Is Nighttime Walleye Fishing More Productive? Walleye fishing is a popular pastime for many anglers, and it’s not hard to see why. These fish are known for their tasty flesh, and they can also put up a good fight when hooked. However, one question that many anglers ask is whether walleye fishing is better at night.
There are several advantages to fishing for walleye at night. For one, walleye are nocturnal feeders, which means they are more active and aggressive during the night. Additionally, the darkness provides cover for the angler, making it easier to approach the fish without spooking them. However, there are also some disadvantages to night fishing, such as the increased difficulty in seeing and navigating the water.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of night fishing for walleye, as well as provide some tips and techniques for those who want to give it a try. We will also take a look at some of the best baits and lures for catching walleye at night, and answer some frequently asked questions about this popular fishing technique. So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, read on to learn more about nighttime walleye fishing and how to make the most of your next fishing trip.
Key Takeaways
- Night fishing for walleye can be more productive than fishing during the day, but it’s not a guarantee.
- Anglers should consider the time of year, location, and their own preferences before deciding whether to fish for walleye at night.
- Using the right baits and lures, and employing the right techniques, can increase the chances of success when night fishing for walleye.
Benefits of Night Fishing for Walleye
Explanation of Why Night Fishing is Better for Walleye
Walleye are known to be more active at night and have evolved to feed in the dark with their special eyes. During the day, walleye tend to stay in deeper water and are less active, making them harder to catch. At night, they move to shallower water to ambush their prey, making them easier to catch. Additionally, walleye tend to be less wary at night, making them more likely to take bait.
Advantages of Fishing for Walleye at Night
As per sources from Take Me Fishing and Game & Fish, fishing for walleye at night can be more successful as walleye tend to move into shallower water and feed actively during the night, making them easier to catch. The competition for food is also lower at night, which can increase the chances of catching walleye. Moreover, fishing for walleye at night can be a more relaxing and enjoyable experience as there are fewer people on the water.
Comparison of Day and Night Fishing for Walleye
There are some advantages to fishing for walleye during the day as well. For example, it is easier to see and navigate during the day, which can make fishing safer. Additionally, some anglers prefer to fish during the day because they find it easier to locate walleye. However, fishing for walleye during the day can be more challenging because walleye tend to be less active and harder to catch.
Overall, while there are advantages to both day and night fishing for walleye, fishing for walleye at night can be more productive and enjoyable. Anglers should consider their personal preferences and fishing goals when deciding whether to fish for walleye during the day or at night.
Night Fishing Tips for Walleye
When it comes to fishing for walleye, night fishing can be more productive than during daylight hours. Walleye will feed throughout the day, but they tend to feed more on certain bodies of water after dark. Here are some night fishing tips for walleye that can help anglers increase their chances of catching these elusive fish.
Use of Live Bait
Using live bait is a popular and effective way to catch walleye at night. Nightcrawlers, minnows, and leeches are all great options. Anglers should use a slip bobber rig to keep the bait at the right depth and avoid spooking the fish. A slow retrieve is also recommended to entice the walleye to strike.
Use of Lures and Jigs
Lures and jigs are another effective way to catch walleye at night. Anglers should use lures that mimic the natural prey of walleye, such as small panfish or minnows. A slow retrieve is also recommended, and anglers should pay close attention to the movement of the lure to detect any strikes.
Use of Crankbaits
Crankbaits are one of the best bait choices when night fishing for walleye, because the fish are on the move and actively chasing prey. Crankbaits allow anglers to cover a significant amount of water in a short period of time, which helps them locate the fish more quickly. Anglers can present their crankbaits by casting or trolling.
Importance of Side Imaging
Side imaging is a valuable tool for night fishing for walleye. It allows anglers to see the structure of the lake or river bottom and locate areas where walleye are likely to be feeding. Anglers can use a side imaging fish finder to locate weed beds, drop-offs, and other structures that walleye are known to frequent.
Other Night Fishing Tips for Walleye
In addition to using live bait, lures, jigs, crankbaits, and side imaging, there are other night fishing tips that can help anglers catch more walleye. These include:
- Remaining stealthy: Walleye will be moving from deeper water and gathering in shallow water at night to ambush their prey, so anglers should remain as quiet as possible when fishing for them. Sounds are amplified through the boat and into the shallow water, so thumping around on deck won’t do anything but scare away more fish.
- Fishing during early summer: Early summer is a great time to fish for walleye at night, as the water is warm and the fish are more active. Anglers should target areas with shallow water and structure, such as weed beds and drop-offs.
- Using a red light: Anglers should use a red light to illuminate their boat and fishing area, as walleye are less sensitive to red light and are less likely to be spooked.
- Varying the retrieve: Anglers should vary the retrieve when using lures and jigs to keep the walleye interested. A slow and steady retrieve can be effective, but anglers should also try a stop-and-go retrieve or a jigging motion to entice strikes.
By following these night fishing tips for walleye, anglers can increase their chances of catching these elusive fish. Whether using live bait, lures, jigs, or crankbaits, anglers should remain patient and persistent, as walleye can be difficult to catch but are well worth the effort.
Techniques for Fishing Walleye at Night
Fishing for walleye at night can be a thrilling and rewarding experience for any angler. Here are some techniques that can help you catch more walleye during your next night fishing trip.
Trolling for Walleye at Night
Trolling is a great technique for targeting walleye at night. Using side imaging technology can help you locate schools of fish and structure to troll around. Anglers can use a variety of lures such as crankbaits, stickbaits, and spinnerbaits to attract walleye. It’s important to use lures that mimic the baitfish in the area. Additionally, anglers can use live bait such as minnows or leeches to increase their chances of catching walleye.
Fishing for Walleye at Night in Shallow Water
Walleye will often move into shallower water at night to feed. Anglers can target these fish by fishing around structure such as sandbars, rock bars, and rip-rap. Jigging with a jig and minnow combination can be a highly effective technique for catching walleye in shallow water. Anglers can also use a slip bobber rig with live bait to target walleye in these areas.
Ice Fishing for Walleye at Night
Ice fishing for walleye at night can be a productive way to catch fish during the winter months. Anglers can use a variety of techniques such as jigging with a spoon or jig and minnow combination. It’s important to use electronics such as a flasher or fish finder to locate schools of fish and structure. Additionally, anglers can use a tip-up rig with live bait to target walleye at night.
Other Techniques for Fishing Walleye at Night
There are a variety of other techniques that anglers can use to catch walleye at night. One effective technique is to use a black light to attract baitfish and subsequently attract walleye. Anglers can also use glow-in-the-dark lures to attract walleye in low-light conditions. Additionally, using scent attractants can help increase the chances of catching walleye at night.
Overall, fishing for walleye at night can be a productive and exciting experience for any angler. Using the right techniques and equipment can help increase your chances of catching walleye. Remember to always follow local fishing regulations and practice catch-and-release to help preserve these valuable fish populations.
Best Baits for Walleye Fishing at Night
When it comes to walleye fishing at night, choosing the right bait can make all the difference. Here are some of the best baits to use when fishing for walleye at night.
Use of Live Bait for Walleye Fishing at Night
One of the most effective baits for walleye fishing at night is live bait. Nightcrawlers, leeches, and minnows are all great options. When using live bait, it’s important to keep it moving to attract the attention of the walleye. Slowly jigging the bait or using a slip bobber can be effective techniques.
Use of Panfish for Walleye Fishing at Night
Another great bait option for walleye fishing at night is panfish. Bluegills, perch, and crappies are all good choices. Using a side imaging fish finder can help locate schools of panfish, which can then be used as bait for walleye. When using panfish as bait, it’s important to hook them through the lips or back to keep them alive and active.
Other Baits for Walleye Fishing at Night
In addition to live bait and panfish, there are other baits that can be effective when fishing for walleye at night. Crankbaits are a popular choice, as they can cover a lot of water quickly and imitate the movements of minnows. Trolling with a spinner rig or using a jig with a soft plastic tail can also be effective.
When choosing a bait for walleye fishing at night, it’s important to consider the depth and location of the fish. In early summer, walleye are often found in shallow water near weed beds or rocky areas. As the summer progresses, they may move to deeper water. Experimenting with different baits and techniques can help determine what works best in different situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of night is best for walleye fishing?
The best time of night for walleye fishing is typically during the hours of darkness, especially around sunset and sunrise. However, it is important to note that walleye can be caught throughout the night, so it is worth experimenting with different times to see what works best for you.
Do walleye bite more at night?
Yes, walleye are known to be more active and feed more at night than during the day. This is because they have evolved to take advantage of low-light conditions when their prey is less able to see them.
Does light attract walleye at night?
Yes, light can attract walleye at night, especially if it is used to illuminate the water around your fishing spot. This can help to attract baitfish, which in turn can attract walleye. However, it is important to note that too much light can actually scare walleye away, so it is important to find the right balance.
What colors do walleye see best at night?
Walleye have excellent low-light vision, but they are most sensitive to green and yellow light. This means that lures and baits that are green or yellow in color can be more effective at night than other colors.
What is the best bait for catching walleye?
The best bait for catching walleye at night can vary depending on the specific conditions and location. However, some popular options include live bait such as minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers, as well as artificial lures such as jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.
What is the best technique for catching walleye at night?
The best technique for catching walleye at night can also vary depending on the specific conditions and location. However, some effective techniques include trolling with lures or live bait, casting and retrieving lures, and using a slip bobber rig with live bait. It is also important to pay attention to the water temperature and depth, as well as any structure or cover in the area.