03-14-2007, 11:12 AM
[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]
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[#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]
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[#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]
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[#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]
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[#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]
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[#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]
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[#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]
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