If there’s a dominant technique for walleye, it’s definitely trolling. But that doesn’t mean that fishing from the shore can’t produce numbers – and trophy – wallies.
All it takes is the right know-how and some careful planning.
If you want to know more about catching walleye from the shore, keep reading!
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Tips for Walleye Fishing From Shore for Spring, Summer, and Fall
Spring
Shallow streams and rivers typically warm far more quickly in the spring than larger bodies of water like lakes – or the Great Lakes. And walleye that have been overwintering in deep water to escape the cold are hungry and looking for warmer water.
Males and females alike will migrate to rivers, creeks, and other smaller tributaries, where the sun is warming the water and prey items are starting to come alive. Cold water may not be much of a problem for walleye, but the prey they eat can take the cold, and as the sun warms the water, the dinner bell rings!
Veteran walleye anglers know that spring is prime time to cast from the shore, and rather than being at a disadvantage, anglers who hit water that’s impassible to boats can quickly catch their limit.
Look for shallow water
Shallow water gets warm fast, and rocks and other heat sinks near it transmit even more of the sun’s thermal energy to the water, producing much higher temperatures than you’ll find in a deep, wide lake.
Sandbars, rocky rivers, and shallow streams can all be good bets: just look for shallow, warm water, get your waders ready, and go!
The Carolina Float Rig
The Carolina Rig is rightly famous in the bass fishing world, but by adding a float to the mix, you can transform it into a walleye-catching machine!
The resulting Carolina Float Rig is deadly for three reasons. The combination of a bullet weight and bead creates an enticing vibration that attracts hungry walleye. Second, it’s easy to cast, enabling long, accurate pitches that let you work the shallows for spring and fall walleye without running them off. And finally, the float buoys your live bait, keeping it right where hunting fish can see it best.
That’s an almost unbeatable combination for worms and leeches.
To assemble a Carolina Float Rig, follow these steps:
- Slide a bullet weight onto your main line.
- Follow it with a bead.
- Using a Uni Knot, attach a barrel swivel.
- Wet your knot, tighten it, and trim the tag end.
- Cut 18 to 24 inches of line. The length of this leader will determine the depth of your presentation.
- Attach a float stop. The position of this stop will determine where the foam float is placed on your leader, affecting the position of your hook and bait.
- Slide a foam float onto your leader
- Using a Palomar Knot, attach a #2 Gamakatsu circle hook.
- Wet the knot, tighten it, and trim the tag end.
- Using a Uni Knot, attach the other end of the leader to the barrel swivel.
- Wet the knot, tighten it, and trim the tag end.
Final Thoughts
Fishing walleye from shore, especially in spring and fall, can be exhilarating, but only if you know where to go and what to throw.
We hope that you’ve learned something from this article today, and as always, we’d love to hear from you.
Please leave a comment below!
Don’t forget to check out our top recommendations for walleye fishing gear & tackle:
Source: usangler.com