Columbia River Walleye Fishing Strategies

The Columbia River is a great place for walleye fishing. There are some walleye fishing strategies that will help any beginning or experienced angler catch some fish out on the river. You just need to know the bait, water conditions, seasons and technique.

The fishing is only as good as what you can make it. Even though the fish are found in many areas of the river, you still have to make your presentation and keep your cool when you get a bite. The walleye is not a large fish, but they sure can put up a fight.

Bait is just one of the important things you need to know about when fishing for walleye in the Columbia River. You should use the right bait for the right conditions. You can use a lure, but it should be something that can be seen or felt easily by the fish. Chartreuse with glowing eyes works very well in murky water conditions.

If you want to use a jig and a minnow, make sure that you catch the minnows from the same water. The size of the minnow will be determined by the season. Different seasons require different size bait.

Technique is another important thing to consider when you are walleye fishing. Besides the bait, you have to know how to present the bait to the fish. You can troll, drift or cast to present the bait to the walleye. In most scenarios, anglers prefer to troll and move the bait in a small area to see if they get any strikes. Drifting is another way, but then again, you have to be very patient.

Casting is another way to present the bait, but this can only work if you know where the fish are located. The best way to fish this river is with a slow troll.

Seasons are another consideration when you fish for walleye. Every season means another way of presenting the bait and the quantity of the bait you present.

Spring is when the fish are spawning and will take smaller minnows. Summer and fall months will mean you can present larger minnows. Winter fishing is medium size bait. The bait during the colder months should be presented as close to the zone as possible. The walleye do not move very fast and like the bait to come them. Every season will present a different way of fishing.

Water Conditions are another consideration. You need to assess the water conditions. This means clearer water, murky water, slightly strained water as well as water temperatures. How the fish feed and move is determined by the temperature of the water and the weather conditions. If the sun is bright, the fish move deeper. If the day is overcast, you find the walleye nearer the shallows of the shoreline. You need to know the temperature and water condition to select the right area to fish. Ideally, you want to fish on an overcast day with a slight breeze.

Gear is important as far as rod and reel are concerned. The best rod for one person may not be the right one for another angler. Most will prefer a six-foot length, graphite rod with a spinner reel.