Walleye

Idaho may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of walleye fishing, but the Gem State has some great opportunities to catch these delicious fish. Although limited lakes and reservoirs, it is still worth targeting these delicious and exciting fish. Here are some tips and tricks to help you hook the big one on your next trip.

Where to Go Walleye Fishing in Idaho

Idaho has only 5 lakes for walleye fishing with four of the lakes (Ririe Reservoir, Oakley Reservoir, Oneida Lake, and Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir) in the south and southeast corner of the state.

- Lake Pend Oreille: Located in the northern part of the state, this large lake has excellent walleye fishing with fish averaging around 2 to 4 pounds.

- Oneida Lake: Located in the Southeast corner of idaho

- Ririe Reservoir: Located in Eastern Idaho outside of Twin Falls

- Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir: Located in southern Idaho, this reservoir is a popular spot for walleye fishing with fish averaging around 2 to 3 pounds.

- Oakley Reservoir (Lower Goose Creek): Located in South Central Idaho, a popular spot for Walleye where the current state record at 17.88lbs was caught.

- Outside of Idaho: The Columbia River Offers some great Walleye fishing just a stone’s throw from Coeur d'Alene around the Grand Coulee Dam. Some of these areas offer limits on 8-16 fish per day which can easily be achieved during the peak season. (The Fish in the picture came from one of these areas and was about 15 lbs)

When to Go Walleye Fishing in Idaho

Walleye fishing in Idaho is best during the spring and fall, when the water temperatures are cooler. During the summer months, walleye can be found in deeper waters during the day and shallower waters during the early morning and late evening hours. In the spring, walleye move into the shallower waters to spawn, making it an excellent time to target them.

Tips for Catching Walleye in Idaho

1. Use the Right Gear: Anglers should use light and sensitive rods with fast-action tips to detect the light bites of walleye. Spinning reels with a high gear ratio are also recommended. Braided line with a fluorocarbon leader is an excellent choice for walleye fishing.

2. Focus on Structure: Walleye love to hang out near structure such as drop-offs, rock piles, and weed lines. Look for areas where the bottom composition changes, and depth drops off quickly.

3. Use Live Bait: Walleye prefer live bait such as minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers. Trolling with a crawler harness or using a jig head with a minnow or leech is an effective way to catch walleye.

4. Experiment with Lure Colors: Changing the color of your lure can make a huge difference in walleye fishing. Bright colors work best during low light conditions, while natural colors work best during the day.

5. Pay Attention to Weather: Walleye fishing is best during overcast or cloudy days. Fishing can also be excellent during times of low light, such as early mornings and late evenings.

6. Note walleye are extremely sensitive to scents, getting the wrong smell on your bait will lead to a very slow day (hint sunscreen)

7. One of the most effective setups I have found for trolling Walleye is a bottom walker followed by a smiley blade and a night crawler. Make sure to have a variety of weights to target the different depths depending on season and water temperature.

Conclusion

Walleye fishing in Idaho is a great way to spend a day on the water. Knowing where to go, when to go, and how to catch walleye will improve your chances of having a successful trip. With a little knowledge, patience, and the right gear, you can hook the big one!