Late June walleye fishing tips are essential for fishermen who want to make the most of their fishing experience. This time of year can be challenging, even for the most experienced anglers. However, with the right techniques and tools, you can turn this task into a rewarding adventure. Minnesota is known for being the prime location for walleye fishing in June, and it’s important to have the right knowledge to catch these elusive fish.
In this article, we will provide you with beneficial tips on effective baits, optimal fishing locations, recommended gear, and how to preserve our beloved walleye population. So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, stay tuned for exciting information that will help you catch more walleye and make the most of your fishing trip.
Key Takeaways
- Focus on deeper waters where walleyes prefer to stay in late June.
- Use slow trolling techniques with lead-core line, bottom bouncers, and bait to catch more walleye.
- Try using live bait or artificial lures that mimic walleye food for better results.
- Fish during low light conditions like early morning or late evening when walleye are most active.
- Pay attention to wind and weather patterns as they can affect the location of walleye.
- Look for underwater structures like drop-offs, points, and weed lines as potential hotspots for fishing.
- Target areas with cooler water temperatures, as walleye prefer temperatures between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use fish finders or sonar technology to locate schools of walleye in the water.
- Recommended gear includes medium to heavy fishing rods and reels, a fluorocarbon fishing line, a variety of jigs/crankbaits/soft plastics, and a landing net for safely handling fish.
- Safety tips include following fishing regulations and catch limits, handling walleye with care, practicing catch and release to preserve the population, and staying aware of weather conditions/safety gear on board.
Late June Walleye Fishing Tips
Focus on deeper waters.
Focus on deeper waters
Set your goal on spots that are far under the surface. This is where you will find many walleyes waiting to bite your bait!
Use slow trolling techniques
Walleye fishing in late June needs the right skill. You need to know how to use slow trolling techniques. These methods help you catch more walleyes.
- Start by setting the speed of your boat. It should be between 1.5 and 2.5 miles per hour.
- Use leadcore line for this technique. Have about 60 – 70 yards of it out when you troll.
- Try using a bottom bouncer with a spinner and bait for better results. A nightcrawler, leech, or minnow is perfect bait.
- Don’t hold your fishing pole while trolling. Put it in the rod holder instead to have more chance of catching fish.
- Have patience when you use this method of fishing for walleyes.
- Remember not to rush with pulling baits or lures behind the boat as it helps find fish.
Use live bait or artificial lures that mimic their prey
Try live bait or fake lures that look like walleye food. Scented plastics give a good show, fooling the fish. The top live baits for walleye are minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches.
These can get you bites! If you’re new to catching walleye, start with real bait. It’s an easy way to learn.
Fish during low light conditions
To increase your chances of catching walleye, try fishing during low light conditions. These are the times when walleye are most active and feeding. Early morning or late evening can be especially productive, as walleye use their superior night vision to find their prey.
Don’t limit yourself to just these times though; walleye can be caught throughout the day as well. So, if you want to increase your catch rates, head out onto the water when there is less light and take advantage of the feeding behavior of these fish.
Pay attention to wind and weather patterns
In late June, when you’re out walleye fishing, it’s important to pay attention to the wind and weather patterns. Wind can play a big role in where the walleyes are located. A windy shoreline can push them closer to shore, making them easier to catch.
On clear water lakes, overcast skies and warm, stable air masses are ideal conditions for successful fishing. So keep an eye on the wind direction and look for those favorable weather conditions to increase your chances of catching walleye.
Locating Walleye Hotspots in Late June
To locate walleye hotspots in late June, focus on underwater structures like drop-offs, points, and weed lines. Also, target areas with cooler water temperatures and use fish finders or sonar technology to locate schools of walleye.
Look for underwater structures like drop-offs, points, and weed lines
In late June, when you’re out walleye fishing, it’s important to look for underwater structures. These structures, like drop-offs, points, and weed lines, are great indicators of where walleye might be hiding. They provide cover and ambush points for the fish, making them ideal spots to target. So when you’re on the water, keep an eye out for these underwater structures and focus your fishing efforts there.
Target areas with cooler water temperatures
In late June, targeting areas with cooler water temperatures can be a key strategy for locating walleye hotspots. Walleye tend to prefer water temperatures between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, so finding these cooler spots can increase your chances of success.
Look for areas near rivers or creeks that provide cooler water, as walleye are often found there. Understanding the impact of water temperature on walleye behavior and knowing their migration patterns can help you find the best fishing spots.
Use fish finders or sonar technology to locate schools of walleye
To locate schools of walleye, you can use fish finders or sonar technology. These devices use sonar to detect fish underwater. By using the right features on a fish finder, you can choose the best device for locating walleye. Fish finders and sonar technology are helpful tools that can greatly increase your chances of catching walleye in late June.
Recommended Gear and Equipment
For late June walleye fishing, it is recommended to use medium to heavy fishing rods and reels for better control and handling of the fish. Fluorocarbon fishing line is also suggested for its stealthy nature in the water.
Make sure to have a variety of jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics in your tackle box to match the preferences of walleye on any given day. Additionally, bring a landing net to safely land and release walleye without causing harm or injury.
Use medium to heavy fishing rods and reels
For late June walleye fishing, it’s important to use medium to heavy fishing rods and reels. These types of gear are recommended because they provide the strength and control needed to handle large walleye.
Medium to heavy rods are especially advantageous for jigging, which is a common technique used in walleye fishing. With this equipment, you’ll be able to effectively handle the weight, strength, and fighting instinct of these fish.
So make sure you have the right gear when heading out for your next walleye fishing trip!
Use fluorocarbon fishing line for better stealth
To improve your chances of catching walleye in late June, it’s recommended to use a fluorocarbon fishing line for better stealth. The Fluorocarbon line is almost invisible underwater, making it harder for the fish to detect.
It also has a thinner diameter compared to the monofilament line, which makes it perfect for slip-bobber fishing with live bait. By using a fluorocarbon line, you can approach walleye without spooking them and increase your chances of success.
Have a variety of jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics in your tackle box
To catch more walleye in late June, make sure you have a variety of jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics in your tackle box. These different types of lures will give you options to experiment with and find what works best for the walleye on any given day. Jigs can be effective for fishing deeper waters, while crankbaits are great for covering water and trolling. Soft plastics, such as plastic worms or minnow imitations, can also entice walleye to bite. Having a mix of these lures will increase your chances of success on the water.
Bring a landing net to safely land and release walleye
When you’re out late June walleye fishing, it’s important to bring a landing net with you. This will help you safely land and release the walleye without causing harm to the fish. A good option is the Conservation Series Landing Net, which works well for walleye of all sizes.
If you only have a landing net available, make sure to keep it in the water until the walleye stops flopping around to prevent it from rolling in the netting. Another recommended choice is the SF Fly Fishing Landing Net, which also has the added benefit of floating.
Handle walleye with care to minimize stress and injury, follow fishing regulations and catch limits, practice catch and release to preserve the walleye population, stay aware of weather conditions have proper safety gear on board, and clean up and properly dispose of any trash or fishing debris.
Follow fishing regulations and catch limits
It’s important to follow fishing regulations and catch limits when walleye fishing. These rules are in place to protect the fish population and ensure sustainable fishing opportunities for future generations.
Make sure you know the specific regulations for the water body you’re fishing in, including any size restrictions or daily bag limits. By adhering to these guidelines, you can help maintain a healthy walleye population and continue enjoying this great sport.
Handle walleye with care to minimize stress and injury
When handling walleye, it’s important to be gentle and careful. These fish have sharp teeth, so bring pliers or other tools for removing hooks safely. When you catch a walleye, wet your hands before touching them to prevent damaging their protective slime coating.
Avoid squeezing the fish tightly and support its body when handling it. By taking these precautions, you can minimize stress and injury to the walleye, ensuring their well-being after catch and release.
Practice catch and release to preserve the walleye population
Preserving the walleye population is crucial for their long-term survival. One important practice is to practice catch and release when you go fishing. This means that if you catch a walleye, instead of keeping it, you carefully release it back into the water.
By doing this, you help ensure that there are enough walleye in the future for everyone to enjoy. It also helps maintain a healthy balance in their ecosystem. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has implemented regulations and special regulations to protect walleye populations from overharvesting, so by following these rules and practicing catch and release, you can do your part in conserving these amazing fish.
Stay aware of weather conditions and have proper safety gear on board
- Always check the weather forecast before heading out on your walleye fishing trip.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions, such as sudden storms or strong winds.
- Dress appropriately for the day’s weather and bring extra layers in case it gets colder.
- Wear a life jacket at all times while on the water, regardless of your swimming abilities.
- Keep an eye on the sky and be aware of any changes in cloud formations or darkening skies.
- If thunder is heard or lightning is seen, seek shelter immediately and wait until it passes before continuing fishing.
- Have a first aid kit on board in case of any accidents or injuries during your fishing trip.
- Carry a fully charged cell phone and emergency communication devices in case you need to call for help.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return, so they can alert authorities if necessary.
- Have a fire extinguisher on board to prevent fires from spreading quickly on the boat.
- Avoid alcohol consumption while operating your boat or fishing, as it impairs judgment and reaction time.
Clean up and properly dispose of any trash or fishing debris
Properly disposing of trash and fishing debris is important for keeping our waters clean and protecting the environment. When you’re out walleye fishing in late June, make sure to clean up any trash, such as food wrappers or plastic bags, that you bring with you.
Additionally, if you come across any fishing debris like tangled lines or broken lures, take the time to pick it up and dispose of it properly. Remember, dumping live fish or other organisms from one water body into another is not recommended.
By cleaning up after ourselves and properly disposing of trash and fishing debris, we can help preserve the beauty of our lakes and rivers for future generations to enjoy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, late June is a great time for walleye fishing. Remember to focus on deeper waters and use slow trolling techniques with live bait or artificial lures that mimic their prey.
Fishing during low light conditions and paying attention to wind and weather patterns can also improve your chances of success. Don’t forget to locate walleye hotspots by looking for underwater structures and targeting areas with cooler water temperatures.
Make sure you have the right gear and follow safety tips and conservation practices to protect the walleye population. Enjoy your fishing adventure!
FAQ
1. What are some late June walleye fishing tips?
Late June is a great time to catch walleyes. They are usually in their summer patterns, and there are several effective techniques you can use to increase your chances of success. One tip is to target shallower waters, as walleyes tend to move closer to the shores during this time. Another tip is to use jigs with live bait, such as minnows or leeches, as they are irresistible to walleyes.
Additionally, trolling with crankbaits and spinner rigs can also be productive. Overall, the key is to experiment with different techniques and adjust your approach based on the conditions and the behavior of the fish.
2. How can I catch more walleyes in late June?
To catch more walleyes in late June, it is essential to understand their behavior and adjust your fishing techniques accordingly. One effective approach is to target areas with structure, such as weed beds, humps, and drop-offs. Walleyes are known to seek cover and forage around these structures.
Using lures that imitate the natural forage, such as shad or perch, can increase your chances of getting a bite. It is also crucial to pay attention to the water temperature, as walleyes often prefer slightly cooler water during the summer months. By considering these factors and adapting your fishing tactics, you can increase your chances of catching more walleyes in late June.
3. What are some recommended baits for late June walleye fishing?
When it comes to bait selection for late June walleye fishing, using a variety of options can be beneficial. Jigs are a popular choice among anglers, especially when paired with live bait such as minnows or nightcrawlers. The scent and movement of live bait can attract walleyes and entice them to bite.
Another effective bait option is using crankbaits, which can mimic the movements of injured baitfish and trigger a strike from walleyes. Additionally, using plastic swimbaits or soft plastics can also be effective, especially when combined with a slow and steady retrieve. Ultimately, experimenting with different bait options and observing the fish’s response can help determine what works best in your specific fishing location.
4. Is there a specific technique I should use for late June walleye fishing?
There is no one-size-fits-all technique for late June walleye fishing, as different techniques can yield success depending on the specific conditions and the behavior of the fish. However, a popular technique during this time is trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs. Trolling allows you to cover larger areas of water and locate active walleyes. Another effective technique