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Targeting Walleye During the Spawn: A Beginner’s Guide to Spring Success
April 14, 2025

Targeting Walleye During the Spawn: A Beginner’s Guide to Spring Success

Spring marks the beginning of walleye spawning season, typically from March to May depending on your location’s water temperatures. To maximize success, use technology like fish finders, GPS mapping, and sonar to pinpoint spawning grounds. Understanding their behavior and bait preferences can help new walleye fishermen capitalize on this exciting season. In this blog, we’ll explore where walleye go during the spawn and break down three highly effective baits—jigheads tipped with bait, suspending minnow baits, and soft plastic baits—to help you land more fish.

Seasonal Behavior

During the spawn, walleye seek out specific habitats to lay their eggs, often moving into waters as shallow as 2-10 feet. Look for rocky or gravelly shorelines, river mouths, or reefs, where the substrate provides ideal conditions for egg deposition. In lakes, focus on points or drop-offs near spawning flats; in rivers, target slower-moving sections or eddies near gravel bars. Having good electronics on your boat will make finding these locations much easier. Water temperature is key—walleye typically spawn when it hits 40-50°F, so a thermometer can be a handy tool. Low-light conditions, like dawn, dusk, or overcast days, boost walleye activity, as they’re light-sensitive and more likely to feed or strike during these times. Always check local regulations, as some areas impose restrictions to protect spawning populations.

Here are three go-to baits for targeting walleye during this productive season:

1) Jigheads Tipped with Bait

A 1/4 to 3/8 oz jighead paired with live bait, like a minnow, leech, or nightcrawler, is a classic walleye setup. The jig’s versatility lets you fish it in various ways—cast and retrieve, drift with the current, or vertically jig near the bottom. Work it slowly along rocky or gravelly spawning areas, using gentle twitches to mimic a struggling baitfish. The live bait’s natural scent and movement are irresistible to walleye, especially males guarding nests. Use a sensitive rod to detect subtle bites, as spawning walleye can be cautious. Bright colors like chartreuse or orange work well in stained water, while natural hues shine in clearer conditions.

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2) Suspending Minnow Baits: 

Hardbaits like Rapala Husky Jerks or Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows excel at mimicking the wounded baitfish walleye love. These lures “suspend” in the water column, staying in the strike zone longer during pauses. Cast them near spawning grounds—think rocky points or shallow reefs—and use a stop-and-go retrieve: a few quick jerks followed by a pause. The sudden halt often triggers strikes from walleye defending their territory. In colder spring waters, keep retrieves slow to match the fish’s sluggish metabolism. Choose sizes (3-5 inches) and colors that mimic local forage, like shad or perch, and fish during low-light periods for best results.

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3) Soft Plastic Baits: 

Soft plastics, such as minnow imitations, curly-tail grubs, or worm-style baits, are deadly when rigged on a jighead or drop-shot setup. These lures shine in clear water, where walleye rely heavily on sight to feed. Bounce a jigged plastic along gravel beds or swim it slowly through spawning flats to imitate a fleeing minnow. For drop-shots, position the bait just above the bottom to tempt suspended walleye. Natural colors like white, smoke, or pearl work well, though brighter options like chartreuse can stand out in murky conditions. Vary your retrieve—try short hops or a steady drag—to find what triggers bites. Adding a scent to your soft plastic presentation is highly recommended. We suggest Pro-Cure Walleye Super Gel Scents as they stay on your bait longer and it's made with real ingredients! 

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Conclusion

To boost your odds, leverage technology like sonar to identify structure, fish finders to spot walleye holding near spawning sites, and GPS to mark productive spots for return trips. Fish during low-light periods and keep presentations slow and deliberate, as spawning walleye can be selective. Pay attention to water clarity and weather—stable conditions often yield better bites than post-frontal days. A medium-light spinning rod with 6-10 lb test line offers the sensitivity and strength needed for these baits. Respect the fishery by handling fish carefully, especially females heavy with eggs, and consider releasing them to ensure future populations. With these tips and baits in your arsenal, you’re well-equipped to hook into spring walleye and build confidence on the water. Find everything you need at the best prices right here at www.discounttackle.com

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