To many anglers across the Midwest, walleyes are king.  Folks who fish like to catch walleyes.  Walleyes are great on the table, and although some say a walleye’s fight is sluggish, on proper walleye gear, marble-eyed fish fight pretty good.  No doubt about it, walleyes are fun.

In the past several years, the opportunity to catch big walleyes has improved.  Progressive regulations have created outstanding walleye fisheries.  If you do a little homework to find a lake that supports big walleyes, your chances for catching one are very good, and the autumn season is the best time to do so.  Here’s how.

Just as some bodies of water hold big fish and others are home to lots of fish, some areas within a body of water will be better for big fish.  If you’re on a spot that looks good but is only providing smaller fish, you should consider moving to another spot.  It seems like big fish and smaller fish will usually hold in different areas, or they may use the same area but at different times.  Every now and then you might catch a big one with the little guys, but usually big fish hang out with big fish.

If you’re fishing deep water structure, keep in mind that the “spot-on-the-spot” will usually hold the biggest fish.  For instance, a tiny corner on an underwater hump is perhaps where the big ones will be.  Use your depth finder to locate those spots, then concentrate on them.

Use big baits.  When the walleyes are deep, you can’t beat a Fire-Ball jig or a Roach Rig with a redtail chub.  A six incher isn’t too big: Go bigger if you can find them.  You’ll be increasing your chances for a lunker walleye if you use big bait.

If you’re on a lake that has big walleyes working shallower areas like rock piles, throw a swim bait.  Swim baits such as a five or six inch Power Bait Hollow Belly or a Swimming Pogy along with the four inch Slurpies Swim Shiner and Swim Shad are becoming very popular among in-the-know walleye chasers.

Finally, if a big walleye is high on your priority list, consider fishing at night.  Deep, clear lakes often have populations of trophy walleyes that are most accessible when it’s dark.  They are up in the shallows chasing fall spawning baitfish.  These are big baitfish, and it takes a big walleye to eat them.  Troll or cast crankbaits.  A Frenzy Flicker Shad in the #7 size is a good place to start.  Some anglers like to match the hatch, others like a bait that is a completely different color than what the walleyes are feeding on.  Only by experimenting will you learn what they want.