the thermocline in large reservoirs. Bottom bouncers with nightcrawler harnesses, jigs and crawlers, and deep cranks run at a slow walking pace produce. Low light and nights are prime.

Falling water in the 50s and 60s brings them toward shallower rock, bait-rich flats and creek mouths at 8-25 ft. Jig and minnow, swimbaits and crankbaits do the job. Evening is best.

In cold water they hold deep near structure and baitfish, often 20-40 ft in reservoirs. Vertical jigging spoons, jigging raps and minnows or small jigs on a light line are standard. Dusk and dawn are best.

Spawning occurs in 38-50F water on rocky shoals, gravel and riprap, usually at night right after ice-out. Be careful: many places close seasons or have special limits during this time.