UTERWalleye fishing in Ohio freshwater
In Ohio freshwater, walleye peak April–June and October–November and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Spawn on the rocky shorelines and the river runs.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Walleye in Ohio freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArrivingInland reservoirs: walleye on the dam riprap at night.
- AprilSpawningSpawn on the rocky shorelines and the river runs.
- MayPeak
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish walleye near Mosquito Lake, Indian Lake, Alum Creek
Inland reservoirs for crappie, saugeye, muskie and bass, the Ohio River, and the Lake Erie walleye and steelhead (see Lake Erie).
What to use for walleye
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–78°F water, best at 55–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch walleye in Ohio freshwater?
Peak season is April–June and October–November, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Walleye are here year-round. April: Spawn on the rocky shorelines and the river runs.
Where do walleye hold in Ohio freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, bridge, dock / pilings — around Mosquito Lake, Indian Lake, Alum Creek, Ohio River, Pymatuning, Hoover Reservoir.
What is the best bait for walleye in Ohio freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for walleye in Ohio freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife (ODNR) and change — read the current rule at https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating/fishing-resources/fishing-regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating.
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All about walleye · Ohio fresh water, the whole year