When do the walleye spawn. I have heard that they go by water temp,I would believe they go by season. Last year at this time the walley's were in spawn mode at the provo boat harbor with water temps in the mid to upper 40 degree range. This year up until this week there was ice on the main lake off the west jetty. I was there this afternoon and the harbor still was ice capped but the main lake was ice free not including the provo bay. I would imagine the lake temp would be in the upper 30 degree range right now. Does water temp bring on the spawn or the amount of sunlight trigger the spawn. Thanks for any help you can provide in the catching of these tasty critters.
[signature]
[cool][#0000ff]There are several factors that influence walleye spawning. The first is water temperature. The mid 40's seem to be the triggering range. The second is hours of daylight. The third can be moon phase. When all of the right conditions come together, that is when they spawn. And there can be differences each year. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Over the years since I began fishing walleyes in Utah, back in the early 60's, I have observed a wide range of variations. In the days when you were still allowed to fish in the rivers, I have seen walleyes up in the Provo in late February, and actively spawning by early March. I have also seen years when they did not even come in until late March or spawn until mid April.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are different conditions and different spawns just about every year on Utah Lake. The warming water stimulates the eggs to finish ripening, but actual spawning will only take place when the fish find the right conditions of temperature and spawning structure. And, different water levels around the lake can change their preferred venues. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]They prefer to spawn over gravel and rocks in running water (rivers) but will "let 'er rip" in almost any kind of flowing or agitated water conditions. They need for their eggs to be well aerated and not get covered with silt before hatching. So, if you are fishing on a calm evening, you may not see as much "activity". But, when the wind comes up and waves start washing over rocks, look for the walleyes to get busy. That's why some of the best fishing for small males, during the spawn, is during sloppy weather. The females usually do not hit lures or baits much until after they have emptied their full tummies.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]With the water warming quickly, the walleyes will probably be spawning soon. But, the spawn can be interrupted or delayed by a series of cold fronts that keep dropping water temps.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Personally, I am not a big fan of suffering through cold windy nights to pop a few horny males...or snag the big females (as many unsportsmanlike anglers do). I fish the early mornings, for active fish that will hit a jig during that time. But I really get excited starting in late April for the post spawn feeding binge. That's when the walleyes hit hard and fight best. It usually lasts until late June or early July, when water temps go over about 70 degrees.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
I have fished Willard Bay during the spawn since 1976 and one year (Mid 80's) caught them as early as the first part of Feb. My dad use to come out for the spring walleye fling and we always figured the best two weeks to be about the 3rd week in March to the first part of April. Some of the best spring fishing we had were the high water years 86,87 when you couldn't drive around the back side. The wife and I would load up our float tubes on pack frames and ride our bikes to the West side, had it all to ourselves at night as the boats would usually leave shortly after dark. Didn't catch many females but sure had a ball with the males. I think this low water may hurt the spring spawn, I would actually like to see the fishing for walleye closed during the spawn in the state but I doubt if that will ever happen. Just my 2 cents.[
]
[signature]
Hey PackFan you hit the nail on the head! The Mid to late 1980's were probably the best for Walleye that I remember. We must of seen each other out there at one time or another, I was out there almost every night during the Spawn in 1986,87 So much for the good old days!
The numbers of Walleye at Willard are way down from what they were back then.
James
[signature]
Thanks for the info guys. Time to start pounding the harbor for some dinner. With a little luck I may actually catch one this year. I will try early morning and stick with pounding it out in the miserable weather, all females will be released.
[signature]