If you’re looking to improve your walleye catch success rate in 2025, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there are always ways to refine your approach and technique to ensure you catch more. walleye fishing can be tricky, but with the right approach, you might just find yourself reeling in more fish than ever before. Let’s dive into some practical tips to help you catch more walleye this year:
Focus on the Right Time of Day
Walleye are known for being more active at certain times of day. Early mornings and late evenings, particularly around dawn and dusk, are the prime times to target walleye. During these hours, walleye move into shallow waters to feed, making them easier to catch. Avoid fishing during the heat of midday, as walleye tend to move deeper and become less active.
Use the Right Lures and Baits
When it comes to walleye fishing, using the right lures and baits is key to success. Walleye are predators that prefer live bait, but they’ll also go for artificial lures if they mimic the movement of their natural prey. Jigging with minnows, nightcrawlers, or leeches is a great way to attract walleye. It’s additionally wise to try using crankbaits, spoons, or soft plastics that can mimic the fish or crawfish walleye tend to target. Have different color and size options on hand to see what works best on a given day.
Master the Jigging Technique
Jigging is one of the most effective techniques for catching walleye. To do it right, drop your jig to the bottom and slowly reel it in with small, controlled movements. The idea is to make the bait appear like its struggling, which will grab the walleye’s attention. Be patient and vary your jigging rhythm to see what the fish respond to. In deeper waters, you can also try trolling with jigs or crankbaits to cover more ground.
Understand Walleye Habitat and Structure
Walleye tend to congregate around structure, such as drop-offs, submerged rocks, and weed beds. Mapping out the structure of the water you’re fishing in can help you pinpoint the best locations for walleye. Use your fish finder to locate underwater structures and focus your efforts on these spots. Walleye are ambush predators, so they’ll often hang around areas with cover, waiting for prey to pass by.
Catching more walleye in 2025 is all about knowing when and where to fish, using the right lures and baits, and mastering your techniques. When you focus on these strategies, you’ll increase your chances of landing that big catch and enjoying a more successful fishing season.
If you’re ready to put these tips into action, why not take a fishing trip at Mattice Lake Outfitters? With pristine waters, lovely accommodations, and a variety of fishing locations, we offer some of the best walleye fishing around. Call us toll free at 1-800-411-0334 or email us at mattice@walleye.ca to begin planning your trip today!