In the summer, walleye will start to move out to deeper water and they can usually be found near some type of structure such as main lake humps, points with sharp drop-offs, irregular breaklines and large flats near deeper water. Deeper weed lines, reefs and large mud flats are some of the best places to fish for summer walleye. Because walleye like colder water and they are sensitive to light, typical summer weather will force them into deeper water throughout the day. On days with a chop on the water and cloud cover, you will find more fish in the shallows, but once that sun comes out, head towards deeper water. Early morning, evenings and nights are great times to catch walleye on shallower water mud flats, humps, points and along shorelines with weed growth. Walleye have great vision in low light conditions and they will make use of it by targeting bait fish in shallower water.
When fishing during the summer, a depth finder is one of the most important tools you can have on the boat. It might take some time to search before you find a good spot, but it will be time well spent. Find some deeper water that has shallow water nearby and you should find some fish. You could end up fishing the mud flats, humps, a point or a 35 foot drop off. Let your locator dictate where you fish. Find the bait fish and you will find some walleye. Trolling with crankbaits on leadcore line and bottom-bouncing spinner rigs are a couple of great ways to target walleye in deep water during the summer. Vertical jigging is also a good option if you can find some fish on your fish finder.
Fish Early & Late
As water temperatures warm up in the summer time, the fishing gets harder during the middle of the day. Get out there early and fish late and you’ll catch more fish.
Cover Some Water To Find Fish
You may need to get out there and do some trolling to help you find the schools of active walleye. Once you find them, you may do better if you drop the jigs and live bait down.
Fish Deeper
A lot of walleye will move to their deeper summer hangouts once water temperatures warm up into July on most bodies of water up north. Plan on fishing deeper. You may find walleye anywhere from 20 to 40 feet deep during the summer.
Nightcrawlers & Leeches Hold Up Better
Depending on the water temperatures, nightcrawlers and leeches may be the better option over minnows because it’s a little harder to keep your minnows lively for longer when water temperatures are a lot warmer.
