SPRING WALLEYE

BY BEN LEAL

As winter begins to lose its hold on much of Iowa, anglers focus on spring fishing throughout the state. For the most part, by April, ice has all but left the lakes, and there is an influx of freshwater bringing in nutrients as well as tasty morsels in the form of worms and small insects that quite a few of the baitfish are eagerly awaiting. 

Walleye are active as winter gives way to spring and are among the first to head to shallow water in preparation for the coming spring spawn. Average air temperatures throughout the state range from highs in the mid-to-low-sixties, while lows will dip in the mid-thirties to low-forties. The warming spring sun will warm south-facing shores, where early spring walleye will see the warmer waters and chase the baitfish that follow the influx of food. 

Understand the Spawn

Spawning begins when the water temperatures move to between 42 and 54 degrees. Walleye will begin to move shallow and will feed vigorously as they prepare to spawn. The pre-spawn period will offer you some of the best walleye fishing there can be and a chance at landing a personal best. Just remember that the large fish you’ll catch will likely be the female of the species. Practice C.P.R. (catch, photo, release) to keep the gene pool alive and well in Iowa’s fisheries. During the spawn, however, males tend to be more aggressive, likely trying to stave off any challengers. 

TIPS AND TRICKS

As the walleye begin to move into shallower water and aggressively feed before they begin to spawn, their primary forage is minnows that have moved into shallow water to warm and also to feed on the influx of nutrient-rich water that’s part of the spring thaw. One of the best places to look for active walleye is where you see turbid water, moving water that is flushing into a lake from shore carrying those tasty morsels bait fish are looking for. Another spot to look is in areas with rocky shorelines, especially south-facing ones. These areas warm up quickly (rocks help retain the heat), and the fish will congregate looking for something to chew on. Rivers are also great places to look for spring walleye. In the Des Moines River, below, Saylorville Lake and Red Rock Lake can offer anglers great harvesting opportunities for spring walleye. 

Look along the edges of the dam, where walleye can sit and wait for bait to float by and ambush them from slack water. Outside bends of the river usually have some of the deeper water and can hold spring walleye as well. 

Go-To Tackle

Regarding what tackle you want to use for walleye fishing, the general consensus is a 6 to 61/2 foot medium light to medium spinning rod, a spinning reel loaded with 6-10 pound test line and an assortment of jigs and crankbaits. I personally like the fluorocarbon lines that are out in 8-pound test. There’s no stretch, and the sensitivity of the line allows you to detect that bite when it happens and set the hook with enough force to get a good hook set. 

When it comes to jigs for walleye fishing, these are some of the most versatile in your walleye arsenal. You can tip them with plastic and cast that out, slowly swimming the bait back towards you, and depending on where the fish might be in the water column, fish mid-depth to the bottom, bouncing it off rocks and mud. You can also slip a minnow onto the jighead and slowly swim along the bottom where walleye are feeding. The most effective sizes or weights would be 1/8 to 1/4-ounce jigs. If it’s too heavy, you won’t be able to feel the all too familiar walleye “thump” as they suck the bait into their mouths. Something with more weight may be effective while fishing in a river. The key is to get the bait down to where the fish are feeding. Lighter jigs will stay too high in the water column. 

Crankbaits offer another great method of catching these spring walleye and are great for covering a lot of water as you search for active fish. They come in a variety of colors and sizes; the main thing is to match the forage the fish are feeding on and find one that will get down to the depths the fish are. If you’re trolling for walleye, this is a great tool to search with. Vary your baits and the depths they go and find that sweet spot where walleye are feeding. 

It goes without saying that natural baits such as minnows and night crawlers are great options as well. Tie on a slip bobber, get that minnow or worm down to the depths walleye are feeding, and let the bait do the work. 

Spring walleye fishing can be some of the best fishing you’ll have for the year. Very active, aggressive, feeding fish will stretch your line for an active day out on the water. Remember to be selective in your harvest, and check the local fishing regulations for slot limits, as these have changed in the last couple of years for walleye fisheries in the state. Leave the area you’re fishing in better shape than you found it so future generations can enjoy Iowa’s fishing resources. Tight Lines All!