Walleye is a species of fish that is native to many of the freshwater rivers in the United States, particularly the Mississippi River. Despite the abundance of walleye in the Mississippi River, catching them can be a challenge. As with any other fish, understanding the habits of walleye and the best ways to catch them can dramatically increase the success rate of any angler. Here, we provide an overview on how to catch walleye in the Mississippi River.
The walleye is an olive brown-green fish with a white and yellowish-white belly. They have soft flesh and firm and sharp spines in the dorsal fin that can cause significant cuts and scrapes when handling them. Walleye also have a prominent black spindle-shaped spot near the base of the tail, which can help identify them from other fish. The eyes of walleye are so large that their upper surfaces nearly touches the top of their head. The walleye is a predator and usually consumes small fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Walleye are most active during early morning and late evening, although they can be caught during the daytime as well. Generally, during the day, walleye will retreat to deeper water, which can make them harder to catch. At night, they move closer to the surface, making them easier to spot and catch. During this time, an angler should use live bait, spoons, and crankbaits to increase their chances of catching walleye.
Walleye tend to dwell along river banks, shoals, and natural shorelines as they contain plenty of food and provide shelter from larger predators. To help identify the areas where walleye are present, it is important to look for areas of especially deep pools. Near these pools, the water will be still, and the bottom will contain a mixture of rocks and sand. As walleye typically feed and spawn in these areas, they are ideal spots where anglers can target them.
When using live bait to catch walleye in the Mississippi River, minnows are frequently used due to their availability. With live bait, it is important to pay attention to the movement of the bait. It is essential that the bait slightly shimmer in the water, as walleye are typically attracted to this type of movement and will often bite the bait quickly if it is presented correctly. Furthermore, if an angler is using artificial baits, such as crankbaits and spoons, it is important to vary the speed of the retrieve. By alternating the speed, it can be easier to trigger walleye strikes.
Aside from the use of bait, anglers must also pay attention to the water temperature and the season. If the water is cold, the walleye will be sluggish and not feeding. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the spawning season. During spawn season, the walleye can be easily spooked and they will not feed as frequently. However, this can also be an ideal time to catch them as they can be extremely aggressive during this time.
In conclusion, it should be noted that catching walleye in the Mississippi River can be a challenge, but armed with the right information and techniques, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By understanding the habits of walleye and using the right live bait, spoons, and crankbaits, an angler can improve their chances of success. Finally, it is important to pay attention to the water temperature and the spawning season, as this can have a significant impact on the success of the angler.
Location Matters
The location of the angler is one of the most important factors when it comes to catching walleye in the Mississippi River. It is important to ensure that the angler is fishing near areas that walleye are known to occupy, such as river banks, shoals, and natural shorelines. Additionally, walleye tend to inhabit areas where the bottom is composed of sand and rocks, as this provides an abundance of food and shelter from larger predators. As such, an angler should try to focus their efforts on these areas, as this can increase their chances of success.
Bait Selection
Bait selection is another crucial element of successful walleye fishing. Generally, live bait is the best option, such as minnows, as this can often trigger a strong response from the walleye. It is also important to take into consideration the current water temperature and the season, as this can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the bait. Additionally, when using artificial lures, such as crankbaits and spoons, it is important to vary the speed of the retrieve, as this can increase the chances of hooking a walleye.
The Right Gear
Finally, an angler should ensure that they have the right gear and equipment when fishing for walleye in the Mississippi River. The right kind of rod and reel can make a huge difference in an angler’s success, as this can afford them more control when fighting and landing a walleye. Additionally, when handling walleye, it is important to have a pair of long-nose pliers and gloves, as this can help prevent the risk of being cut or scraped by the sharp spines in the fish’s dorsal fin.
Using Sonar
Using sonar or a fish finder when fishing for walleye in the Mississippi River can be an invaluable tool. Not only can a fish finder help an angler identify schools of walleye, but it can also provide valuable information about the water temperature and the presence of any underwater structure. This can ultimately help increase an angler’s success by guiding them to areas that walleye are known to inhabit.
Make the Most of Every Cast
When fishing for walleye in the Mississippi River, it is important to make the most of every cast. This means casting away from shore and allowing for the bait or lure to drift, as this can increase the chances of a walleye strike. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the movement of the bait or lure, as this can also help attract walleye. Varying the speed of the retrieve is also important when using artificial lures, as this can help increase the chances of catching walleye.
