Fishing for Western Walleyes

Fishing for Western Walleyes is alive and well! The West is known for its trout fishing in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. However, walleyes are getting more attention as local anglers change their fishing habits in pursuit of old marble eyes.

One reason for their increased popularity is that walleyes are becoming more widespread. Traveling anglers and native fishermen alike are clamoring for more walleye waters, and so more walleyes are planted in waters that once supported only trout. As a result, many fishermen have discovered that they'd rather fish for walleyes than trout or other game fish.

The big thing about walleyes is that they are one of the best tasting fish in fresh water, rivaling panfish in mildness and flavor. Of course, walleyes are a whole lot bigger than any panfish.

The reason for their large proportions is that Western walleyes see fewer fishermen, so they have a chance to reach respectable size. How large? Well, in the West, walleyes of 10 pounds or larger are commomplace; in the Midwest walleye belt, a fish that big is the fish of a lifetime.

In water's such as Washington's Columbia River, it takes a 15 pound walleye to draw much attention and there are bigger fish to be found in scattered reservoirs all through the West.

Walleye Fishing Reservoirs

Many of these walleye-holding reservoirs are in remote areas, such as Fort Peck Reservoir in Montana or Lake Roosevelt in Washington. Yet other, smaller reservoirs are close to population centers. Two biologists that were shocking fish in Cherry Creek Reservoir in Denver recorded two walleyes that were larger than the current world record of 22 pounds 11 ounces. Other lakes and rivers have big fish as well.

If you look at state records, you'll find that Western records rival those of the midSouth, which is currently the home of the two all-tackle contenders. The difference in the fisheries is that walleyes in the West are far more abundant. Hit the right place on the right day and 100 fish catches are possible. Of course, those kind of catches are of smaller fish.

Not all reservoirs or lakes in the West contain walleyes. California, western portions of Washington, and Oregon (except for the Columbia River drainage), western Montana and northern Idaho are devoid of walleyes. But the rest of the West is their transplanted home range.

Taking into account the variety of climates, it's difficult to pick one time when the fishing is good everywhere. Late spring is the optimum time to target walleyes, whether its June in the North or March farther south, because they are feeding heavily after the spawn.

Fall, when the fish make a false migration upstream, is another excellent time. The heat of summer usually drive the fish deeper and they get a little fussy about what they'll hit.

Walleye Fishing Techniques

Tackle for Western walleyes does not need to be subtle. Without the intense angling pressure of Midwestern fisheries, western fish will readily chase big, moving baits. Trolled crankbaits such as the Rapala Shad Raps can trigger aggressive bites.

A key presentation is to slowly troll spinner harnesses tipped with nightcrawlers, leeches, or minnows. Because trolling is made for big flats, many reservoirs in the West have just such structure. Where current is present, fishermen often troll crankbaits upstream and use electric trolling motors to pull spinner harnesses downstream.

Jig fishing is also a very productive alternative. Use round-head jigs in sandy, gravelly bottoms and change to stand-up jigs on rockier bottoms. Tipping a jig with fresh bait such as a piece of nightcrawler, leeches, or minnows can often turn an unproductive day into a real success story.

A technique that is gaining favor in the West is using both blade baits and jigging spoons for walleyes. Blades and spoons are both deadly on walleyes when they're suspended, tightly schooled in deep water, or when they're holding tight to well-defined structure.

Regardless of the techniques you use on Western walleyes, fishermen will find that walleye opportunities abound in Western waters and are some of the best in the country. Relatively few fishermen, lots of waters, and abundant walleyes. Can you think of a better reason to go fishing?