How to Catch Walleye

Mastering the drift

How to catch walleye? How about a strategy that reaches back generations? A strategy that works better today than ever because of technology and some good old fashioned know how. The simple strategy that works time and time again is drifting.

Fantastic quantities and countless trophies have been caught drifting for walleye. There is an old adage. If the wind is from the east, the fish bite the least. When the wind is from the west, the fishing is the best! It is amazing how often this rings true.

A “good walleye chop” has its name for obvious reasons. It is a wind speed that is roughly 10 miles per hour and causes waves that are about one foot. These waves scatter the suns rays and stir up the water which causes the fish to become more active. You must match the weight of your jig or slip sinker to make sure you are on the bottom with your bait. Choose your bait accordingly.

If the wind gets up stronger than that, it is a good idea to try to slow your movement down. This can be accomplished with a “drifting anchor or sock”. A drift anchor is like a parachute that you put into the water and slows the drift of your boat.

It reduces the speed of your drift by expanding and filling with water. Keep in mind, if your presentation is too fast for walleye, they won’t bite. A drift anchor is a great invention, and it allows you to keep your bait in the strike zone longer. The drift anchor is becoming more popular all the time. Keep it in mind while walleye fishing.

If you are drifting down a river and the current is too fast again you can use a drift anchor. Another strategy however is to turn the bow of the boat into the current. Use your electric motor to help manage the speed of your boat. A good indicator is looking at your line as it extends past your rod tip. If it enters the water “flat”, you are probably drifting too fast. On the other hand, if your line enters the water on a sharper angle, you are probably in the right zone. This is something you will have to experiment with somewhat, while you are on the river. Just remember to get your lure down to the bottom!!

Mastering the drift gives you a big advantage while walleye fishing in Canada. If you can nail the right speed, it allows you to present your bait in the right manner. It also allows you to cover a whole bunch of ground while keeping your lure in the strike zone for the maximum amount of time.

Get this skill in your arsenal and you will greatly increase your chances of success. Now you know how to catch walleye while drifting.

Thanks for reading.

Good fishing.

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