Walleye fishing: 4 mistakes to avoid

When you purchase via our links, we may earn a commission. Read more.

Walleye fishing is one of the most popular activities in Quebec, attracting anglers eager for thrills and great catches.

But even the most experienced anglers can fall into certain traps that can compromise their success on the water.

Today, we're going to highlight the most common mistakes made by walleye anglers and look at solutions to avoid them. The aim is to help you maximize your catching opportunities on your next fishing trip.

Mistake No. 1: Excessive drilling

One of the most common problems for winter walleye anglers is excessive drilling in one area.

The noise generated by drilling can frighten walleyes away, reducing your chances of success.

To avoid this, it's essential to bear in mind that walleyes don't like noise, which is why they often gather far from areas frequented by boats in summer.

When ice fishing for walleye, avoid drilling too many holes.

Photo by: exploreminnesota.com

The solution to this mistake is simple: avoid disturbing the fish by chasing them relentlessly.

If the walleyes don't bite, give them time and come back later to try your luck again. Take breaks between drilling and enjoy the peace and quiet to increase your chances of attracting walleyes.

Mistake No. 2: Fishing where there are no fish

Another common mistake among walleye anglers is to fish in areas where there are no fish.

For example, fishing too far from the bottom with crankbaits or jigs can greatly reduce your chances of success.

Walleyes tend to stand close to the bottom to feed, so it's essential to keep your lures close by.

To avoid this mistake, be sure to keep your lures close to the bottom. Unless your echo sounders tell you otherwise.

Sonnar (echosounder) showing walleye higher than the seabed.

Photo by: themeateater.com

Fishing close to the bottom can increase your chances of attracting walleyes, which often feed at this height.

Mistake #3: Not looking at the tip of the rod

One aspect often overlooked by walleye anglers is not paying close attention to the tip of their rod.

Walleyes may bite very delicately or simply swim with the bait without taking it completely. By keeping a close eye on your rod tip, you'll be able to detect these subtle touches and react quickly to hook the fish.

To avoid this mistake, keep an eye on your rod tip at all times.

Walleyes can be shy in their attacks, and extra vigilance will ensure that you don't miss any delicate touches.

Mistake 4: Fishing in non-productive areas

Finally, it's crucial not to insist on non-productive areas.

If your sonar isn't picking up many fish, it may be time to move to another spot. Sometimes, walleye can be present but reluctant to bite.

In this case, it's best to look for another spot where the walleyes might be more active.

To avoid this mistake, be proactive in your movements. If you don't see many fish on your sonar, don't hesitate to explore other areas to increase your chances of finding active walleye ready to bite.

By keeping these mistakes in mind and applying the suggested solutions, you'll be better prepared to face the challenges of walleye fishing and greatly increase your chances of success on the water. Happy fishing!

Author

    by
  • Fishing 101

    Fishing enthusiast who loves to explore and learn. I like to try out new tricks and share what I discover with other anglers. On peche101.com, you'll find my tips, techniques and anything else that can make our passion even more exciting.

Copy link