Post-Spawn Walleye Fishing: Techniques for Success

Introduction

 The post-spawn season is a significant period for walleye anglers. As walleye recuperate from the rigors of spawning, their behavior and feeding patterns change, presenting distinct fishing opportunities. This blog post delves into the most effective techniques for targeting post-spawn walleye, focusing on suspending minnow baits, deep diving crankbaits, worm harnesses, and bottom bouncers.

Walleye Behavior in Post-Spawn

 After spawning, walleyes typically experience a recovery phase. They might be less aggressive but are still actively feeding to replenish their energy. Post-spawn walleye often migrate from shallow spawning areas to deeper, more stable environments. This shift in location requires anglers to adapt their strategies and lure choices to continue successfully catching walleye.

Suspending Minnow Baits

 In post-spawn, suspending minnow baits are incredibly effective due to their ability to mimic the natural movements of walleye prey. These lures can be paused during the retrieve, hanging enticingly in the water and provoking strikes from walleye. Their versatility allows for use in various depths and conditions, making them ideal for targeting walleye moving between shallow and deeper waters.

Some of our popular Suspending Minnow Baits:

1. Rapala Husky Jerk 14 Jerkbait/Trolling Minnow
2. Smithwick Suspending Rattlin' Rogue 4 1/2 inch Jerkbait/Trolling Minnow
3. Smithwick Perfect 10 Rogue 5 1/2 inch Deep Diving Suspending Jerkbait
4. Bandit Suspending Minnow Walleye Deep
5. Cotton Cordell Wally Diver Suspending Walleye Lure

Deep Diving Crankbaits

 Deep diving crankbaits are excellent for reaching walleye that have moved to deeper post-spawn haunts. Their ability to dive quickly and cover a lot of water makes them perfect for searching large areas. These lures typically have a tight wobbling action, which can be irresistible to post-spawn walleye, especially in areas with significant depth changes or near underwater structures.

Some of our Deep Diving Crankbaits most popular with Walleye Anglers:

1. Berkley Money Badger Trolling Plug / Crankbait
2. Bandit Walleye Deep 4 3/4 inch Trolling Plug
3. SPRO MadEye Minnow 120 Deep Diving Walleye Trolling Lure
4. Rapala Down Deep Husky Jerk 14 Deep Diving Jerkbait
5. Rapala Deep Tail Dancer 11 Extra Deep Diving Crankbait
6. Berkley Flicker Minnow Jerkbait/Trolling Hard Minnow - 1/3 oz
7. Berkley Hit Stick 11 - 4.5 Inch

Worm Harnesses and Bottom Bouncers

 Worm harnesses paired with bottom bouncers are a classic combination for post-spawn walleye fishing. This setup effectively presents live bait or artificial worms near the bottom, where walleye are likely to be found. Bottom bouncers help keep the bait in the strike zone while minimizing snags, ideal for fishing over rocky bottoms or areas with debris.

Worm Harnesses and Bottom Bouncers popular with Discount Tackle Walleye Anglers

1. Lindy Crawler Harness Colorado Blade
2. Berkley Walleye Rig Indiana Blade
3. Lindy No-Snagg Slip Sinkers
4. Berkly Gulp! Alive! SR Crawler
5. Pro-Cure Walleye Super Gel Scents 2 oz
6. VMC Neon Moon Eye Jig 1/4 - 1 oz. Jigheads

Conclusion

 Post-spawn walleye fishing can be incredibly rewarding, with the right approach and lure selection playing a critical role in your success. Whether you're working a suspending minnow bait through recovering fish, diving deep with crankbaits, or slowly trolling a worm harness, understanding and adapting to post-spawn walleye behavior is key. As always, safety is paramount, so be prepared for changing conditions on the water.

 For more fishing tips, techniques, and the best gear for post-spawn walleye fishing, visit DiscountTackle.com. Happy fishing, and may your post-spawn season be filled with great catches and memorable experiences!