Rainy River Spring Walleye Fishing How To | Jason Mitchell | Video

Spring walleye fishing on the Rainy River. Epic catch and release walleye fishing that many anglers cherish. This is one of the best opportunities in Minnesota for catching a 30-inch or bigger class walleye. We spot-lock current seams and cast jigs and plastics. The 1/4 ounce Northland MVP Jig paired with an Eye Candy Paddle Shad is a deadly river walleye combo. We share a lot of info for finding and catching walleye on the Rainy River. Observations for this spring include low water with little runoff. Visibility when we fished the river was about 2 to 3 feet which is clean for a spring river. A big tool for breaking down water fast is side imaging and then using spot lock to hold upstream or across from fish where the fish can be cast at. Dragging jigs upstream is also very deadly on the Rainy River. Because the current velocities are so much lower this spring, we found that you do have to compensate with your speed and jig stroke to give the jig and plastic action. When the stars align on the Rainy River, this is some of the best walleye fishing in the Midwest for anglers simply wanting to catch a lot of fish with the potential for some giant fish. 

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Best Places to Fish for Walleye in Minnesota and Tips to Be Successful

Minnesota, known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," is a paradise for anglers, especially those targeting walleye. As the state fish of Minnesota, walleye are highly sought after for their delicious flavor and challenging fight. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, Minnesota offers some of the best walleye fishing opportunities in the country. Here’s a guide to the best places to fish for walleye in Minnesota and tips to help you reel in a trophy catch.

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Top Walleye Fishing Destinations in Minnesota

1. Lake of the Woods
   Located on the northern border of Minnesota, Lake of the Woods is a walleye hotspot. Known for its vast waters and abundant walleye population, this lake offers year-round fishing opportunities. The southern shore, around Zippel Bay and Morris Point, is particularly productive. Ice fishing here is also legendary, with thousands of anglers flocking to the lake during the winter months.

2. Mille Lacs Lake
   Mille Lacs is one of Minnesota’s most famous walleye fisheries. This large lake is known for its clear waters and healthy walleye population. The rocky reefs and shallow flats are prime spots for walleye, especially during the spring and fall. Night fishing during the summer can also yield impressive results.

3. Leech Lake
   Leech Lake, located near Walker, Minnesota, is another top destination for walleye anglers. The lake’s diverse structure, including weed beds, rocky points, and deep basins, provides excellent habitat for walleye. Walker Bay and Stony Point are popular areas to target.

4. Lake Vermilion
   This scenic lake near Tower, Minnesota, is known for its crystal-clear waters and excellent walleye fishing. Lake Vermilion’s numerous islands, bays, and rocky shorelines create ideal conditions for walleye. Focus on areas like Big Bay and Pike Bay for the best action.

5. Upper Red Lake
   Upper Red Lake has made a remarkable comeback in recent years and is now one of the top walleye fisheries in the state. The lake’s shallow waters and expansive flats make it a great spot for both open-water and ice fishing.

6. Rainy Lake
   Located on the Canadian border near International Falls, Rainy Lake offers a remote and pristine walleye fishing experience. The lake’s rocky structures and deep basins are perfect for targeting walleye, especially during the summer months.

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Tips for Successful Walleye Fishing

1. Timing is Key
   Walleye are most active during low-light conditions, such as early morning, late evening, and nighttime. During the summer, night fishing can be particularly productive. In the spring and fall, walleye move into shallower waters, making them easier to target.

2. Use the Right Gear
   A medium-action spinning rod or baitcasting rod paired with 6-10 lb. test line is ideal for walleye fishing. Use live bait like minnows, leeches, or nightcrawlers, or opt for artificial lures such as jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics.

3. Master the Jigging Technique
   Jigging is one of the most effective techniques for catching walleye. Use a 1/8 to 1/4 oz. jig head tipped with a minnow or soft plastic and bounce it off the bottom. Vary your retrieve speed and cadence to entice strikes.

4. Troll for Walleye
   Trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs is a great way to cover large areas of water and locate active fish. Use a depth finder to stay in the walleye’s strike zone, which is typically near the bottom.

5. Pay Attention to Water Temperature
   Walleye prefer water temperatures between 45°F and 68°F. In the spring, they move into shallow waters to spawn, while in the summer, they often retreat to deeper, cooler areas. Adjust your fishing depth accordingly.

6. Fish Structure and Cover
   Walleye are structure-oriented fish. Look for them near rocky points, weed edges, drop-offs, and underwater humps. Use a fish finder to locate these areas and increase your chances of success.

7. Be Patient and Persistent
   Walleye fishing can be challenging, so patience is key. If you’re not having luck in one spot, don’t be afraid to move around and try different techniques or locations.

8. Follow Regulations
   Always check Minnesota’s fishing regulations before heading out. Walleye limits and size restrictions vary by lake, so make sure you’re in compliance to help preserve this valuable fishery.

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Conclusion

Minnesota’s lakes offer some of the best walleye fishing opportunities in the world. From the vast waters of Lake of the Woods to the scenic beauty of Lake Vermilion, there’s no shortage of places to chase this prized fish. By following these tips and exploring these top destinations, you’ll increase your chances of landing a walleye and creating unforgettable fishing memories. So grab your gear, hit the water, and enjoy the thrill of walleye fishing in Minnesota!

Unlocking Mid-Winter Walleyes: Expert Ice Fishing Tips with Jon Thelen | Video

 

In this exciting episode of Destination Fish, Jon Thelen tackles the unique challenges of catching mid-winter walleyes. As the ice season progresses and fishing conditions change, walleyes become more selective and their behavior shifts. Jon shares proven strategies, gear tips, and techniques to help you stay on the bite and turn a slow mid-winter day into a productive one. Whether you’re fishing on big water or smaller lakes, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your walleye game. Section 1: Understanding Mid-Winter Walleye Behavior Jon begins by breaking down the seasonal changes that make mid-winter walleye fishing different:

 

States with Walleye Fishing Seasons and The Top 20 Ranked

Many states allow year-round walleye fishing, but some enforce seasonal closures. The following states have established walleye fishing seasons and regulations:

• Midwest & Great Lakes: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio
• Plains & West: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado
• Northeast: New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Maine, West Virginia
• South & Other Regions: Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina

Top 20 Ranked States for Walleye Fishing

This ranking is based on factors like fish populations, trophy potential, angler access, and fishing success rates.

1. Minnesota – Home to legendary walleye waters like Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, and Leech Lake.
2. South Dakota – Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, and the Missouri River offer world-class fishing.
3. North Dakota – Devils Lake and the Missouri River produce consistent big catches.
4. Wisconsin – Green Bay, Lake Winnebago, and the Wisconsin River are prime spots.
5. Michigan – Saginaw Bay, Lake Erie, and the Detroit River provide exceptional walleye action.
6. Ohio – Lake Erie’s Western Basin is one of the best walleye fisheries in the world.
7. Montana – Fort Peck Reservoir is famous for its trophy walleye.
8. Iowa – The Mississippi River and Spirit Lake offer great walleye opportunities.
9. Nebraska – Merritt Reservoir, Lake McConaughy, and the Missouri River hold quality walleye.
10. New York – Lake Erie and Oneida Lake are top walleye fisheries.
11. Illinois – The Illinois River and Lake Shelbyville produce strong walleye numbers.
12. Pennsylvania – Lake Erie, Pymatuning Reservoir, and the Allegheny River offer great fishing.
13. Indiana – The St. Joseph River and Brookville Lake provide solid walleye populations.
14. Colorado – Cherry Creek Reservoir, Chatfield Lake, and Pueblo Reservoir.
15. Wyoming – Boysen Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir are walleye havens.
16. Missouri – Stockton Lake and Lake of the Ozarks have solid walleye populations.
17. Kentucky – The Cumberland River tailwaters provide overlooked walleye fishing.
18. West Virginia – Tygart Lake and Cheat Lake hold decent walleye numbers.
19. Tennessee – Norris Lake and Dale Hollow Reservoir offer deep-water walleye fishing.
20. North Carolina – Lake Fontana and Hiwassee Lake have small but healthy walleye populations.

 by WalleyeTelevision.com staff

How to FIND and CATCH Walleye on Midwinter Structure | Video

 

Wondering where all the walleyes went? First ice is an exceptional time to target big and large numbers of walleyes, but we all know that the early season walleye bite doesn’t last forever. Follow Jon Thelen as he explains some key tips on finding and catching walleyes as they move to midwinter structure.