Al Lindner: Spring river action is the ultimate walleye window

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The snow and ice are melting, the birds are chirping, and the walleyes are running. Spring is officially here.

With game-fish seasons closed on inland lakes across much of the Midwest, anglers flock to river systems in hopes of setting the hook. Mass migrations of walleyes are making their way to spawning areas, and legions of walleye anglers aren’t far behind. Spring is a favorite time of year for many, and that’s for good reason. This is, without a doubt, the best timeframe to target walleyes.

It’s one of those few times throughout the season during which anglers can find quantity and quality in the same places. If you hit things right, it can be downright amazing. It’s not uncommon to hear about 100-fish days, plus multiple giants hitting the net.

Rivers, both large and small, offer excellent walleye-fishing opportunities throughout the spring. That said, the most consistent bites tend to be found in larger river systems, particularly those that connect with top-notch walleye lakes.

The Mississippi River, Rainy River, Fox River, Missouri River, and Detroit River are great examples. While smaller systems don’t receive the same level of hype, they certainly shouldn’t be forgotten. In many instances, they offer a similar experience, just on a smaller scale.

Unlike other times of year, the playing field for shore anglers and boat anglers is a little more even in terms of fish-catching ability. In fact, there are a number of premium springtime spots that can really only be reached by shore anglers.

Generally, boat anglers are better suited on larger systems, while shore anglers find more success on the smaller ones.

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Figure out the flow

Walleye location in river systems is largely dictated by flow, especially in the spring. Higher flows will typically impact clarity and drive fish to shallower areas. Limited visibility and muddy water tend to wreak havoc on a day of fishing.

Often, the best bet is to seek out areas with clearer water and focus on shallow current breaks less affected by the flow. Springtime walleyes can be found as shallow as just a foot or two of water.

Presentations

When it comes to spring presentations, simple is the name of the game. Jigs, in some form or fashion, are all you need.

Jigs can be paired with live bait or plastics, but the goal is to utilize something that moves some water. Heavier jigs are often needed in most river situations due to the moving water.

Other common presentations include blade baits and Rippin’ Raps, which are perfect for attracting fish from a distance. An overlooked option involves pulling three-ways with Rapala Original Floaters and egg sinkers. It’s more of an old-school technique, but it’s a great option for big fish.

In terms of river fishing rods, common options include 6-foot-6 to 7-foot medium power, fast to extra-fast action setups. My personal favorite for most things walleyes is St. Croix Rods Avid Walleye 6-foot-8 MXF (medium power, extra-fast action).

An important reminder: Spring river fishing tends to be busy. Remember to be courteous to other anglers. For many, this may be the first time they’re getting their boats out for the season. If you’re willing to put up with the traffic, there’s a good chance you might be rewarded.

Spring river walleye fishing is truly as good as it gets. Rivers, both large and small, are full of excellent opportunities for quality and quantity. Remember to keep things simple and seek out areas with clearer water. It won’t be long before your social media feed is filled with some of the biggest walleyes of the year.