Fishing for walleye in crystal, clear lakes can be very frustrating. Walleye can be found in 5 feet of water early in the morning, late in the evening and throughout the night, but during the day, these same fish can be found in water as deep as 20 to 50 feet. Fishing with light line is a must when fishing in clear water. Using light action fishing rods with lighter line will help you get more bites. Experienced walleye anglers will often use 4 to 6 pound fluorocarbon line in clear water. Fishing at night is also key to consistently catching walleye in real clear water, especially on lakes with tons of fishing pressure.
Use Light Line
Using lighter line is key to getting more bites in clear water, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is out. Use 4 to 8 pound test line and you’ll get a lot more bites.
Use Fluorocarbon Line
Fluorocarbon line is close to invisible under water, so rigging your spools with fluorocarbon line or at the very least, a fluorocarbon leader will help you catch a lot more walleye in clear water.
Use Natural Colors
Natural-colored baits appear more realistic in clear water. Stay with natural colors that closely resemble what the walleye are actually eating and you will get more bites.
On Sunny Days, Fish Deeper
On sunny days, walleye will usually be found deeper. Depending on the time of year and the body of water you’re fishing, you may be anywhere from 15 to 35 feet of water.
Fish Low Light Conditions
Low light conditions will usually offer better fishing. Whether that’s cloud cover or fishing early in the morning or late in the evening. You can usually find more walleye in shallower water during low light conditions as well.
Live Bait Can Help
In clear water, most walleye anglers wouldn’t leave the dock without live bait. A live nightcrawler, leech or minnow may be needed to fool them into biting.
Fish at Night
Night fishing will usually provide the best fishing opportunities when fishing for walleye in clear water. If you are struggling on a clear water lake that is known for good walleye fishing, you may just have to start fishing at night if you want to catch walleye consistently on that body of water.
