Fishing for Walleye in Green Bay is no easy undertaking. Walleye have hermit tendencies and are often hiding when the sun is out. They will come out to feed when it is dark or when the water is cloudy and murky. Pretty smart for a fish if you ask me.
Fishing for Walleye involves using specific techniques and experiments other fishermen have found useful to catch a Walleye. Using these techniques can help you catch yours!
What is a Walleye Fish?
Walleye are a fish that averages 14 inches long and weighs about one pound. They can grow to as big as 32-36 inches and weigh as much as 15 pounds. As they are growing they feed on insects and then move onto leeches and minnows. They live for about 20 years on average.
Walleye can see really well in low light because of their special pigmented layer in their eyes that reflects light. This layer makes them sensitive to light which explains the need to hide during the day. They are able to see prey at deep levels underwater using just the light from a starry night.
How Do I Catch a Walleye?
The best time to catch Walleye in Green Bay, Wisconsin is mid-spring. It is not unheard of to catch 20-50 fish on a good spring day. There are three techniques that work well to catch Walleye, downrigging, planer board, and fishing at night.
Fishing for Walleye With a Downrigger
This allows you to set your lures at a specific depth. If the Walleye are not getting close to the boat it is better to use the long lead. However, shorter leads are recommended if the Walleye are getting close enough to catch with a short lead. Use multiple downriggers and set them at different weights and heights to give the Walleye options. If you make figure 8’s as you are casting, you are able to drop your bait at multiple angles.
Fishing for Walleye With a Planer Board
If you are fishing in shallow waters for Walleye, I would suggest using planer boards. The best type of planer board to use when fishing for Walleye is the inline planer. If the water is rough go with a dual board. Trolling for Walleye is so effective because you can cover vast areas. The setup can get confusing but it is worth putting in the effort and practice.
You can go with experienced fishermen and even a guide to help you through the first time you try to catch Walleye with planer boards. Planer boards allow for multiple lines to be in the water without the lines get twisted, crossed, and jumbled. Some boards even offer a flag system where the flag lowers once a fish is hooked.
Fishing for Walleye at Night
Walleye feed during the night in shallow waters, often near entrances to bays or harbors. Weed beds are an excellent place for Walleye to be lurking before it pounces on prey. If you find out where the prey of the Walleye is, then you know where the Walleye will be at night to feed. As I mentioned earlier, Walleye can see extremely well at night and will come out of hiding to feed. Night proves to be the time of day to catch Walleye and a lot of it!
Ready to Fish?
If these techniques seem overwhelming to you remember that there are fishing guides in Green Bay and popular fishing areas. It may prove to be exactly what you need the first couple of times to make sure that your fishing experience doesn’t leave you empty-handed.
