Where to Catch Nighttime Walleye in Lakes (Complete Guide)

It’s essential to pick the right locations on a lake or reservoir when walleye fishing at night.

At night in lakes, walleyes can be located anywhere from shallow flats to depths of 20 feet or more, depending on the season and conditions. While they are known to venture into the shallows, they also frequent deeper waters near ledges and drop-offs.

Where to Catch Nighttime Walleye in Lakes

Walleye fishing can be fantastic at night. While walleye typically stick to deep water during the day, they often venture into shallower waters at night as they actively chase down schools of bait.

Factors like water clarity, temperature changes, and the presence of smaller fish can impact where and how they move. Key in on schools of baitfish with your electronics. Shad, herring, perch, and shiners will be the key food source in most lakes for walleye. This is especially true at night.

Seasonal Insights: Where & When to Find Walleyes

Spring

During spring, walleye are often found in relatively shallow waters at night, typically ranging from 5 to 20 feet deep. This is mainly due to their post-spawn recovery and the availability of food. Features that attract walleye during this season include sandy or rocky substrates and structures such as underwater ridges or drop-offs.

Locations with a mix of sand and gravel near shorelines are particularly favored. Additionally, they’re drawn to areas with incoming water, like creek mouths or channels, which can bring in baitfish. Soft-bodied worms and lively minnows are irresistible to walleyes during this period.

Recommended Baits

• Rapala Shad Rap: (Size 5 or 7) – Colors: Black, Glow, or Firetiger. Works well near emerging weed beds and shallow rocky areas.
• Smithwick Rogue: (Size 4.5 inch) – Colors: Black/Chrome or Glow. Great when trolled or cast near drop-offs.
• Berkley Flicker Shad: (Size 5) – Colors: Glow or Black/Silver. Effective near transition zones.
• Northland Whistler Jig: Paired with a minnow – Color: Glow. Works well near river inlets or gravel areas.
• Rapala Husky Jerk: (Size 10) – Colors: Glow Yellow Perch or Black. Effective for suspending fish in colder water pockets.

Summer

As temperatures rise in the summer, walleye retreat to cooler, deeper waters at night, seeking depths of 15 to 30 feet or even deeper in some lakes. They are especially attracted to areas that provide cover and ample food supply. Key structures include deep weed edges, submerged humps, and deep rocky points.

Walleye also favor hard-bottom areas, like gravel or rock, where baitfish might congregate. Walleyes venture out to weed beds and shallower areas. Vibrant spinnerbaits and the wobbling action of crankbaits, which imitate distressed fish, can be particularly effective.

Recommended Baits:

• Rapala Original Floating Minnow: (Size 9) – Colors: Black/Gold or Firetiger. Effective around shallow weed lines.
• Rapala Down Deep Husky Jerk: (Size 10) – Colors: Glow or Firetiger. Great for deeper waters and drop-offs.
• Strike King Walleye Elite Banana Shad: (Size 5 inch) – Colors: Firetiger or Black Chrome. It is effective near deeper weed edges.
• Moonshine Shiver Minnow: (Size 2) – Colors: UV Bright Green or Glow Perch. Works over deep flats.
• Berkley PowerBait Rib Worm: Colors: Glow or Black. Effective around submerged timber.

Fall

In the fall, walleye can be found at varying depths at night, often between 10 and 25 feet. As water temperatures drop, walleye will follow baitfish, transitioning them between deep and shallow areas.

Key features that attract walleye during this season include underwater transitions where different types of substrates meet, like where sand meets gravel or mud meets rock. Structures such as drop-offs, nearshore humps, and rocky reefs can also be hotspots.

Proximity to underwater structures like drop-offs and submerged reefs can prove fruitful. The cooling temperatures make live bait, especially when paired with jigs, an enticing proposition.

Recommended Baits:

• Rapala Rippin’ Rap: (Size 7) – Colors: Glow Tiger or Black. Works well on rocky bottoms.
• Berkley PowerBait Power Minnow: (Size 3 inch) – Colors: Black or Glow. Effective near inflowing streams.
• Storm Thunderstick: (Size 4.5 inch) – Colors: Firetiger or Glow. Suitable for abrupt depth changes.
• Lindy Fuzz-E Grub Jigs: Paired with live bait – Colors: Glow or Firetiger. Ideal near sandy or muddy areas.
• Bandit Walleye Deep Diver: (Size 4.75 inch) – Colors: Glow Blue Tiger or Firetiger. Great near drop-offs.

Winter

During winter, especially under ice-covered conditions, walleye stay in deeper water even at night, often between 20 and 40 feet deep. Walleye do not favor the shallows during winter nights as many believe.

In fact, during winter, walleye can often be found in deeper waters as well, as they follow baitfish and other food sources. However, they’ll occasionally venture to mid-depth areas when chasing baitfish.

Regarding substrate, walleye are typically drawn to muddy areas that house various aquatic insects, a favorite snack. Key structures that attract walleye in winter include deep basins, underwater channels, and the edges of long, extending points.

Recommended Baits:

1. Rapala Jigging Rap: (Size 5) – Colors: Glow Green Tiger or Glow Red. Effective in deeper areas.
2. Lindy Frostee Jigging Spoon: Colors: Glow or Firetiger. Best for aggressive fish.
3. Bay de Noc Swedish Pimple: (Size 3) – Colors: Glow or Black Ice. Suitable near submerged structures.
4. Clam Leech Flutter Spoon: (Size 1/8 oz) – Colors: Glow or Glow Red. Good when fish are suspended.
5. Northland Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon: Colors: Glow Green or Glow Red. Attracts fish in low visibility.

Some Cool Testing: Walleye Stomach Contents

I enlisted the help of 4 walleye fishing guides operating out of Minnesota, Manitoba, Ontario, and Lake Erie to examine the stomach contents of all the walleye their boats kept over two weeks in July. Any baitfish identifiable, we assume was eaten within the last 5 hours. Anything that was mush or simply unidentifiable, we assume was eaten more than 5 hours earlier. All walleye were caught in the morning from sunrise until around mid-morning.

A total of 175 baitfish were identified from stomach contents. The baitfish were as follows:

• Open Water/Deep Water Dominant-Baitfish: Alewives, ciscos, & smelt
• Shallow-Water/Nearshore Dominant-Baitfish: Perch and bluegill

Analysis:

Out of the total partially digested baitfish examined that were still identifiable, meaning they had been eaten within the last 5 hours, 62.86% were nearshore baitfish (perch & bluegill) whereas only 37.14% were open water forage (ciscos, smelt, or alewives).

From this sample, it appears that walleyes have preference for shallow nearshore-baitfish at night and before sunset over open deep water-baitfish during these two weeks in July across these 4 locations (again Minnesota, Manitoba, Lake Erie, and Ontario. Stomach contents of walleye caught did show that walleye feed closer to shore at night than further away from shore.

Click here to learn where to catch walleye. Click here to learn where to catch daytime walleye in lakes.

Best Night Walleye Spots

Shallow Water & Flats

These areas warm up quicker than deeper zones, attracting baitfish earlier in the season. The uniformity can also allow walleye to move freely and hunt efficiently. The best depth range is between 1 to 6 feet, varying slightly based on water clarity and light penetration.

The best time of year to fish nighttime flats are late spring and early summer, just after ice-out when baitfish become active in these warmer areas. Walleye are drawn in by baitfish attracted to the warmer shallow waters.

Drop-offs, Ledges, and the Abyss

These areas serve as transitional zones where walleye can move between deeper, cooler waters and shallower feeding areas. Look for depths anywhere from 10 feet to 40 feet or more. Summer nights, when surface waters are too warm, and early fall when walleye are gearing up for winter are the best times to focus on these nightly locations.

Walleye are drawn here by varying depths, allowing them to find their preferred temperature range. Baitfish often cluster around these transitions, providing an easy meal.

Weeds

Weeds cover smaller fish and insects, which draws in a ton of gamefish like walleye. The best depth range is usually between 4 and 15 feet.

Late spring through early fall is the best time of year to fish here at night, as vegetation is the most robust. Cover, concealment, and an abundance of food options are what draws walleyes here at night.

Docks, Fallen Trees, Rocky Outcrops

These structures provide ambush points for walleye, offering shade, cover, and a habitat for their prey. The best nighty depth range will vary but can be anywhere from 3 feet to 40 feet in the case of rocks.

These spots will be great through the open-water season (spring through late fall) but calmer nights make them even better. These structures harbor baitfish, crayfish, and insects, providing a consistent food source. They also offer great cover and concealment for ambushing bait.

Critical Factors Influencing Nighttime Walleye Behavior

Water Clarity

In clear lakes, walleye tend to stay deeper during the day and move to shallower areas at night for hunting. Murky waters allow walleye to stay near the surface throughout the day. For anglers, clearer waters mean stealthier nighttime approaches, while cloudier waters require lures that stand out.

Wind & Current

Wind can activate baitfish, attracting walleye to feed. Currents move baitfish, and walleye position themselves to ambush. However, strong currents can make walleye stay deeper for shelter. Knowing wind and current patterns helps anglers predict walleye locations.

Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure, which measures the weight of the atmosphere, influences the behavior of fish, including walleye. In steady or slightly rising barometric pressure conditions, walleye tend to be more active and feed aggressively.

On the flip side, rapidly dropping barometric pressure, which usually precedes a storm or significant weather change, can have a suppressive effect walleye activity. The sudden shift in atmospheric conditions can make walleye more cautious and less likely to chase after bait, often making them hunker down in deeper waters or closer to structure.

However, just before the pressure drop, there can be a brief period where walleye feeding increases. This is believed to be an instinctual response, “feeding up” before the adverse weather hits.

Best Tips for Locating Nighttime Walleyes in Lakes

1. Thermoclines: Understand where the thermocline is in the lake. Walleye often hover near this temperature transition zone, especially during summer nights.
2. Nighttime Currents: Some lakes have subtle currents or water exchanges at night. Identify these movements as walleye often follow baitfish that they influence.
3. Oxygen Levels: In the late summer, oxygen levels can be higher in deeper waters. Using a dissolved oxygen meter can help pinpoint optimal depths.
4. Emergent Vegetation: Walleye sometimes hunt around the edges of emerging weed lines or vegetation during nighttime, leveraging the shadows for ambush.
5. Moonlight Shadow: On brighter nights, walleye might use the moon’s shadows, cast by shoreline structures or overhanging trees, as hiding spots.
6. Inlet and Outlet Points: Areas where water flows into or out of a lake can attract baitfish due to the influx of nutrients. Walleye often frequent these areas at night.
7. Sand-to-Rock Transitions: Areas where sandy bottoms transition to rocky or gravel areas can be hotspots, as walleye use these for feeding and resting.
8. Midge Fly Hatches: Pay attention to midge fly hatches. These insects often hatch at dusk, attracting small fish and predatory walleye.
9. Historical Catch Data: Keep a log of your fishing trips. Patterns can emerge about specific spots that are consistently productive at night.
10. Lake Acoustics: Sound travels differently on water at night. Listening for subtle splashes or baitfish disturbances can give away a walleye’s position.
11. Nighttime Barometric Shifts: An increase in barometric pressure post-sunset can stimulate walleye activity. Monitor atmospheric pressure changes during your fishing trips.
12. Lateral Lines Sensitivity: Walleye rely on their lateral lines at night to detect vibrations. Areas with water disturbances, like underwater springs, can sometimes concentrate food and attract them.
13. Depth Sounders: Regularly check your depth sounder, not just for fish echoes, but for temperature transitions and bottom contour changes that walleye may relate to at night.

FAQ Corner: Addressing Common Queries

Top bait choices for nighttime walleye fishing?

During nighttime angling for walleye, many anglers swear by live baits like minnows and nightcrawlers. Certain artificial lures like the Rapala Husky Jerk, Berkley Flicker Shad, and the Moonshine Shiver Minnow are popular choices.

Typically, baits measuring 2 to 5 inches yield the best results, adjusting for water depth and clarity. When night falls, shades like deep blue, inky black, and royal purple, or those with a glow or UV coat, tend to attract the most bites.

How does the moon phase influence walleye activity?

Moon cycles impact walleye behavior notably. Bright nights from a full moon can boost their night-time feeding patterns, offering prime fishing opportunities.

Conversely, walleye roam shallower areas during a new moon’s darker skies. Many anglers also note that walleyes are particularly active when the moon rises or sets, irrespective of its current stage.

Best lure colors for night fishing walleye?

Opt for lures in deep shades like forest green, inky black, or rich purple when fishing for walleye at night. These create a noticeable outline in moonlit waters.

Additionally, lures that emit light or have a shimmer, like those in glowing or shiny gold and silver finishes, can be especially enticing to walleyes during low-light situations.

How to ensure safety during night fishing for walleye?

For a safe nighttime walleye fishing experience, always don a life vest and utilize a dependable lighting device, like a lantern or headlight, to brighten your area.

Let someone know where you’re heading and when you plan to return. Additionally, stay aware of other vessels and steer your boat carefully to avoid hazards.

Do walleye move shallow at night?

Walleye tend to shift towards the shallows when night sets in. They transition from the depths to shallower zones, using the low light conditions to their advantage while hunting. This movement pattern offers a prime opportunity for fishermen to catch them in less deep areas at night.

What time of night is best for walleye?

The periods immediately following sunset and sunrise are ideal for catching walleye. These are the moments when walleye are hunting and move towards shallow areas. Though their activity can reduce as the night goes on, the beginning hours of darkness are usually the most rewarding for fishermen.

What attracts walleye at night?

During nighttime, walleye are lured to regions rich in small fish. Their sharp vision, suited for dim settings, aids them in spotting and pursuing meals. The lack of light and decreased watercraft movement encourages them to enter shallower zones.

Do walleye move shallow at night in winter?

Walleye do not necessarily favor the shallows during winter nights. In fact, during winter, walleye can often be found in deeper waters as well, as they follow baitfish and other food sources. The winter walleye distribution varies based on various factors including the specific water body, available food, and other environmental conditions.

Conclusion

At night, walleyes shift from the depths to shallower waters to hunt baitfish, influenced by water clarity and temperature variations. In spring, post-spawn walleyes frequent 5-20 feet depths, attracted to sandy or rocky terrains with incoming water.

They’re found in cooler, deeper waters of 15-30 feet or more during summer nights, near food sources like deep weed edges and rocky points. They typically roam between 10 and 25 feet by fall, tailing baitfish migrations.