Understanding Walleye Spawning: When, Where, and How to Fish
Spring marks an exciting time for anglers across the Midwest—the walleye spawning season. It’s one of the best opportunities of the year to catch these elusive fish. But to really capitalize on the season, you need to understand the behavior, habitat, and patterns of spawning walleye. Whether you're fishing in the Great Lakes or your local river, this guide breaks down when, where, and how to target walleye during their spawn—and how to keep reeling them in after it’s over.
What Happens During Walleye Spawning Season?
Walleye are known for their unique springtime behavior. As ice-out occurs and water temperatures rise, they begin their annual spawning ritual. This migration typically happens between late March and early May, depending on your location.
The Science Behind Walleye Spawning
Walleye spawn at night, with females laying eggs over rocky or gravel bottoms. Males arrive at the spawning grounds first and wait for the females. A single female can lay up to 500,000 eggs, which are left to develop without parental care. Understanding this behavior helps anglers know where and when to find fish congregating.
How Water Temperature Triggers Spawning Behavior
Water temperature is a key trigger. Walleye typically begin spawning when water reaches 42 to 50°F (5.5 to 10°C). Keep an eye on the thermometer—once temps hit that sweet spot, the action kicks off. This makes early spring scouting essential if you want to stay ahead of the game.
Best Locations to Fish During Walleye Spawning
Knowing where walleye go to spawn gives you a serious advantage. Look for shallow, rocky areas with good current or wave action. These are prime spots for spawning activity.
Rivers vs. Lakes – Where Do Walleye Spawn?
Walleye favor different environments based on their ecosystem. In rivers, they migrate upstream to gravel bars, current breaks, and dam tailwaters. In lakes, focus on rocky shorelines, windblown points, and creek inlets. Both provide the right mix of oxygenation and substrate for egg development.
Mapping Out Spawning Grounds in the Great Lakes
In the Great Lakes, major spawning grounds include river mouths like the Detroit River, Maumee River, and Fox River, along with rocky reefs in Lake Erie and Lake Michigan. These are some of the best places to fish for spawning walleye, especially in early to mid-April.
How to Fish for Walleye During the Spawn
Spawning walleye can be aggressive, but they aren’t always feeding. That means your presentation matters more than ever.
Best Lures & Baits for Spawning Walleye
Go with jigs tipped with minnows, twister tails, or paddle-tail plastics. Stickbaits like Rapalas and Husky Jerks also shine in shallow water. The goal is to trigger a reaction strike—subtle, slow retrieves tend to outperform fast-moving baits.
Live Bait vs. Artificial – What Works Best?
Live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers is unbeatable in cold water conditions. However, artificial lures offer convenience and can cover more water quickly. If the bite is tough, try vertical jigging with a live minnow. If they’re active, cast and retrieve plastics along the shallows.
Post-Spawn Walleye Fishing Strategies
Once spawning wraps up, walleye shift their behavior and location—but the bite doesn’t have to end.
Where Walleye Move After Spawning
Post-spawn, walleye often move to deeper water or transition zones like drop-offs, mid-depth flats, and submerged structure. Males may linger in spawning areas a bit longer, but females typically head to cooler, deeper areas to recover.
How to Adjust Your Fishing Techniques for Post-Spawn Walleye
Switch up your strategy with trolling or slow-drifting techniques. Try using bottom bouncers, crawler harnesses, or crankbaits to cover more water. Focus on depth changes, weed edges, and sunken rock piles, especially as the water warms.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the walleye spawning season is about more than timing—it’s about strategy. From reading water temperatures to picking the right gear, knowing when and where to fish for spawning walleye can make or break your early-season trips. Whether you're on a Great Lakes shoreline or working a riverbed in the Midwest, these tips will help you hook more fish when it counts.
Tight lines from all of us at Schelk Outdoor—see you on the water!