Walleye will usually attempt to stay deep in the water, so be sure that the jigs you are using have enough of a bb weight of some type to sink into the water; and that the jigs are a bit colorful so the walleye will be sure to see them. Also, be sure to use jigs that won't swivel or twist too much.



A good tip to remember with your lure or jig is that "if you don't feel it on the bottom" you aren't going to catch that walleye. However, when it comes to your boat, use a trolling motor, and if possible go into the wind or the river's current. This decreases the noise as well. You don't have to have a huge engine or fast boat to catch those walleye in the Central Basin.

Of course, you have to have patience and give the walleye time to get adjusted to the jig or lure being on the bottom. As they get used to the jig they will then of course presume it is food and therefore attempt to eat it. When this happens and you feel that initial tug, don't yank your rod. Instead slowly reel, and then when you know the walleye is virtually trying to swim away from you and the boat, it is hooked. This is the time to reel it in.

There are strategies for various times of year too. In these situations, fishing the Central Basin for walleye is usually best in the early months of spring. One strategy that has proven successful too is the temperature of the surface water.

If the water is less than fifty degrees the walleye seem to like body bait rather than sick bait. However, once the water temperature does change and get warmer, the walleye like the lures better as bait. So, in all fairness this is a good strategy to keep in mind as well. When the conditions are set just right, it is possible to catch literally dozens of huge, adult walleyes in a single day. Although keeping a limit on what an individual catches is a good idea too.

When walleye are feeding they will hit a variety of lures. Trolling with spoons, crank baits, and worm harnesses are probably the most popular fishing strategy for catching walleye. Everyday is not the same for walleye, so keep an open mind when you are trying to get walleye to bite. When you find out what they are biting, then actually use that lure more and fish at that depth with other lines.

Amazingly, for many fish anglers the best strategies are learned while fishing for walleye. Some people think it's from experience while others disagree.

Strategy sometimes has to be based on the surrounding area and where exactly the walleye are. Don't overlook a plump night crawler or a jumbo leech pulled behind a Rainbow Spinner.