Several years ago, some friends and I hooked a few walleye on topwater lures while night fishing for bass. We were so intrigued that we’ve since been targeting ’eyes with topwaters when conditions allow, making for a fun and effective change from traditional walleye tactics. And with this technique, you’ll almost certainly also get a mixed bag of bass, panfish and perhaps the odd muskie. Not only that, you’ll be surprised at the savagery of the strikes.
Timing: In order for you to catch walleye on the surface, the fish need to be holding near the surface. This means fishing the cooler waters of May, or heading out on evenings during the summer and on into the fall turnover. Because of the walleye’s light-sensitive eyes, the bulk of your topwater action will be after dark or on extremely overcast and choppy days.
Location: When walleye are shallow, they still like the safety of nearby deep water, so target shoals and bays near drop-offs or channels. If there are weeds and pronounced weed edges lining the area, all the better. Another good area, particularly on Shield lakes, is a steep rock face dropping into deep water. It’s often possible to hook fish after fish if a school of walleye is on the prowl. In rivers, meanwhile, they’ll move out of deeper holes and into shallow pools below rapids at night. Find a slick area of smooth water and the walleye will be there. READ MORE….