Walleye Fishing 101 in the PNW

Ted Beach is a seasoned walleye fisherman whose methodical approach and deep understanding of fish behavior have made him a respected voice in the Pacific Northwest angling community. With years of experience representing Mack's Lure as a Pro Staff member, Ted has built a reputation for not only consistently finding and catching walleye but also for teaching others how to do the same.

Walleye fishing in the Pacific Northwest offers anglers an exciting opportunity to chase one of the region’s most sought-after gamefish. If you are new to walleye fishing in the Pacific Northwest, this guide will give you some tips to help in finding and catching the elusive walleye.

The Columbia River offers world-class, year-round walleye fishing. Anglers frequently catch walleye ranging from 2 to 15 pounds and some even bigger. But before you hit the water, it’s important to understand their life cycle, feeding habits, preferred habitat, and the best times to target them.

Where to Find Walleye

So, first, let’s talk about possible walleye locations. Walleye hang out near the bottom in 15–30+ feet of water, preferring areas with scattered boulders, gravel bars, and sandy flats. Scattered cobble is a prime location. Oftentimes, what you see along the shoreline above the water is mirrored below it making it a useful visual tool to help locate productive fishing zones. These patterns hold across the region, whether you’re fishing the Snake River, reservoirs like Lake Roosevelt, or other impoundments created by dams.

When to Fish

The best time to fish for walleye is anytime because you can’t catch a fish if your line isn’t in the water. Still, seasonal trends can improve your success:

• Spring (pre-spawn and post-spawn): Fish move shallow and feed actively.
• Summer: As water temperatures rise, walleye tend to move deeper. Windy days often called “walleye chop” can be especially productive.
• Fall: As temperatures drop, walleye feed heavily in preparation for winter and return to the 20–30 foot range.
• Winter: Deep structure is the best place to find walleye. Walleye also tend to forage in shallower water during early spring and gradually move deeper as water temperatures rise.

What Walleye Eat

What do walleye eat? The answer depends on the body of water. In the Columbia River, there is a large shad run, while in Lake Roosevelt, there is no shad. Walleye are considered piscivorous, meaning they primarily eat other fish. They also feed on crawfish, worms, leeches, freshwater clams, and aquatic insects. Understanding the available food source in your fishery can make a big difference in your success.

Understanding the Walleye Life Cycle

To become a better angler, it helps to understand the fish itself. The walleye life cycle consists of five main stages: eggs, larvae, fry, juvenile, and adult typically spanning 15–25+ years for females and 10–15 years for males. Spawning occurs in early spring when water temperatures reach approximately 42–46 degrees.

Walleye are broadcast spawners, meaning they release eggs and sperm over rocky, gravelly, or sandy bottoms in rivers and lakes. Unlike some species, they do not build nests. A large female can deposit over 100,000 eggs, which are fertilized by one or more males and left unattended. The eggs have a sticky coating that allows them to attach to rocks and vegetation, hatching within 7 to 26 days. Survival rates are low, as fry are often eaten by other fish and predators such as birds.

Bringing It All Together

Everything discussed here can be applied across the Pacific Northwest whether you’re fishing rivers, reservoirs, or dam impoundments. The fundamentals remain the same: understand the structure, know the forage, and adjust with the seasons.

Now you have a solid foundation of walleye knowledge. In the next “Mack Attack,” we’ll dive into what equipment and tackle to use and how to use it effectively.

In the meantime, if you’ve never fished for walleye, consider booking a trip with an experienced guide. One day on the water can teach you the who, what, where, when, and how of catching walleye.

Until next time stay safe and keep a tight line.