Summer is an excellent time to target big Lake Erie walleyes. With warm weather, a cold beverage in hand, and hungry walleye on the prowl, it’s the perfect season for fishing enthusiasts. In this guide, we'll cover early, mid, and late summer walleye fishing tactics to help you stay on top of your game all summer long.
Summer is an excellent time to target big Lake Erie walleyes. With warm weather, a cold beverage in hand, and hungry walleye on the prowl, it’s the perfect season for fishing enthusiasts. In this guide, we'll cover early, mid, and late summer walleye fishing tactics to help you stay on top of your game all summer long.
Understanding Walleye Behavior in Summer
During the summer, walleye behavior is influenced by the migration of baitfish such as emerald shiners and rainbow smelt. Starting in May, walleyes move from their spring haunts to deeper waters in search of high-protein baitfish after their spawning season. As the water warms, these baitfish migrate into the deeper waters of the central and eastern basins of Lake Erie. Finding the baitfish is key to locating the walleyes.
Early to Mid-Summer Walleye Tactics
Jet Diver Program
One of the most effective methods for summer walleye fishing is using a jet diver. Jet divers are non-directional diving devices from various manufacturers like Luhr Jensen Jet Divers, Dreamweaver TripZ, and Tru-Trips. These devices help get unweighted lures like spoons, shallow crankbaits, and worm harnesses to the desired depth.
- Setup: Use braided line for zero stretch, which allows you to "pop" the jet diver whether you’re changing a lure or hooking a fish. Attach a 6-8 foot section of fluorocarbon, add a swivel or clip, and then attach your bait and leader.
- Recommended Baits: Small spoons like Michigan Stinger Scorpion, Silver Streak Mini Spoons, or Dreamweaver WD are excellent choices. Copper-backed spoons like “Chicken Wing” or “Mass Confusion” are highly effective. Worm harnesses and shallow cranks like Renoskys and Bay Rat Long Shallows also work well.
Late Summer Walleye Tactics
Diving Plugs and Planer Boards
Diving plugs are another excellent method for targeting summer walleye. They are known for their loud rattles, flashy colors, and ability to dive quickly to the desired depths.
- Top Choices: Bombers and Bandits. These deep-diving plugs are effective all summer long.
- Snap Weights: To achieve greater depths, use snap weights. Each ounce of weight adds approximately 5 feet of depth. For example, adding a 2 oz snap weight can take your lure an additional 10 feet deeper.
- Lead Core Line: Lead core line offers a unique action at trolling speeds, undulating with the waves for an erratic presentation. Each color of lead core typically adds about 5 feet of depth.
Setup for Diving Plugs
- Leader: Use a 20# test fluorocarbon leader, 30-50 feet long.
- Backing: Employ high visibility monofilament backing to slide out to a planer board effectively.
Essential Gear for Summer Walleye Fishing
- Rod and Reel: Use a medium-action rod with a baitcaster spooled with 12-17 pound fluorocarbon for jet diver setups. For directional divers and snap weights, a heavy-action rod with a high-speed retrieve reel spooled with 15-20 pound fluorocarbon or 30 pound braid is recommended.
- Baits: Stock up on small spoons, worm harnesses, shallow crankbaits, and diving plugs. Experiment with different colors and patterns to find what works best on any given day.
Final Thoughts
Summer walleye fishing on Lake Erie offers a fantastic opportunity to catch big, hungry walleyes. By understanding their behavior and employing effective tactics like using jet divers, directional divers, snap weights, and lead core lines, you can increase your chances of success. Visit FishUSA to find all the gear and lures mentioned in this guide. Fill your coolers and get ready for a great summer of walleye fishing!
