Mastering Night Fishing for Walleye: Strategies and Best Baits

By: FishUSA Staff

April 21, 2025

Walleye are known for their exceptional night vision, making night fishing one of the best times to catch them. While they can be elusive during the day, walleye become more aggressive and move into shallow waters under the cover of darkness. This guide covers where to find walleye, the best lures, bait, and techniques to help you land more fish at night.

Why Night Fishing for Walleye is Effective

Where to Find Walleye at Night

Best Lures for Nighttime Walleye

Best Live Bait for Night Walleye Fishing

Best Gear Setup for Night Walleye Fishing

Tips for Catching More Walleye at Night

Best Weather Conditions for Night Walleye Fishing

Conclusion

Why Night Fishing for Walleye is Effective

Walleye have a special layer in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which enhances their ability to see in low-light conditions. This gives them an advantage over baitfish and makes them more active at night.

Less Fishing Pressure: Fewer anglers fish at night, reducing competition.
Shallower Water: Walleye move from deep water into shorelines, weed lines, and rocky points at night.
Better Strike Rate: Walleye become more aggressive under low-light conditions, making them easier to catch.

Where to Find Walleye at Night

At night, walleye move closer to shore, often hunting in areas where baitfish are concentrated. Focus on these key locations:

1. Rocky Shorelines and Points

Walleye use rocky areas to ambush prey. Cast parallel to the shoreline and retrieve your lure slowly.

2. Shallow Flats

Walleye roam shallow flats in search of baitfish. Look for water 3 to 8 feet deep with gradual depth changes.

3. Weed Edges and Drop-offs

Baitfish often gather around weed edges, attracting walleye. Target areas where vegetation meets open water.

4. Bridges and Dams

Structures like bridges and dams create natural funnels for baitfish, making them prime spots for nighttime walleye.

5. River Current Breaks

In rivers, walleye position themselves behind current breaks such as boulders, sandbars, and bridge pilings.

Best Lures for Nighttime Walleye

Walleye rely on their sense of vibration and contrast at night. Choose lures that create movement and stand out in low-light conditions.

1. Jerkbaits

Best For: Covering shallow flats and rocky shorelines.

Retrieve Tip: Use a slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses.
Best Colors: Black, purple, and silver.

Shop Walleye Jerkbaits

2. Shallow-Diving Crankbaits

Best For: Fishing near drop-offs and rocky areas.

Retrieve Tip: Use a slow, steady retrieve to allow the bait to create vibration.
Best Colors: Firetiger, chartreuse, and blue.

Shop Walleye Crankbaits

3. Glow-in-the-Dark Jigs

Best For: Jigging in deeper water and along weed edges.

Retrieve Tip: Lift and drop the jig to create a fluttering action.
Best Colors: Glow white, green, and orange.

Show Walleye Jigs

4. Soft Plastic Swimbaits

Best For: Fishing along weed lines and structure.

Retrieve Tip: Use a slow, steady retrieve to mimic a swimming baitfish.
Best Colors: Dark colors with UV highlights.

Shop Walleye Soft Plastic Swimbaits

5. Spinner Rigs

Best For: Trolling along flats and drop-offs.

Retrieve Tip: Use a slow, steady trolling speed to keep the blades spinning.
Best Colors: Chartreuse, red, and gold.

Shop Walleye Spinner Rigs

Best Live Bait for Night Walleye Fishing

Live bait can be highly effective at night, especially when walleye are less aggressive.

Live Minnows: Hooked through the lips on a jighead or under a slip bobber.
Nightcrawlers: Used on a spinner rig or slow-dragged on a jig.
Leeches: Ideal for fishing with slip bobbers in shallow water.

Best Gear Setup for Night Walleye Fishing

1. Rod and Reel

Rod: Medium-light to medium-power spinning rod (6’6” – 7’6”).
Reel: Spinning reel with a smooth drag system.

2. Fishing Line

Braided Line (10-15 lb test): Best for fishing jigs and swimbaits.
Fluorocarbon Leader (8-12 lb test): Provides invisibility and abrasion resistance.

3. Lighting and Safety Gear

Headlamp: Essential for rigging baits and handling fish.
Navigation Lights: Required if fishing from a boat.
PFD (Personal Flotation Device): Always wear a life jacket at night.

Tips for Catching More Walleye at Night

Fish Slow: Walleye prefer a slow, steady retrieve at night.
Use Dark or Glow Colors: Black, purple, and glow baits stand out in low-light conditions.
Stay Quiet: Sound travels farther at night, so avoid excessive noise.
Pay Attention to the Moon Phase: Walleye are more active during full and new moons.
Watch for Baitfish Activity: Walleye will be near schools of baitfish.

Best Weather Conditions for Night Walleye Fishing

Cloudy Nights: Reduce shadows and help walleye feed more aggressively.
Light Wind: Creates water movement, making baitfish easier for walleye to ambush.
Stable Barometric Pressure: Consistent conditions improve feeding activity.

Conclusion

Night fishing for walleye is one of the best ways to catch big fish while avoiding daytime fishing pressure. By using the right lures, targeting key locations, and fishing at a slower pace, you can maximize your success. Whether you’re casting crankbaits along rocky points or jigging with live bait near weed lines, nighttime is prime time for catching trophy walleye.

Shop Walleye Fishing Gear & Tackle

Walleye Spinning Rods

Walleye Trolling Rods

Walleye Soft Baits

Walleye Hard Baits

Walleye Jigs

Walleye Vertical Jigging