Fish Activity Level—Walleyes in a Natural Lake in Central Minnesota

Coldwater Period (Spring)

Water Temperature: Warming Slightly from Annual Minimum

General Fish Mood: Neutral

In northern parts of the walleye range, prespawn movement may begin at the end of the Frozen Water Period, making the Spring Coldwater Period scarcely distinguishable. A Coldwater Period may occur in years with early ice-out, however. And in more southern walleye waters, the spring Coldwater Period begins with the first rise in the thermometer accompanied by lengthening days.

This period is one of staging before movement to spawning areas begins or after staging areas are reached. Walleyes move from deep offshore humps to shallower structure, particularly along shorelines with points, rockpiles, and other features that provide cover and attract prey. In reservoirs, walleyes gather in holes at the mouths of tributaries or in deep channel areas in the lower portions of creeks, which provide spawning habitat.

Prespawn Period

Water Temperature: Upper 30°F Range to Low 40°F Range

General Fish Mood: Neutral

Fish concentrate near spawning grounds, generally rock-gravel substrate in windswept or current-swept shallow water. Schooled fish can mean fine fishing. The length of the period varies with local weather trends.

Spawn Period

Water Temperature: 43°F to 52°F

General Fish Mood: Neutral to Negative

This is usually a short period because female walleyes commonly drop their clutch of eggs in one night. Walleyes don’t all spawn in the same place or at the same time, however. With fish instinctively focused on spawning rather than feeding, fishing often is fair at best.

Postspawn Period

Water Temperature: Low 50°F Range

General Fish Mood: Neutral to Negative

This is a recuperation and dispersal period. Walleyes often move from shallow to deep water and may begin moving far from spawning areas. Smaller males may linger in and around spawning areas longer than females. Generally a tough fishing period because walleyes are scattered, moving, and usually not feeding aggressively. Look for fish in the best available cover along breaks near spawning sites. Concentrations of baitfish or other forage also begin attracting walleyes.

Presummer Period

Water Temperature: Mid-50°F Range to Low 60°F Range

General Fish Mood: Neutral to Positive

Walleyes begin regrouping in areas that offer abundant prey. Many patterns develop, depending on local habitat and other environmental factors. Walleyes may be shallow or deep, relating to timber, weeds, drop-offs, or rockpiles. Bodies of water begin taking on distinct personalities, with localized versions of walleye behavior.

Summer Peak Period

Water Temperature: Mid-60°F Range to Low 70°F Range

General Fish Mood: Positive

Walleyes regroup, feeding aggressively and competitively in those areas in which prey abounds. Grouped and aggressive fish may mean some of the year’s finest fishing both by day and night. Lakes often seem alive with fish activity.