Spring walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods

Spring just started in Lake of the Woods and walleye anglers are preparing for it, but how to catch walleye during this season?

Well, during the very first part of spring, walleyes live in shallow zones. So, when going fishing early in the year, a little piece of advice we give to anglers is to focus on rocky points close to spawning areas.

In addition to this, using a depth finder to locate flat spots between 15 and 20 feet deep is a good idea to increase the positive outcomes.

But why? That’s a good question! And here at Totem Resorts we’ll give you an answer for it.

Like that, you’ll have a strong notion about how to catch walleye during spring!

The magic of spring!

Walleyes undergo a transition during spring when they move to shallower waters to breed.

As a matter of fact, this inclination is triggered by the rising temperatures and longer days, creating prime fishing conditions.

However, because of the cooler water temperatures, walleyes may be quite slow, thus early spring fishing frequently calls for patience. But as soon as the water warms up, walleyes become more active, granting a lot of action for anglers.

Walleyes spawning at night

When spring begins, walleyes will spawn at night, in very shallow areas, on gravel or sand. By the end of May, beginning of June, after the spawning process, they will start transitioning to the shallower points and flats surrounding these areas.

This is because they will shy away from the warmer temperatures closer to the surface and also because of the light penetration.

As the sun travels higher up in the sky during the summer months, the angle in which the sunlight enters the water column bothers the sensitive eyes of the walleye.

Looking for the best location

In the spring, sand flats, rocky points, and river mouths are some of the most important locations to target for walleye. Without a doubt, you’ll for sure find walleyes there because these are the locations where they are most likely to lay their eggs!

Therefore, we recommend you to study your map and locate areas with these characteristics.

Moreover, you must also consider all variables when fishing. For instance, if it’s cold and cloudy, start shallow, all the way up from 10 feet and fish down the slope of the spot. On the other hand, when it’s a warmer day, move deeper into the 15 to 20 feet deep range.

Techniques to catch walleyes

For catching spring walleyes on Lake of the Woods a combination of skill, knowledge, and the right equipment is indispensable.

Light to medium spinning rods paired with 6- to 8-pound test lines are ideal for detecting those subtle bites. Also, jigs are the go-to option for many anglers, since they’re versatile and effective. So, tip your jig with a minnow or soft plastic bait, and slowly bounce it off the lake's bottom to attract some walleyes.

Now, using crawler harnesses or crankbaits for trolling is another successful tactic. This enables anglers to find active fish and cover more water. In fact, slip bobbers tied with live bait can be quite effective for anglers fishing in deeper pockets or close to river mouths.

By considering these aspects, you can for sure count with a solid notion about how to catch walleye during spring.

Just pack your things up and spend your spring catching some walleyes in Lake of the Woods.