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SALT LAKE CITY — If you haven’t caught a walleye in Utah, right now is one of the best times to try. Minimal food during the winter, spring spawning and overcast weather make April and May ideal months to catch walleye. Here are a few tips to help you land a walleye this season.
Where to catch walleye in Utah
Utah has many bodies of water that offer walleye fishing including Deer Creek Reservoir, Cutler Reservoir, Bear River, Lake Powell, Starvation Reservoir, Utah Lake, Willard Bay and Yuba Reservoir.
“Walleye spawning season in Utah varies by reservoir,” said Chris Penne, an Aquatic Biologist for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). “It can begin as early as late February to mid-May and has already begun at Willard Reservoir and Yuba Lake. It’s expected to begin any day at Utah Lake and occurs in early May for higher elevation lakes.”
During spawning season, walleye move in-land and can usually be found in depths from 1 to 20 feet where the lake bottom has a rocky, cobble or gravel terrain. The rocky, grainy, uneven surface provides better protection for eggs from predators.
Prior to heading out, contact the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to learn lake specific spawning restrictions, as well as good lake specific walleye fishing areas. DWR is divided into regions so be sure to contact the correct region for the lake you intend fish.
When to fish
Walleyes typically feed during low light conditions. Anglers will have better success fishing 30 minutes before sunrise to a few hours after as well as a few hours before sunset until just after dark.
If you fish for walleye outside of these times, try fishing at areas deeper than 20 feet. Walleye also tend to be more active during poor weather conditions. Windy (5 – 15 mile per hour wind), choppy and overcast conditions are often when walleye bite the best.
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Fishing setup
The right fishing equipment leads to better success, but can be hard on your wallet. Buying all new equipment isn’t necessary to land your first walleye — it's likely that your current set up will work fine. Every angler has an opinion about poles, reels, lines, lures and baits. Feel free to share your tips on the comment board.
Rod & Reel
Walleye bites can be very light so a fast and sensitive rod is recommended. However, a balanced medium action rod and reel is a great set up that will get the job done and also serves as a great all around combination for a variety of fish species.
Line
Thin, strong fishing line commonly referred to as "super line" is recommended for walleye fishing. Super lines consist of more than one line that is either fused or braided together creating a stronger and thinner line compared to the traditional monofilament line. A 6 to 8 pound super line should be sufficient for Utah walleye.
Lures
Jigs, crankbaits, slip-sinkers, spinners and soft plastics are all effective lures for catching walleye. A good all-around lure for walleye fishing is a white, twister tail, soft plastic on a 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jig.
Using a lure that mimics the walleye prey species may increase your odds of catching one. Walleye in Deer Creek Reservoir typically target perch. To learn the prey species of the lake you are fishing, contact the DWR. Not only can they help with the prey species, but they can offer information about which lures and baits anglers are having success using.
Bait
Once you have your fishing pole set up, tip your jig with bait. Earthworms, wax worms and spikes (maggots) are all great walleye bait options. While it is against the law in Utah to use live baitfish, many lakes allow dead baitfish such as perch, shad or bass to be used while fishing. Baitfish regulations vary by lake so be sure to check lake regulations before tipping the hook with baitfish.
Fishing technique
An effective technique for walleye fishing is an active jigging pattern. Cast your line and allow the jig to sink to the bottom. Once on the bottom and with the pole sticking straight out in front of your body, pivot the pole tip up 2 to 3 feet and back down, creating slack in the line. Reel in the slack and allow the jig to sink back to the bottom.
Repeat this sequence until you have reeled in the jig or until you feel a bite. If you feel a fish bite, then pull up to set the hook. Again, anglers have a variety of fishing techniques — please share yours on our comment board.
Have fun and be patient whenever you’re learning to catch a new species. You may have to take a couple of trips to land your first walleye, but stick with it. They are fun to catch and taste great as well.
