Walleye
Best Lures for Walleye
About Walleye in Missouri
Considered more of a northern fish, Missouri has a population of walleye in most of its major reservoirs. Unlike other Missouri fish though, be careful, this fish has teeth. Ouch! The walleye is brown to brownish green in color with dark markings along the sides and has a white spot at the bottom of the tail fin. The eyes are also different, almost translucent looking.
In the spring as the water warms towards the 50° mark, walleye will start to make their spawning runs to shallow water. During this time, check the windy flats in the coves that have gravel or rock bottoms. The actual spawn though usually takes place at night.
During summer and fall, walleye will return to the main lake. During these times of the year, fish deep points around structure such as rocks, boulders, trees, etc. In early morning, evening, and on overcast days, these fish may venture to the shallower water. Using fishing tactics from the north, and some Bass techniques, would probably work well on these fish.
As far as winter goes, walleye spend most of their time in deep water during this time of the year.
As a note: Don’t overlook the sauger, a close cousin to the walleye. Similar in appearance, sauger are a bit more slender than walleye and don’t grow as large. The Sauger also does not have the white spot at the bottom of the tail. Another difference is that Sauger will be found in rivers and streams, whereas the walleye will be found in lakes. To catch Sauger, use the same techniques you would use to catch Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.