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How to Catch Walleye in a River? A River Rat’s Guide

To catch walleye in a river, you must understand current breaks, depth changes, and the walleye’s feeding habits. Employing appropriate lure presentations like jigging, trolling crankbaits, or drifting live bait are critical for success.

Understanding Walleye River Environments

Walleye are notorious for being ambush predators in river systems. They favor areas that offer protection from the current and provide easy access to prey. To effectively target these fish, you need to become familiar with the intricacies of the river environment.

Identifying Key Walleye Holding Spots

Current Seams: These are areas where fast-moving water meets slower water, often created by submerged rocks, points, or fallen trees. Walleye will often sit just behind the faster current, waiting to ambush prey carried by the flow. Focus your efforts where the water speed changes dramatically.
Eddies: Formed downstream from obstructions, eddies offer walleye a refuge from strong currents. The swirling water also concentrates baitfish, making it a prime feeding location. Look for eddies behind bridge pilings, large boulders, and river bends.
Deep Holes and Runs: Walleye often congregate in deeper water, especially during daylight hours or when the water temperature is higher. These areas provide cooler, darker conditions. Use your electronics to locate deep holes and runs, paying particular attention to any structure within them.
Points: Points extending into the river disrupt the current, creating eddies and current seams. Walleye will position themselves on the down-current side of the point, waiting for food to be swept by.

Water Clarity and River Conditions

Water clarity significantly impacts walleye behavior and lure selection. In clear water, walleye can be more selective and spook easily. Conversely, in stained or muddy water, they rely more on vibration and scent.

Clear Water Strategies: Use smaller, more natural-looking lures and lighter line. Focus on early morning, late evening, or overcast days when light penetration is reduced.
Stained Water Strategies: Opt for brighter colored lures with rattles or those that emit vibrations. Fish slower and more deliberately, allowing the walleye to locate your lure in the murky conditions.

Essential Tackle and Techniques for River Walleye

Successful river walleye fishing relies on having the right tackle and mastering the appropriate techniques.

Rods, Reels, and Lines

Rods: A medium-light to medium action spinning or casting rod in the 6-7 foot range is ideal for most river walleye fishing. The sensitivity of the rod allows you to detect subtle bites, while the backbone provides the power needed to set the hook.
Reels: A quality spinning or baitcasting reel with a smooth drag system is essential. Choose a reel size that balances well with your rod and holds enough line.
Lines: Monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braid are all viable options. Monofilament is a good all-around choice, while fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater, making it ideal for clear water conditions. Braid offers exceptional sensitivity and hook-setting power, especially in deeper water.

Effective Lures and Baits

Jigs: Jigs are arguably the most versatile lure for river walleye. They can be fished in a variety of depths and currents. Experiment with different jig weights, colors, and trailer combinations. A 1/4 oz to 3/8 oz jig is a good starting point for most river conditions.
Crankbaits: Crankbaits are effective for covering water and triggering reaction strikes. Trolling or casting crankbaits along current seams and drop-offs can be highly productive. Choose crankbaits that dive to the desired depth and have a tight wobble.
Live Bait Rigs: Live bait, such as minnows, nightcrawlers, or leeches, are always a reliable option. Rig them on a jig head, Lindy rig, or three-way swivel rig and drift them through likely walleye holding areas.

Presentation is Key: Mastering River Techniques

Jigging: The key to successful jigging is maintaining bottom contact and feeling for the bite. Lift the jig off the bottom with a short, sharp snap of the wrist, then let it fall back down. Most walleye strikes will occur on the fall.
Trolling: Trolling crankbaits allows you to cover a lot of water quickly. Adjust your trolling speed and lure selection until you find what the walleye are biting on. Use a line counter reel to accurately control the depth of your lures.
Drifting: Drifting live bait rigs is a highly effective technique for targeting walleye in rivers. Use a weight heavy enough to maintain bottom contact but light enough to allow your bait to drift naturally with the current.

River Walleye: FAQs

FAQ 1: What is the best time of year to fish for walleye in rivers?

Spring and fall are generally considered the best times for river walleye fishing. During the spring spawning run, walleye congregate in rivers to spawn, making them easier to target. In the fall, walleye feed heavily to prepare for winter, often moving into rivers to take advantage of baitfish migrations.

FAQ 2: What depth should I target walleye in a river?

The ideal depth varies depending on the river conditions, time of year, and water clarity. As a general rule, focus on deeper water during the day and shallower water during the evening and night. Experiment with different depths until you find where the walleye are holding.

FAQ 3: What are some effective lure colors for river walleye?

Popular lure colors for river walleye include chartreuse, firetiger, white, silver, and gold. However, the best color can vary depending on water clarity. In stained water, brighter colors tend to work better, while in clear water, more natural colors may be more effective.

FAQ 4: How do I know if I’m fishing the right current speed?

The ideal current speed depends on the technique you’re using and the walleye’s preference. As a general rule, walleye prefer moderate current speeds. If the current is too strong, they will expend too much energy trying to hold their position. If the current is too slow, they may not be able to effectively ambush prey.

FAQ 5: What line weight should I use for river walleye fishing?

The appropriate line weight depends on the size of the walleye you’re targeting, the current strength, and the type of cover you’re fishing around. A line weight of 6-10 pound test is a good starting point for most river walleye fishing.

FAQ 6: How important is scent when fishing for walleye in rivers?

Scent can be a significant factor, particularly in stained water conditions where visibility is limited. Consider using lures with built-in scent attractants or adding scent to your lures or live bait.

FAQ 7: What role do electronics play in river walleye fishing?

Fish finders and GPS units are invaluable tools for river walleye fishing. They can help you locate deep holes, structure, and baitfish schools. GPS can also be used to mark productive areas and navigate safely in the river.

FAQ 8: How can I avoid snags when fishing in rivers?

Using lures and rigs that are designed to be snag-resistant can help reduce the number of snags you encounter. Fishing slower and more deliberately, and lifting your lure over obstructions, can also help.

FAQ 9: Is it better to fish for walleye in a river from a boat or from shore?

Both boat and shore fishing can be effective for river walleye. Boat fishing allows you to cover more water and access areas that are difficult to reach from shore. Shore fishing is a good option for anglers who don’t have access to a boat or prefer to fish in a more accessible location.

FAQ 10: How do I properly handle a walleye to ensure its survival if I’m practicing catch and release?

Use a rubberized net to avoid damaging the fish’s scales and slime coat. Wet your hands before handling the walleye and avoid touching its gills. Use pliers to remove the hook quickly and efficiently. Revive the fish by holding it in the water until it is able to swim away on its own.

FAQ 11: What are some signs that walleye are actively feeding in a river?

Signs that walleye are actively feeding include seeing baitfish activity, noticing birds diving into the water, and catching walleye that have recently eaten.

FAQ 12: What’s the single most important tip for catching more walleye in rivers?

Adaptability is key. River conditions are constantly changing, so be prepared to adjust your techniques, lure selection, and location based on the current situation. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things until you find what works.