How to Fish for Walleye According to Weather

Walleye is a popular game fish that can be caught in a variety of weather conditions. Here are some specific tips to catch more walleye given various weather conditions that you might encounter. Regardless of the common wisdom of fishing for walleye or any other fish, don't forget to break the 'rules' especially when you aren't catching anything. Trying an odd bait or fishing an odd place might catch fish when nothing else does.

Walleye fisherman and fisherwomen need to pay a lot of attention to the wind. Wind can move bait fish to a certain area. For instance, where the wind blows against a bank it congregates small baitfish looking for food blown into this area. Where the baitfish are the walleye will follow. The wind driven waves can also cause a muddying of the water that provides the darker conditions that walleye prefer to stay in.

Walleye fishing is often at its peak when conditions are dark or becoming dark. A steady wind can cause choppy waves that block out sunlight from penetrating into the water. A wall of cloud cover moving over the water will provide a quick darkening as well. Couple the cloud cover with the impending weather changes and this is a great time to be walleye fishing.

In periods of stable weather fishermen should look for walleye in the same places day after day. If a certain cove produces walleye on one overcast day and the next day is overcast as well, head for that cove to find more walleye.

Bright, sunny days are perhaps the worst for walleye fishing. These sunny days though do eliminate a lot of area and allow the fisherman to focus on shaded areas, deep water, and murky water. If your walleye fishing trip coincides with sunny weather, don't cancel it just be prepared to fish a little harder.

On rainy days the walleye fisherman needs to be on the water. Providing both action of the baitfish looking for food washed into the water and cover from the bright sun, rainy days often provide great fishing for walleyes. While fishing in the rain is not a lot of fun, catching a lot of walleye can make up for being wet and uncomfortable.

Here is one last point to keep in mind about fishing for walleye and fishing in general. An approaching thunderstorm often produces great walleye fishing, but keep in mind your personal safety. Getting caught on a lake with lightning striking nearby is not much fun and can be dangerous. Be certain to not go too far from the docks or better yet just fish from the shore.