Walleye

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Walleye, prized for their delicious flesh and challenging nature, can be found in various bodies of water across the Southwest region of the United States. Anglers flock to these waters in pursuit of walleye, known for their elusive behavior and impressive size. Here are some popular locations for walleye fishing in each state:
Arizona: Bartlett Lake and Lake Pleasant are renowned for their walleye populations. These reservoirs provide excellent opportunities to catch walleye using various techniques, including trolling, jigging, and casting near structure.
California: California is not known for its walleye fisheries.
Nevada: Lake Mead and Lake Mohave are popular destinations for walleye fishing in Nevada. Anglers can target walleye by trolling, jigging, or casting along rocky shorelines and submerged structures.
New Mexico: Elephant Butte Reservoir and Navajo Lake are known for their walleye populations. Anglers can find success by targeting walleye near points, drop-offs, and submerged vegetation using techniques such as trolling, jigging, or casting with live bait or artificial lures.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Walleye prefer lakes and reservoirs with clear or slightly stained water. They are often found near structure, such as rocky points, submerged islands, drop-offs, and weed beds. Walleye are known for their nocturnal feeding habits and tend to be more active during low-light conditions or under overcast skies.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring, walleye move into shallower waters for spawning. Look for them near rocky shorelines, gravel beds, or areas with submerged vegetation. Fishing with jigs, live bait rigs, or casting crankbaits can be productive during this time.

SUMMER

In the summer months, walleye typically move to deeper water or seek cooler areas, such as submerged structures or drop-offs. Trolling with crankbaits or spinners, vertical jigging, or drifting with live bait rigs can be effective techniques for catching walleye in the summer.

FALL

As temperatures cool down in the fall, walleye become more active and start feeding aggressively. They often return to shallower waters and can be found near weed beds, rocky points, or areas with current. Casting or trolling with crankbaits, jigging with artificial lures, or using live bait rigs can yield success during this season.

WINTER

In colder winter months, walleye tend to be more lethargic and can be found in deeper waters. Fishing near structure, drop-offs, or submerged humps using vertical jigging, ice fishing techniques, or live bait rigs can be productive for catching walleye during winter.

Walleye can be targeted using a variety of baits and lures. Common bait options include minnows, nightcrawlers, leeches, and artificial lures such as jigs, crankbaits, and spinners. Experimenting with different colors, sizes, and retrieval speeds can help you determine what works best on a given day.