When fishing for walleye this time of year, the angler should opt for a lightweight line and live bait. The presentation needs to be slow and stealthy. The walleye are probably hungry but not enough to respond positively to an aggressive presentation.
If an angler finds a structure that is abundant in walleye, they can try trolling. A slip-sinker with a live minnow can be very effective. The speed should be kept as slow as possible in order to give the walleye time to respond.
After spawning is over and the walleye take a well deserved rest, the time for aggressive foraging begins. Sections in the stream with heavy vegetation are prime places to look. The walleye appetite is at its peak and many trophy size walleye can be found while hunting.
During early summer, Stream Walleye are unpredictable. They may be in the shallows or may be hanging in deeper sections. This time of year drift fishing the deeper areas can be just as successful as trolling the weed beds. Flexibility is the key this time of year if an angler wants to catch walleye.
Late summer brings about a more predictable pattern for stream dwelling walleye. They will stay in the deep waters throughout the day. At dusk they will venture into shallow areas as they hunt for a meal. Some of the best stream fishing happens from dusk until midnight.
Finding Stream Walleye can be a challenge. Some reconnaissance trolling may be necessary to locate the fish. A slip sinker with a minnow makes a great rig when doing initial trolling. A crawler harness can also be useful as well as a change in the bait line-up. Although minnows are top sellers with walleye, a leech or night crawler can be just as effective.
Once an angler has located the fish, they need to choose a presentation. Walleye can be picky during the summer. There is plenty of food to be had so they have the luxury of being more selective.
Live bait is usually a winner year round. A spinner blade, bottom bouncer or crankbait can be effective for appeasing the walleye palette. Again, flexibility will play a big role in catching walleye or catching slack from fellow anglers.
Streams may not be as popular with anglers as lakes and rivers. Stream Walleye are a little trickier to find and catch. An angler who is willing to change their tactics as needed may find plenty of quality walleye in the stream.