Across the North Country, river walleyes are gathering below dams in anticipation of the spring spawn. With the mild weather we experienced this winter, this concentration is occurring earlier than usual. Many anglers do not yet have their boats ready for launching or are awaiting delivery of a new boat for the coming year. The good news is that you don’t need a boat this early in the season. On large rivers where the walleye season never closes, you can catch plenty of nice fish from shore in the tailwaters below dams and in the first mile or so stretch below dams.

Rock and gravel points, wing dams, riprap, eddies and current breaks are obvious fish attractors that can all be fished from shore. Chances are a well-worn foot path follows the riverbank, created over the years by shoreline anglers soaking live baits or casting lures. If not, find areas where you can park, wrangle your way down to the bank on foot and make a few casts in key locations. A pair of waterproof boots, hip boots or waders might prove invaluable, particularly if the water is high—a common late-spring occurrence.

Expect the best walleye bite to occur near sundown or at night when fish become active and move closer to shore to feed. Simply casting a neutrally buoyant minnow imitator like a #11 Rapala X-Rap may produce a couple of whopper females in addition to smaller males. Try casting a jig & soft plastic tail, slowly reeling and skirting the lure along bottom without too many pauses that risk snags. Where foot access is rugged or limited, keep things lightweight and simple; just a small pocketful of tackle does the trick. If you have easier access to a good spot, bring a lawn chair and a bucket of live minnows, and hook them up on a three-way rig or slip sinker rig. Plus, a flashlight, thermos and a long-handled landing net. Maybe even some insect repellent, although the bugs shouldn’t be bad this early in the season.

Water temperatures from the upper 30s through the upper 40s see the most spawning-related activity and provide the best concentrations of active walleyes. After that, post-spawn fish begin dispersing downstream throughout the river system to other feeding locales.

If you enjoy walleye fishing, you’ll find plenty of helpful walleye fishing insight in every issue of MidWest Outdoors. Subscribe on our website.