By Bob and Ginny Riege

With above normal spring temperatures the water temperature inches ever so slowly upward, an alarm within the walleye’s biological clock goes off, spurring the fish to begin an upstream migration in many rivers.

To a hardcore walleye fanatic, there’s nothing quite like the spring river walleye run. For many anglers it offers the first fishing fling of the year, so they are really primed. Yet high expectations are sometimes dashed, because spring fishing can be some of the most inconsistent of the year.

Fact is, spring river walleye fishing is all too often a boom or bust affair. Most of the fish are not actively feeding, most of the time. And if you apply the same old techniques to the same old situation, you often end up with the same old results – no fish.

As a cold water period progresses, walleye numbers usually begin to build within a mile of a dam and, perhaps, as far downstream as 5 to 8 miles. In fact, that’s one of the keys to early river fishing. You have to realize that fishing location isn’t static. Once the “upper river” stretch, the fish often make periodic up or downriver movements by weather and water conditions and that has a bearing on the presentation method.

Actually, I should say that there are always walleyes in the upper river stretch. Many of them move into this area in the spring of the year. Some walleyes partake of a fall run as well. Others, move in and stay in this area during the entire fishing season. In fact, some of the most overlooked river fishing of the year occurs during the time when many anglers exchange their rod for a gun. The fall migration may not be as intense as in the spring but there’s definitely less fishing pressure to contend with, and that often translates into great fishing . Fishing throughout the winter can also be good, providing adequate water is flowing.

As spring water temperatures climb to around 34 degrees male walleyes become active and begin moving around checking out rock/ruble spawning areas in shallower river stretches. This is the first definite pre-spawn activity. Depending upon how rapidly the water warms, males remain in this “checking-out phase” for about 1 to 3 weeks, at which time the females also begin showing signs of activity. Assuming that the water temperatures rise slowly through the spring, spawning begins when the water reaches about 45 degrees. Both males and females inhabit the vicinity of rock/ruble areas. Interestingly, while the walleyes in large rivers generally turn off at this time, the fish in many small to medium rivers often continue to feed.

When the spawning ritual is complete, these battered and exhausted fish move to the deepest structure of the lake to rest for four to ten days. After the rest period, the walleyes are eminently hungry and that’s when they move back to their spawning areas and the early spring action is at its best.

Crankbaits especially Rapalas are very effective since they show up better than standard colored lures. One of the best lures that I use is the Rattlin’ Rapala. This not only gives off bright color, but also adds the additional sensory attraction of sound.

Because most river walleyes do not suspend, I attach my Rattlin’ Rapalas to leadcore line. This gives me an in line weight that takes the lure right to where the walleye is. I will use this method even while trolling in shallow water. Most anglers would think that you would get more snags by doing so, but it still keeps the bait in the strike zone. You will have to monitor and adjust such things as speed and length of line let out, but again you want it where the walleyes are. Also troll upstream with this approach. This will enable you to have fewer snags, plus it puts the offering in front of the walleyes nose as he faces into the current to eat.

Look for structure that the fish use as ambush points or places to hide, out of the current. Such structure might be logs, weeds, rocks or boat docks. All of these make excellent casting points to target while fishing from shore. If you are in an area that allows you to have two poles out, use a rod tipped with live bait and the other rod with an artificial lure. If you position your live bait adjacent to the structure, you can use the artificial lure to entice a fish to follow and have them hook up on your live bait rig.

We have discussed the spring spawning patterns of walleyes, so now the fisherman must use their knowledge and skill to boat several of these hungry fish. Keep in mind that you must have an exact knowledge of the spring weather patterns so when you arrive at the lake you wish to fish, you know what stage the spring spawn pattern is at. If you hit a late spring and the fish are still spawning or in the rest stage, you can still catch fish, but you will work harder for fewer fish.

So don’t miss the walleye run this year. From all signs that might be sooner than you think.