Walleye Fishing In Idaho
Guide to fishing for walleye in Idaho lakes.
Idaho offers excellent walleye fishing opportunities, with anglers flocking to the state's lakes and rivers in pursuit of these prized gamefish. Walleye are known for their delicious fillets and challenging behavior, making them a favorite target among anglers. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about walleye, saugeye and sauger fishing and identify popular walleye waters in the state.
Watch this video for walleye tips and tactics.
Lakes such as Lake Pend Oreille, Dworshak Reservoir, and Cascade Reservoir are popular destinations for walleye fishing in Idaho. These lakes provide ample habitat and forage for walleye, attracting anglers with the promise of trophy-sized catches. Anglers often employ techniques like jigging, trolling, or casting with crankbaits to entice walleye to bite in these scenic lake settings.
Idaho's rivers also offer exceptional walleye fishing opportunities. The Snake River, particularly below American Falls Reservoir, is renowned for its walleye population. Anglers can enjoy drift fishing or casting from the riverbanks to target these elusive fish. The Snake River's deep pools, rocky structure, and fast currents provide ideal habitat for walleye to thrive.
Idaho's walleye fishing records stand as a testament to the trophy potential of the state's waters. The current state record for walleye is impressive at over 17 pounds, caught in Oakley Reservoir. These records highlight the opportunity to reel in large walleye in Idaho's lakes and rivers, adding to the allure and excitement of pursuing these highly prized gamefish.
Whether you're casting from a boat or fishing from the shore, walleye fishing in Idaho offers an exhilarating experience for anglers. The state's diverse lakes and rivers provide ample opportunities to target walleye and test your angling skills. From scenic mountain reservoirs to winding river systems, Idaho's walleye fisheries promise memorable fishing adventures and the potential for landing trophy-sized fish.
Walleye Lakes In ID
There's limited waters in Idaho for walleye fishing. Lakes with a healthy population of walleye include Lake Pend Oreille, Oneida Lake, Ririe Reservoir, Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir and Oakley Reservoir.
Click the images and links above for species details.
Top lures for walleye in Idaho
Jigs with a variety of trailers and bait work well in virtually any depth water. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. As they move deeper, ice jigs and spoons are ideal for active walleye. Understanding the seasonal movements of walleyes can enhance your chances of selecting the right lures for conditions on local waters.
The state record walleye was caught from Oakley Reservoir.
Walleye prefer moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in warmer impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting filets. Click here to learn all about walleye fishing.
Fishing For Walleye
Idaho walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.
This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Trolling for walleye with deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinners and live bait provides a way to cover vast areas and locate concentrations of fish. Use of planer boards allows anglers to cover water out both sides of the boat while trolling. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.
Walleye Resources
In-Fisherman - Walleye
U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Walleye
The National Wildlife Federation - Walleye
Also find information about walleye, sauger or saugeye fishing in these states.
Learn the migration patterns of walleye
Walleye become active in spring and begin the spawning process in medium-depth water. As summer arrives they move to deeper, cooler water. In fall walleye migrate into shallower water again and feed aggressively preparing for their move to deeper water where they will spend winter.
IDAHO
