Tips for Walleye Fishing in Michigan
Walleye fishing in Michigan can be incredibly rewarding due to the abundance of lakes, rivers, and Great Lakes hotspots. Here are some tips to help you maximize your chances of success:
1. Target Prime Locations
• Inland Lakes: Saginaw Bay, Lake Gogebic, Houghton Lake, and Burt Lake are popular walleye hotspots.
• Rivers: Detroit River, St. Clair River, and Saginaw River are excellent for spring and fall walleye fishing.
• Great Lakes: Focus on areas like Lake Erie, known as the “Walleye Capital of the World.”
• Look for drop-offs, rock piles, submerged vegetation, and points where baitfish congregate.
2. Timing is Key
• Spring: Post-spawn walleyes are hungry and can be found in shallow water, especially near river mouths and rocky shorelines.
• Summer: Fish deeper using electronics to locate schools near structure, humps, or thermoclines.
• Fall: Walleyes return to shallower waters as they feed heavily in preparation for winter.
• Night Fishing: Walleyes are more active at night, especially in clear or pressured waters.
3. Tackle and Baits
• Jigs: Use 1/8 to 3/8 oz jigs tipped with live minnows, leeches, or soft plastics like paddle tails or grubs.
• Crankbaits: Troll or cast Rapalas, Reef Runners, or Bandits along weed edges or drop-offs.
• Spinner Rigs: Combine crawler harnesses with spinners and bottom bouncers for trolling at slow speeds.
• Blade Baits: Excellent for vertical jigging in deeper water.
4. Techniques
• Trolling: Use planer boards and vary your speeds (1.0–2.5 mph) to cover water and find active fish.
• Jigging: Hop or drag jigs along the bottom, particularly in spring and fall.
• Casting: Cast crankbaits or soft plastics near structure and retrieve at different speeds.
• Slip Bobbers: Set up with live bait for precise depth targeting in weed beds or along structure.
5. Adjust to Water Clarity and Conditions
• Clear Water: Use natural colors like silver, gold, or perch patterns. Fluorocarbon leaders help avoid spooking fish.
• Muddy Water: Bright colors (chartreuse, orange, or pink) and lures with rattles work well in low visibility.
• Windy Conditions: Focus on windblown shorelines where baitfish are pushed into shallows.
6. Electronics
• Invest in fish finders to locate schools of walleye, structure, or baitfish. Look for suspended fish or those hugging the bottom.
7. Seasonal Regulations
• Check Michigan DNR regulations for walleye size and bag limits. Some areas have slot limits to protect breeding populations.
8. Stay Patient and Mobile
• If you’re not catching, don’t be afraid to move and try different depths, baits, or techniques. Covering water is often the key to finding active fish.
1. Target Prime Locations
• Inland Lakes: Saginaw Bay, Lake Gogebic, Houghton Lake, and Burt Lake are popular walleye hotspots.
• Rivers: Detroit River, St. Clair River, and Saginaw River are excellent for spring and fall walleye fishing.
• Great Lakes: Focus on areas like Lake Erie, known as the “Walleye Capital of the World.”
• Look for drop-offs, rock piles, submerged vegetation, and points where baitfish congregate.
2. Timing is Key
• Spring: Post-spawn walleyes are hungry and can be found in shallow water, especially near river mouths and rocky shorelines.
• Summer: Fish deeper using electronics to locate schools near structure, humps, or thermoclines.
• Fall: Walleyes return to shallower waters as they feed heavily in preparation for winter.
• Night Fishing: Walleyes are more active at night, especially in clear or pressured waters.
3. Tackle and Baits
• Jigs: Use 1/8 to 3/8 oz jigs tipped with live minnows, leeches, or soft plastics like paddle tails or grubs.
• Crankbaits: Troll or cast Rapalas, Reef Runners, or Bandits along weed edges or drop-offs.
• Spinner Rigs: Combine crawler harnesses with spinners and bottom bouncers for trolling at slow speeds.
• Blade Baits: Excellent for vertical jigging in deeper water.
4. Techniques
• Trolling: Use planer boards and vary your speeds (1.0–2.5 mph) to cover water and find active fish.
• Jigging: Hop or drag jigs along the bottom, particularly in spring and fall.
• Casting: Cast crankbaits or soft plastics near structure and retrieve at different speeds.
• Slip Bobbers: Set up with live bait for precise depth targeting in weed beds or along structure.
5. Adjust to Water Clarity and Conditions
• Clear Water: Use natural colors like silver, gold, or perch patterns. Fluorocarbon leaders help avoid spooking fish.
• Muddy Water: Bright colors (chartreuse, orange, or pink) and lures with rattles work well in low visibility.
• Windy Conditions: Focus on windblown shorelines where baitfish are pushed into shallows.
6. Electronics
• Invest in fish finders to locate schools of walleye, structure, or baitfish. Look for suspended fish or those hugging the bottom.
7. Seasonal Regulations
• Check Michigan DNR regulations for walleye size and bag limits. Some areas have slot limits to protect breeding populations.
8. Stay Patient and Mobile
• If you’re not catching, don’t be afraid to move and try different depths, baits, or techniques. Covering water is often the key to finding active fish.
