Top Drifting Techniques for Catching Walleye: Tips for Success

Catching walleyes while drifting is one of the most effective and rewarding fishing techniques, particularly in larger bodies of water like lakes and rivers. This method allows anglers to cover more water, making it easier to find active fish. Drifting with live bait or lures provides a natural presentation that appeals to walleye, helping increase your chances of success. In this article, we’ll cover the essentials of drifting for walleye, including the best techniques, tips, and tools you need to master this approach.

Drift Fishing Fundamentals

Drift fishing is a popular technique used by many anglers to catch walleye and other species. To master drift fishing, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals of this technique.

Drift fishing involves allowing your boat to move naturally with the wind or current while presenting your bait or lure in a way that mimics the natural movement of prey. This method is particularly effective for catching walleye because it covers a larger area and presents the bait in a more lifelike manner, increasing the chances of a bite.

One of the key aspects of drift fishing is controlling your drift speed. Using tools like a drift sock or an electric trolling motor can help you manage the speed and direction of your drift, ensuring your bait stays in the strike zone longer. This is crucial for targeting walleye, which often prefer a slower, more deliberate presentation.

Another important factor is the type of bait or lure you use. Live bait such as minnows, nightcrawlers, or leeches are highly effective for walleye, as they provide a natural scent and movement that attract fish. Alternatively, artificial lures like jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics can also be used, especially when you want to cover more water quickly.

When setting up for a drift, position your boat upwind or upstream from your target area. This allows you to drift naturally over the spot where walleye are likely to be feeding. Pay attention to the depth and structure of the water, as walleye are often found near drop-offs, submerged rocks, or weed beds.

By mastering the fundamentals of drift fishing, you can increase your chances of catching walleye and other species. This technique allows you to present your bait in a natural, enticing manner while covering a larger area, making it a highly effective method for fishing in various conditions.

Why Drifting Works for Walleye

Walleye are known for being elusive, often preferring to stay in deeper water or near structures like drop-offs, submerged rocks, or weeds. Drifting allows you to present your bait naturally and cover a larger area without disturbing the fish, making it an ideal technique for locating walleye in varied fishing environments. Here’s why drifting works:

• Natural Presentation: Drifting mimics the natural movement of baitfish, making it more enticing to walleye. They are more likely to bite when they perceive the bait as part of their natural environment.

• Effective in Larger Areas: Drifting allows you to cover a wide range of depths and areas, increasing your chances of finding where walleye are feeding at any given time.

• Minimal Disruption: Unlike other fishing techniques that may require a lot of casting or jigging, drifting is relatively passive and does not disturb the water too much, which can be crucial in clear-water conditions.

What You’ll Need for Drifting

To get started with drifting for walleye, you’ll need the right gear and equipment. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

1. Fishing Rod and Reel

• Rod: Use a medium or medium-light spinning rod that is around 6-7 feet long. This allows for easy control and long casts while still providing sensitivity to feel bites.

• Reel: A spinning reel with a smooth drag system is ideal for drifting, as it helps with long, controlled drifts and minimizes the risk of line tangles.

2. Fishing Line

• Line Type: Monofilament or braided line works well for drifting. Monofilament is more stretchable and can absorb shocks, while braided line provides better sensitivity and strength.

• Line Weight: Choose a line weight between 6-12 pounds for walleye. The line should be strong enough to handle the fish without being too heavy, which could spook the fish.

3. Drift Sock or Drift Anchor

A drift sock or drift anchor is a tool that helps slow down your boat’s drift, giving you more control over your bait and ensuring it stays in the strike zone for longer periods of time. Drift socks, which are funnel-shaped devices, create resistance in the water, allowing for smoother and slower drifts during fishing. This is especially important if you’re drifting in a current or with wind.

4. Terminal Tackle

• Hooks: Walleye typically bite on hooks in the range of 1/0 to 4/0, depending on the size of the bait you’re using.

• Weights: Use bottom bouncers or split-shot sinkers to help your bait stay at the desired depth while drifting. These weights allow you to feel the bottom and keep the bait where walleye are feeding.

• Swivels: Swivels are essential for preventing line twist, which can occur when drifting with a lure or live bait.

5. Bait and Lures

• Live Bait: Walleye are known to be attracted to live bait like minnows, nightcrawlers, or leeches. These baits can be attached to a hook or used with a slip-sinker rig to drift naturally through the water. Anglers often find that the same live bait used for walleye can also attract rainbow trout, making it a versatile choice for fishing enthusiasts.

• Artificial Lures: If you prefer using lures, try jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastics. These lures should mimic the movement of baitfish and can be effective when drifting for walleye.

Techniques for Drifting for Walleye

Drifting for walleye can be done in several ways, depending on the conditions, water depth, and the specific location where you're fishing. Here’s how to approach drifting for maximum success:

1. Set Up Your Drift

To start drifting, position your boat upwind or upstream from the area you want to fish. This allows the boat to drift naturally over the targeted spot. Make sure you have a good understanding of the depth and structure in the area, as walleye are often found near drop-offs, rocky structures, or submerged weeds. Focused fishing efforts, such as timing your drifts and adjusting your techniques based on environmental conditions, can significantly enhance your catch rates.

• Using a Drift Sock: If you need to slow your drift, deploy a drift sock or anchor to slow down the boat and give your bait more time to sink into the strike zone.

• Positioning the Boat: Ensure that the boat drifts over the targeted fishing area, especially around deeper structures or drop-offs. Adjust your drift angle as needed based on wind direction and water current.

Troll with Live Bait Using an Electric Trolling Motor

Live bait is a great option when drifting for walleye. Here’s how to set it up:

• Hooking the Bait: Hook your live bait (such as a minnow or nightcrawler) through the lips or back to allow it to swim naturally. Use a sliding sinker or bottom bouncer rig to allow the bait to move naturally with the current.

• Depth Control: Adjust the sinker weight to help your bait reach the desired depth. The bait should be at or near the bottom of the lake, where walleye are typically feeding.

3. Troll with Lures

Artificial lures like jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastics can be very effective for drifting walleye. Here’s how to use them:

• Jigs: Use a jig with a soft plastic tail or live bait for a more natural presentation. Cast the jig ahead of the boat and let it drift through the water. Use a slow, steady retrieve to mimic the movement of a baitfish. Pay attention to lure drops to match the fish's feeding habits and maintain a tight line to feel the bites as the lure descends.

• Crankbaits: Choose a crankbait that dives to the depth where walleye are feeding. Cast the crankbait and let it drift while occasionally giving it a slight twitch to simulate a struggling fish. When the lure hits the water, lock the bail immediately and start a countdown to control the lure's depth, detecting bites when the lure feels heavier during the retrieve.

• Soft Plastics: Soft plastics can be used on a jighead and drifted through the water, mimicking the movement of baitfish or worms.

Watch the Depth and Drift Speed

When drifting, it’s important to keep an eye on the depth of the water and the position of your bait. If your bait is too shallow or too deep, walleye may not bite. Use a fish finder to monitor water depths and adjust your drift accordingly to ensure your bait stays within the optimal range. Adjusting your bait depth to match water currents and conditions can help you catch more fish.

5. Maintain Boat Control

When drifting in windy or current-prone areas, maintaining boat control is critical. Use your drift sock or anchor to help control the boat’s speed and direction. If you’re drifting too fast or too slow, adjust the size of the drift sock or change the weight of your sinkers to maintain an effective presentation.

Best Places to Drift for Walleye

To maximize your success when drifting for walleye, it’s essential to know the best locations to fish. Walleye prefer certain structures and areas, so here’s where to focus your efforts:

• Drop-offs and Points: Walleye are often found near drop-offs, points, and ledges where deep water meets shallow areas. These areas provide plenty of food sources and shelter.

• Submerged Structures: Look for submerged rocks, trees, or other underwater structures. Walleye often use these areas to ambush prey, making them prime spots for drifting.

• Weed Beds: In lakes with vegetative growth, walleye can be found near weed beds where they hide and hunt for baitfish.

• Shorelines: During certain times of the year, walleye move closer to shore to feed. Drifting along the shorelines of lakes and rivers can be an effective way to target these fish.

• Lake Erie: Lake Erie is a prime location for walleye fishing. Techniques such as using nightcrawlers effectively, applying specific rod movements, and utilizing unique fishing weapons can enhance your chances of attracting walleye in Lake Erie waters.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of drifting for walleye can significantly improve your fishing success, allowing you to cover more water and target fish at the optimal depths. By using the right equipment, choosing the right bait, and focusing on areas where walleye are most likely to be, you can increase your chances of landing a big catch. Drifting allows for a natural bait presentation that appeals to walleye, making it one of the most effective techniques for fishing in deeper waters.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to drift for walleye? Early mornings and late evenings are typically the best times to drift for walleye, especially during their feeding periods. Spring and fall also tend to be prime seasons.

2. Do I need a fish finder to drift effectively? While a fish finder is not essential, it can be helpful for locating fish and determining the depth of water.

3. Can I drift for walleye in shallow waters? Yes, you can drift for walleye in shallow water, especially during dusk when they move from deeper waters to feed. Shallow reefs and productive feeding grounds are also crucial during the spawning season.

4. What’s the best bait for drifting for walleye? Live minnows, nightcrawlers, or leeches are great choices. Artificial lures like jigs and crankbaits can also be effective.

5. How do I keep my boat in position while drifting? Use a drift sock or an anchor to slow down your boat and control your drift. This ensures your bait stays in the strike zone for longer periods.