Walleye fishing is a popular pursuit for anglers of all skill levels, but it’s at night when these elusive fish truly come alive. Known for their sharp vision and nocturnal feeding habits, walleyes are more active during the nighttime hours, making this the perfect opportunity to land a big catch. Fishing for walleye at night presents unique challenges, but with the right techniques and strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of success. This guide will walk you through how to fish for walleye at night, offering tips on equipment, bait, locations, and techniques to improve your results.
Understanding Walleye Behavior at Night
Walleye are primarily nocturnal feeders, which means they tend to be more active and easier to catch during low-light conditions. Their superior night vision allows them to navigate and hunt in dark waters, giving them a distinct advantage over their prey. As a result, many anglers choose to fish for walleye after the sun goes down when these fish are more likely to be on the move.
During the day, walleye often stay in deeper water, seeking shelter from bright light. At night, they move toward shallower waters in search of food, making them more accessible to anglers. Understanding this behavior is key to positioning yourself for a successful night of fishing.
Essential Gear for Night Walleye Fishing
Fishing Rod and Reel
When fishing for walleye at night, it’s important to use gear that provides both sensitivity and control. A medium to medium-light action rod is ideal for walleye fishing, as it allows you to feel even the slightest bite. Pair this with a spinning reel for smooth casting and retrieval. Opt for a reel with a reliable drag system, as walleyes can put up a good fight.
Line
For night fishing, a low-visibility line is crucial to avoid spooking the fish. Fluorocarbon or braided lines are popular choices because they offer both strength and invisibility in the water. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater, making it a great choice for clear waters, while braided lines provide greater sensitivity, allowing you to detect subtle bites.
Lights
Since you’ll be fishing in low-light conditions, having proper lighting is essential for both safety and effectiveness. Headlamps are an excellent option because they keep your hands free while providing sufficient illumination. You can also use lanterns or boat lights to illuminate your immediate surroundings, but be cautious not to over-light the area, as too much light can scare away the walleye.
Net
A good-quality fishing net is another important piece of gear for walleye fishing at night. Since visibility is low, landing a fish in the dark can be tricky, and a sturdy net will help ensure that you don’t lose your catch at the last moment.
Best Locations for Night Walleye Fishing
Shorelines and Shallow Water
As the night progresses, walleyes tend to move closer to shorelines and into shallow waters to feed. Target areas with rocky or gravel bottoms, as these locations tend to attract baitfish that walleyes feed on. Focus on water depths between 5 and 15 feet, where walleye are most likely to be actively hunting.
Structure
Walleyes are structure-oriented fish, meaning they like to hang around features like submerged rocks, weed beds, drop-offs, and points. These structures provide cover and attract smaller fish, which in turn attract walleye. Use a fishfinder to locate underwater structures if you’re fishing from a boat, or simply cast toward visible structures like docks, piers, or fallen trees if you’re fishing from shore.
Windblown Shores
Walleyes often move to areas where wind and waves push baitfish toward shorelines. The turbulence created by the wind stirs up food, attracting baitfish and in turn drawing walleye to these locations. Focus on the windward side of lakes and rivers, where these conditions are likely to occur.
Best Baits and Lures for Night Walleye Fishing
Live Bait
Live bait is one of the most effective options for night walleye fishing. Minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers are all popular choices. When using live bait, you can either rig it under a slip bobber or troll it slowly along the bottom using a Lindy rig or bottom bouncer. The natural movement of live bait in the water is highly appealing to walleyes, especially at night when they’re hunting for easy prey.
Jigs
Jigs are a versatile and effective lure for walleye fishing at night. Use jigs in combination with live bait, such as a minnow or nightcrawler, for added attraction. A 1/8 to 1/4-ounce jighead is ideal, but you can adjust the weight based on the water depth and current conditions.
To fish with jigs at night, use a slow and steady retrieve to mimic the movement of injured or slow prey. Glow-in-the-dark jigs are especially effective at night because they stand out in low-visibility conditions.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are another popular choice for night walleye fishing, especially when trolling. Choose crankbaits that imitate baitfish, and select colors that work well in low-light conditions, such as black, purple, or chartreuse. Slow trolling or casting along weed lines, drop-offs, or shallow waters can yield excellent results.
Crankbaits with a wide wobble or rattle can also be effective at night, as the noise and vibration help attract walleye in darker waters.
Techniques for Catching Walleye at Night
Slow Trolling
Walleyes are often less aggressive at night, so using slow trolling techniques can be particularly effective. This method involves dragging your bait or lure slowly along the bottom, mimicking the movement of easy prey. Use a trolling motor or drift with the current to maintain a slow and steady pace. Crankbaits, spinners, and live bait rigs all work well with this technique.
Jigging
Jigging is one of the most effective techniques for walleye fishing, and it works just as well at night. Use vertical jigging when fishing from a boat, or cast and retrieve jigs from shore. The key to successful jigging at night is to keep your movements slow and deliberate, allowing the bait or lure to stay in the strike zone for longer periods.
To improve your chances, use glow-in-the-dark jigs or tip your jig with live bait to create additional attraction.
Slip Bobber Fishing
Slip bobber fishing is an excellent way to fish for walleye at night, particularly when you’re targeting shallow water near structures. Set up your rig with a slip bobber, allowing you to control the depth at which your bait sits. Use live bait like minnows or leeches for this technique, as their natural movement will draw walleye toward your line.
Safety Tips for Night Walleye Fishing
Night fishing can be incredibly rewarding, but it also presents certain safety risks. Always follow these safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Wear a Life Jacket: If you’re fishing from a boat, always wear a life jacket. Low-light conditions make it more difficult to see and respond to emergencies.
- Use Proper Lighting: Keep your surroundings illuminated without overdoing it. Headlamps, boat lights, and reflective gear help ensure you remain visible to others while also allowing you to see what you’re doing.
- Check the Weather: Before heading out, check the weather forecast to ensure that conditions will be safe for night fishing. Strong winds, storms, or rapidly changing conditions can pose serious dangers.
- Bring a First Aid Kit: Accidents can happen, especially in the dark. Always carry a first aid kit in case of cuts, hooks, or other injuries.
Conclusion
Fishing for walleye at night offers an exciting and rewarding challenge for anglers. By understanding walleye behavior, using the right gear and techniques, and selecting the best locations, you can increase your chances of a successful catch. Remember to prioritize safety while enjoying your time on the water, and with some patience and practice, you’ll soon find yourself landing trophy-sized walleye under the stars.
