Question about the walleye spawn

[EmuScud]

I know that when the browns spawn, many other species will key in on the eggs from the spawn. When the walleye move up to spawn, are there other species of fish that will follow them up???

Curiously,

ES
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[TubeDude]

[cool][blue][size 1]Trout make defined and identifiable nests...and their batch of eggs are large enough to see and snarf by other fishies. [/size][/blue]

[#0000ff][size 1]Walleye simply spray their eggs randomly and let the currents take them where they may. Their eggs are also quite small, by comparison. I have no doubt that sunfish, carp and crawdads dine on concentrations that accumulate in depressions in the bottom, but I have never observed other fish following them around.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]Come to think of it, only fish bigger and toothier than walleyes would dare to get too close to a stressed out walleye. Others might end up as snacks after the main event.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[EmuScud]

good to know, thankyou! I have no idea personally what I'm going to do when I hook into a nice eye. Did I understand you that white and chartruese are the colors for daytime and darker colors at night???? Does a little 'sweetener' help out at all at this point? I guess I'm asking if the walleye are more like salmon or trout during the spawn. Trout still eat, while lures for salmon tend to be designed for reaction strikes.

Thanks again TD!

ES
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[TubeDude]

[cool][blue][size 1]A high percentage of the fish you hook during the spawn will be smaller males. And, as you suggest, most of the strikes could probably be called reaction bites. You bring something irritating or appetizing near them and they will chomp it. They are very competitive when looking for love.[/size][/blue]

[#0000ff][size 1]During the prespawn (right now) however, you can hang a few of the pregnant mamas, still stocking up on groceries before the stress of the spawn. And yes, a bit of flavor enhancement will help seal the deal. I have taken large female walleyes right after iceout on whole crawlers and on big pieces of meat being soaked for sleepy-eyed cats. They hit it better if it moves. I like to drag it behind my tube, without any weight. Kick a little, stop a little.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]Water temps and clarity are a big part of the color choice. Turbid water in the chilly range finds the fish both sluggish and vision impaired. Fish either bright (chartreuse or hot pink) or dark colors (black or purple). If the water clears, and the sun comes out, the bright colors will still work in cold water but you can also use white or yellow.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]Walleyes seldom chase a fast moving lure, but in the cold water you almost have to stick it right up their nose. Fish low and slow. That means using the lightest heads on the larger hooks. Hard to find unless you make them yourself. I always liked a 1/16 ounce head on a size 1/0 light wire hook, in a three inch twister. Marabou jigs work good in cold water too. A piece of crawler or fish meat helps the results.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]If you hook a hefty walleye in cold water, you will suspect you have hung into somebody's old boot. Ain't much fight to them early...or most other times. Keep the rod angled for steady pressure and reel slowly until you get the fish close enough to scoop. Be careful as you get them to the top. They are known for opening their mouth wide and shaking it from side to side as their heads come out of the water. Many a porky marbleeye has been lost just as you reach for them with the net...using that nasty trick. Keep their head in the water and keep them swimming right into the net.[/size][/#0000ff]

[#0000ff][size 1]If walleye slammed surface lures, jumped out of the water and/or made long sizzling runs, they would be everybody's favorite fish. As it is, they are a lot of work to catch and they are lousy fighters. But they are mighty toothsome on the table. And, since we always want what we can't have, we keep subjecting ourselves to the abuse we get from walleyes. ME TOO.[/size][/#0000ff]
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