Win In The Wind For Walleye
Walleye are often active when there’s a breeze blowing. Wind is responsible for creating a “walleye chop” — prime fishing conditions of small to moderate waves, which stimulate walleye feeding. There are often more boat control demands when it’s windy, but the effort tends to be worth it as breezy days regularly produce some of the best walleye fishing of the season.
WHERE TO FISH WHEN IT’S WINDY
As a general rule, fish the windward side of walleye feeding areas. Waves diffuse light and stir up sediment. Increased water currents also shake baitfish and invertebrates out from hiding among vegetation, sunken wood and rocky bottoms.
Ever the opportunists, walleye become active in wind-blown areas on lakes and rivers, taking advantage of the prime feeding conditions. Good locations to try are shorelines, points and offshore structures comprised of gravel and rock, as well as flats containing cabbage, milfoil and other vegetation.
Tip: Stay vigilant, monitor the weather and stay safe when fishing in windy, rough water. Be prepared to act fast and leave if conditions worsen and bad weather approaches.
HOW TO CATCH WALLEYE ON WINDY DAYS
Covering water with moving baits is a reliable strategy for catching big, aggressive walleye in windy conditions. Finesse tactics may be required during tough bites (e.g., winds associated with high barometric pressure and clear blue skies), but slow, finesse presentations are generally a last resort when wind is blowing across your favourite walleye lake.
THE BEST BAITS FOR CATCHING WALLEYE IN THE WIND
Food shelves near deep water are great places to catch walleye when it’s windy. In spring, this often means fishing in less than 10 feet. Casting a size 5 or 6 Rapala Shad Rap is very effective this time of year. Though, you’ll want some of the heavier Shad Rap RS on hand for casting into the wind.
A size 10 or 12 Husky Jerk is another excellent springtime lure for working wind-blown shorelines, shallow rock structures and flats. As temperatures warm, erratic jerkbaits, like X-Raps and RipStops, become more relevant.
Working jigs is a sure bet for putting fish in the net during a walleye chop. Snap-jigging a Moontail Jig or Bucktail Jig through vegetation will trigger aggressive strikes from active walleye, for instance.
Double-hooking a minnow on a Hard Ball jig is an excellent presentation when walleye need extra convincing. This presentation is potent in spring. It also a good strategy for on waterbodies where fish receiving heavy angling pressure.
Trolling is another reliable technique for windy conditions. In spring, pulling a Shad Rap, Husky Jerk or Original Floater over shallow grass beds, across rock reefs and along shorelines will put walleye in the boat.
As temperatures warm, trolling a spinner rig outfitted with a nightcrawler becomes increasingly effective. The new TechSet Spinner Indiana Floating Harness and TechSet Spinner Colorado Harness are two great options. Pulled behind a bottom bouncer, these premium spinners readily catch walleye. Additionally, a TechSet Spinner flat-line trolled with a small bullet weight through wave-hit shallow zones will put fish in the boat.
DON’T MAKE IT HARD ON YOURSELF WHEN IT’S WINDY
Fishing in windy conditions demands more concentration and effort versus during calm weather, so look for ways to stack the odds in your favour on windswept waters. For instance, using high-vis fishing line can improve strike detection. An excellent choice for this is the Neon Lime colour of ProMix Braid or Advance Monofilament.
Staying organized is critical when it’s windy. You want to be able to handle tasks quickly and get back to fishing asap. If you haven’t already, get some of the new RapStack Tackle Trays, the ultimate containers for lure storage and tackle management (more details: here). Installing a Magnetic Tool Holder and using a Retractable Lanyard are other simple ways to keep essential items within reach.
Walleye regularly go on the chew when it’s windy. Keep the above tips in mind the next time there’s a “walleye chop” rolling across your favourite lake, and you’ll be sure to put plenty of fish in the boat.