Walleye fishing at night with lights can be a thrilling experience for fishing enthusiasts. However, it can also be a challenging task, even for seasoned anglers. Walleyes have excellent night vision, which makes them more active during the night and a prime target for fishing.
To help you make the most of your moonlit fishing trips, this guide will equip you with the best techniques, gear, and tactics for successful walleye fishing at night with lights. With the right equipment and knowledge, you can turn your night fishing adventures into a successful haul of big walleyes. So, gear up and get ready to dive in – who knows what you might reel in tonight!
Key Takeaways
- Summer months, especially around the full moon, are the best times for night walleye fishing.
- Shallow flats, weed edges, points, sloping structures, bridges, and docks are great locations to find walleyes at night.
- Using LED lights can attract baitfish and increase your chances of catching walleye at night.
- Dark – colored lures and fluorocarbon line are effective in low light conditions for attracting walleye.
Best Times and Locations for Night Walleye Fishing
Summer months and around the full moon are the best times for night walleye fishing. Shallow flats, weed edges, points, sloping structure, bridges, and docks are great locations to find walleyes at night.
Summer months and around the full moon
Summer is the best time to fish for walleye at night. The fish are more lively and move closer to the shore. This makes them easier to catch. Also, a full moon can help you see better when you are fishing at night.
It gives extra light so you can spot the walleyes in the water. In March, on a full moon night, Blue Ridge Lake in Georgia is a great place to find lots of big walleyes!
Shallow flats, weed edges, points, sloping structure, bridges, docks
Night walleye fishing is a fun task. It can take place in many spots. One of these spots is shallow flats. Shallow flats are great for catching walleyes at night. They offer a lot of space for fish to swim and feed.
Gear and Techniques for Night Walleye Fishing
To increase your chances of success, use LED lights to attract baitfish and opt for dark-colored lures and fluorocarbon line. Try slow trolling, casting crankbaits, jigging soft plastics, or using slip bobber rigs.
LED lights for attracting baitfish
LED lights are a big help for night walleye fishing. They pull in baitfish, like minnows and bugs. The green color is best as it attracts fewer mosquitoes and insects. Anglers use these lights under the water to get more fish to come near their bait.
You can use LED lights with other tools too. This will make your night fishing better and fun!
Dark-colored lures and fluorocarbon line
Using dark-colored lures, such as black, blue, and purple, can greatly increase your chances of catching walleye during night fishing. These colors stand out better in low light conditions and are more likely to attract the attention of hungry walleye.
Fluorocarbon line is also a great choice for night fishing because it is harder for walleye to see underwater. This can help reduce their suspicion and increase your chances of successfully hooking them.
So make sure to have some dark-colored lures and fluorocarbon line in your tackle box when you head out for a night of walleye fishing!
Slow trolling, casting crankbaits, jigging soft plastics, slip bobber rigs
To catch walleye at night, try these techniques:
- Slow trolling: Troll your bait or lures slowly through the water. This can be effective in attracting walleye.
- Casting crankbaits: Use crankbaits and cast them out into the water. Retrieve them with a slow and steady motion to entice the fish.
- Jigging soft plastics: Attach a soft plastic lure to a jighead and jig it up and down in the water. This mimics the movement of prey and can attract walleye.
- Slip bobber rigs: Set up a slip bobber rig with a minnow or leech as bait. Cast it out into the water and let it sit until you feel a bite.
Tips and Strategies for Successful Night Walleye Fishing
Be stealthy and use dim lighting to avoid spooking the walleye, while utilizing electronics to locate feeding fish.
Use dim lighting and be stealthy
When night fishing for walleye, it’s important to use dim lighting and be stealthy. Walleyes have excellent night vision, so bright lights can spook them and make them less likely to bite.
Instead, opt for low-intensity LED lights or submersible lights that won’t scare the fish away. Additionally, try to minimize noise and movement while in the boat or on the shore. Being stealthy will help you sneak up on walleyes without alerting them to your presence.
By using dim lighting and being quiet and cautious, you’ll increase your chances of a successful night walleye fishing trip.
Utilize electronics to locate fish
Using electronics can greatly enhance your chances of finding walleye when fishing at night. Fish finders and sonar devices are valuable tools that can help you identify underwater structures, drop-offs, and schools of fish.
By utilizing these devices, you can pinpoint the areas where walleye are most likely to be found. This increases your chances of encountering active fish and having a successful catch.
So don’t forget to bring your electronics with you on your night fishing trips for better results!
Be prepared for sporadic action
Night walleye fishing can sometimes be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for sporadic action. This means that you might experience periods of time where the fish are biting consistently, and then suddenly the bites slow down or stop altogether.
It’s all part of the excitement and challenge of night fishing for walleye. Just remember to stay patient and persistent, as the fish can become more active again at any moment. With the right gear, techniques, and a bit of luck, you’ll have a great chance at catching some walleye during your night fishing trips.
Conclusion
In conclusion, night fishing for walleye can be a thrilling and successful adventure. By using the right gear, techniques, and strategies mentioned in this guide, you’ll increase your chances of catching walleyes at night.
Remember to use lights to attract baitfish and be stealthy in your approach. So grab your gear and get ready for an exciting night on the water!
FAQ
1. What is walleye fishing at night with lights?
Walleye fishing at night with lights refers to the practice of using artificial lights to attract walleye fish during nighttime fishing excursions. By illuminating the water, the lights draw in baitfish and ultimately attract walleye, making it easier for anglers to catch them.
2. What are the benefits of fishing for walleye at night?
Fishing for walleye at night offers several advantages. Firstly, walleye are known to be more active during nighttime hours, increasing your chances of a successful catch. Additionally, there is typically less fishing pressure at night, allowing for a more peaceful and solitary fishing experience. Lastly, the use of lights can effectively attract walleye and make them easier to locate in the darkness.
3. What types of lights are commonly used for walleye fishing at night?
The most common types of lights used for walleye fishing at night are green lights and submersible LED lights. Green lights are preferred as they are less likely to spook the fish, while the submersible LED lights are durable and waterproof, making them suitable for underwater use.
4. How do lights attract walleye fish?
The lights used in walleye fishing at night serve to attract baitfish, which in turn attract the walleye. Baitfish are naturally drawn to light sources, as they instinctively associate lights with food and safety. By positioning your boat or fishing spot near the artificial lights, you create an ambush point for the walleye, increasing your chances of catching them.
5. What fishing techniques work best for walleye fishing at night with lights?
When fishing for walleye at night with lights, the most effective techniques include jigging, trolling, and casting with lures such as crankbaits or minnow imitations. Jigging allows you to present your bait in a vertical manner, targeting specific depths where walleye are likely to be feeding. Trolling is also effective, especially along weed lines or near drop-offs, while casting with lures can mimic the movements of baitfish and entice walleye.
6. What type of bait and lures are recommended for walleye fishing at night?
When walleye fishing at night with lights, using live bait such as minnows or leeches can be highly effective. Alternatively, artificial lures such as jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastics can also yield good results. Opt for lures that closely resemble the natural prey of walleye, such as small baitfish or insects.