How to Jig for Walleye After Spawn

Determine where you want to fish. Walleye spawn upstream in rivers, downstream from dams and along sandy areas near the shore in natural lakes. Knowing where the walleye are likely to spawn will give you a better chance of having a successful fishing trip.

Find out how deep the water is to determine the best jigging technique to use. Vertical jigging works best in water deeper than eight feet, while trolling and pitch jigging works well in medium and shallow waters. Matching the correct technique to the type of environment you are fishing in will increase your chances of attracting walleye to your lure.

Take into account the time of day when determining where to fish for walleye. In the early morning, the smaller males will congregate in shallow waters, while the larger females will seek deeper water. Fish between nightfall and midnight to catch the larger females who emerge at night to begin spawning.

Use brightly colored lures to catch the attention of the walleye. Orange, red, blue, and chartreuse are colors that work well when fishing in the spring. Try different color combinations if you are at first unsuccessful to find what colors works the best on that day.

Allow the current to slowly pull your jig along, or use a trolling motor in waters without a current. Use a lightweight jig in waters with a current so you can feel the pull of the fish when you get a bite. Use a anchor to slow your movement if you find yourself traveling too fast due to an extremely strong current.

Look for the first obstruction found upstream when fishing for walleye in a river. Walleye will swim as far upstream as possible to spawn, and the first dam, waterfall or man-made obstruction you find that would prevent further migration upstream will be the fish's spawning point. Stand along the river's edge, cast out your line near the obstruction and allow the current to slowly pull your lure downriver.