Fishing the Elusive Walleye in Wyoming

Wyoming walleye are elusive creatures that like to hid out in any rock or sandy bottom water surface. Colder water temperatures are preferred but they tolerate the warmer waters that summer and fall bring. Anglers chase after this creature mainly for its presentation on the dinner table.

Walleye are thought of as the most tasteful fresh water fish around. The white, flaky meat that comes from walleye provides for some of the best post fishing expedition meals an angler could ask for. Just as anglers are not picky about how their walleye is served, walleye are not picky about what goes in its mouth.

A good rule of thumb is that if it moves, the walleye are interested in eating it. Deeper water levels provide the perfect opportunities to strike on unsuspecting prey. They can jump in and snatch the food up virtually undetected.

During the warmth of the summer months, walleye tend to reside closer to the water surface. Ideal fishing times are sundown to midnight.

One of the greatest things about walleye fishing in Wyoming is all the natural lakes and reservoirs available. Overall, Wyoming offers up roughly 300,000 acres of water that comprise 4,200 lakes in the state. Add to this an additional 27,000 miles of rivers and it is easy to see why Wyoming ranks as a walleye hot spot.

Other walleye hot spots in Wyoming is going to be anywhere there is suitable vegetation available. This is going to be present in lakes and reservoirs. Here any weeded area is sure to be hiding a walleye or two. The bottom surface is mostly hard gravel.

Favorite walleye spots in Wyoming come from many of the major lakes. These include Bighorn Lake and Ocean Lake. Another hideout spot are the numerous water reservoirs found in Wyoming. Some include Boysen Reservoir, Glendo Reservoir, Grayrocks Reservoir and Seminole Reservoir.

The record walleye catch was 17 pounds, 7 ounces and made in Boysen Reservoir. Seasons Change The key to successful walleye fishing in Wyoming waters is knowing where they are hiding during each season of the year. Start with springtime which finds walleyes heading for shallow waters. This signals the start of spawning season. Walleye are drawn from the lakes and reservoirs into feeder streams. Actually, any clean bottom surfaced area in shallow waters is suitable. Ideal bait choices are small crank baits, jigs and plastic worms.

Wyoming walleye seem to prefer the calmness of lakes and reservoirs to the fast paced action of rivers. Ideal spots in these bodies of water are large sand flat areas. As spawning season comes to a close in May, walleye will hang out in the open on top of the bottom surfaces. Males especially prefer sticking around the spawning sites to feed after others have moved on. Capitalize on this by creating the perfect rig setting. Use a live bait with a weight level set at distances suitable for the water clarity levels. For clear water, six to eight feet of space between the two should be sufficient. Murkier waters may call for at least 30 inches in distance points.

Once walleye have been located, go in with minnows or other small live bait. Let the jig fall below the water surface and linger for a moment or two before pulling it back up. This will catch the attention of the resting walleye.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Get more information on Walleye fishing in Wyoming here: