Refined Tactics For Lakes, Rivers, & Reservoirs

River Tactics

Longline trolling is perhaps the most effective way to catch walleyes in medium to large rivers. Smaller, shallower rivers generally lack distinct key structural elements such as deep holes and large flats that attract and hold walleyes. Trolling also is more efficient on expansive flats with a fairly uniform depth. Flats on outside bends near deep holes are good spots to find walleyes searching for food. When fish are spread across large areas with subtle holding features, longlining is a good option.

According to In-Fisherman Editor Steve Hoffman, “When walleyes begin moving upstream in early to midfall, trolling is the best way to contact them. “Trolling upstream is the most popular method in most areas and usually is the easiest way to control the boat and give crankbaits maximum action at slow to moderate speeds. When I’m trolling river flats, I usually move into the current in a zig-zag pattern. This allows me to cover more water and contact walleyes scattered across the flat. I also key on any structure, such as scattered rock boulders, weeds, or slight depressions, since these edges often attract more walleyes.

“In many river sections, often current keeps your crankbaits running correctly without making a lot of forward progress. When I’m moving toward shore, or toward the river channel, I don’t move upstream so much as cross-stream. This lets me hover my crankbaits in key locations, giving walleyes more time to find the bait.

“Perhaps the biggest problem when trolling in current is boat control,” Hoffman explains. “Determining the speed that makes your bait run correctly is the most important factor for triggering river walleyes. Most anglers tend to watch their speed instead of concentrating on how the bait feels in relation to that speed.”

River backwaters also can be good if there’s room to make trolling runs. In spring, walleyes migrate upriver and downriver throughout the Prespawn and Postspawn periods. During high water, calm water in backwater locations attracts walleyes. Troll crankbaits along flooded timber and brush, positioning your crankbait close to flooded wood to draw walleyes out from cover.

Trolling downstream can be a productive way to locate and catch walleyes, too. On heavily fished rivers, walleyes may hesitate to strike crankbaits they’ve seen pass many times going the same direction and speed. Trolling with the current allows you to alter your crankbait presentation to trigger strikes. Move slightly faster than the surface current. Select the proper lure size and action to reach bottom. Bouncing crankbaits on bottom creates multiple pauses, which often trigger walleyes.

“Sound and color can make a big difference in rivers,” Hoffman says. “Sometimes, a simple color change or switching to a bait that rattles can make a difference. That’s especially true in murky water where more flash, color, and sound help fish find your lure. Not all rattlebaits, however, give off the same rattling sound, and some are better than others. Let the walleyes determine their crankbait preference.”

Reservoir Tactics

Longline trolling in reservoirs can be difficult, where depth changes constantly. Stick to longline trolling in large areas of similar depth, like flats, windswept shorelines, and riprap locations. Shoreline contours are especially productive in spring when walleyes are shallow, feeding on baitfish.