How Weather Conditions Impact Walleye Fishing (Full Guide)

Weather is one of the most crucial factors when setting off to fish for walleye. Handling whatever conditions mother nature dishes out can help you catch more walleye.

Walleye respond to weather by moving to different depths and areas in the water to find optimal temperature and light conditions. Walleye become more active and feed aggressively during overcast days or low-light conditions, while bright sunlight and high-pressure systems lead to reduced activity.

Weather Condition	Impact on Walleye Feeding Activity	Fishing Approach
Air Temperature	– Warmer temperatures can increase feeding activity – Extreme cold or heat can reduce feeding	– Use slower presentations in cooler water – Focus on shallower areas in warmer temperatures
Water Temperature	– Walleye become more active in their preferred range	– Fish deeper in warm water, shallower in cold water
Barometric Pressure	– Falling pressure often triggers increased feeding – High pressure may slow feeding	– Fish more actively during pressure drops – Adjust techniques based on pressure changes
Wind Speed and Direction	– Moderate winds can stimulate feeding by creating wave action and disorienting prey	– Fish windward shores and structures – Adjust depth and presentation with wind direction
Cloud Cover	– Overcast conditions encourage daytime feeding – Clear skies may reduce feeding activity	– Fish shallow on cloudy days, deeper on sunny days – Use bright lures on sunny days, natural on cloudy days
Precipitation	– Light rain can enhance surface feeding activity – Heavy rain or storms may drive fish deeper	– Fish near surface during rain, deeper after heavy rain – Adjust bait and depth based on precipitation intensity
Frontal Systems	– Pre-frontal conditions often increase feeding before a cold front	– Focus on feeding activity before cold front arrives – Fish deeper after cold fronts and in stable conditions
Sunlight Intensity	– Low light conditions (dawn, dusk) can stimulate feeding activity	– Fish near surface during low light periods – Adjust depth and lure color based on sunlight intensity
Moon Phase	– Full and new moons often trigger nocturnal feeding – Dim moonlight nights can lead to daytime feeding	– Fish during dawn and dusk around moon phase changes – Use lures that emit light during darker nights

Best Weather for Walleye Fishing

The best weather conditions for walleye fishing are when the barometric pressure is steady or falling, which often happens before a storm. Some clouds in the sky are good, especially on overcast days, as they make walleye feel more comfortable coming out to feed. A light rain can also be helpful, but heavy rain or storms might make them go deeper.

Walleye tend to be more active when the wind is calm or coming from the south or southeast, and a slight breeze can stimulate their feeding. Ideal air temperature is around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, and water temperature around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Worst Weather for Walleye Fishing

The worst weather conditions for walleye fishing are when the barometric pressure changes rapidly, like during a strong cold front. Heavy rain or storms can also make the water murky and difficult for walleye to see their prey. Too many clouds can make them feel safer and less likely to come out to feed.

Strong winds from the north or northwest can make it hard for them to find food. If the air and water temperatures are too hot or too cold, walleye might become less active and not bite as much. Very strong winds from the north or northeast can make it hard to catch them. Extremely hot or cold air and water temperatures, below 40°F or above 80°F, can also slow down their feeding.

Daily Weather for Walleye Fishing

Daytime Weather: Walleye Fishing

The best daytime hour weather conditions for walleye fishing include a steady barometric pressure, with clouds that provide some cover but not too thick. A light drizzle or light rain can make walleye more active. A gentle breeze coming from the west or southwest helps carry scent and doesn’t disturb the water too much. Air temperatures around 55-75°F and water temperatures around 50-70°F are optimal for their feeding.

The best times of the daytime hours to fish for walleye are during the low light periods, which are dawn and dusk. These times offer a blend of darkness and light that makes walleye feel more comfortable to come closer to shore and hunt for food. They are naturally adapted to low-light conditions and tend to be more active during these times.

The worst daytime hour weather conditions for walleye fishing include sudden changes in barometric pressure, like before a storm. Heavy rain and thunderstorms can muddy the water and make it harder for walleye to see their prey. Too much cloud cover or too little can make them less active. Strong winds from the north or northeast can create choppy water that makes fishing challenging. Extremely hot or cold air and water temperatures, below 40°F or above 80°F, can slow down their feeding.

The worst times of the daytime hours to fish for walleye are during the brightest parts of the day when the sun is high in the sky. During these times, walleye might stay deeper in the water to avoid the direct sunlight, and their feeding activity may slow down.

Nighttime Weather: Walleye Fishing

The best daytime hour weather conditions for walleye fishing include stable barometric pressure, moderate cloud cover that lets some sunlight through, and gentle winds blowing from the shore. During a quarter moon or a new moon phase, walleye tend to be more active. Air temperatures between 60-75°F and water temperatures around 50-70°F encourage their feeding behavior.

The best times of the daytime hours to fish for walleye are during the early morning and late afternoon. These times are when the light is not too bright, and walleye feel comfortable to venture into shallower waters to hunt for prey.

The worst daytime hour weather conditions for walleye fishing include rapidly changing barometric pressure, heavy rain, and strong winds blowing against the shoreline. Too much cloud cover or completely clear skies can make walleye less active. During a full moon, their feeding might slow down. Air temperatures below 40°F or above 80°F, along with water temperatures below 40°F or above 75°F, can make walleye less likely to feed during the daytime.

The worst times of the daytime hours to fish for walleye are around noon when the sun is directly overhead and the light is intense. Walleye may retreat to deeper and cooler waters during these times, making it harder to catch them.

Seasonal Guide

Winter

In winter, weather has a big effect on walleye fishing. Steady barometric pressure and calm winds are better for fishing, while sudden pressure changes and strong winds can make walleye less active. Moon phases matter less during winter, but fishing around new or quarter moons can still be good. Light snowfall can help visibility underwater, improving catches.

Cloudy skies can make walleye venture shallower to hunt. Warmer air and water temperatures, usually above freezing, can make walleye more active, but extremely cold temperatures can slow them down. The best times to fish are early morning and late afternoon when the sun is low, while midday is less productive.

Spring

During spring, weather plays a crucial role in walleye fishing. Steady barometric pressure and moderate wind speeds are favorable, while rapid pressure changes and strong winds can slow down their activity. Moon phases have some influence, with new and full moons often leading to better fishing. Light rain can stimulate feeding, but heavy downpours might make fishing difficult.

Cloudy skies can encourage walleye to move to shallower areas to hunt. As the water and air temperatures rise, walleye become more active, usually between 45°F to 55°F. The best times to fish are early morning and evening, while midday with bright sunlight can be less productive.

Summer

In summer, weather greatly influences walleye fishing. Steady barometric pressure and moderate wind speeds are ideal for their feeding. Moon phases have less impact, but full moons can still be good times to fish. Light rain can trigger feeding activity, while heavy rain might slow them down.

Cloudy days are advantageous as they provide cover for walleye to move into shallower waters. Warmer water temperatures, around 65°F to 75°F, increase their activity levels. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish, while the midday heat can make fishing less productive.

Fall

During the fall, weather plays a crucial role in walleye fishing. Falling barometric pressure before a cold front can trigger their feeding activity, while stable pressure is also good. Moon phases have some influence, with full and new moons offering better chances. Light rain can boost feeding, but heavy rain might slow them down.

Cloudy skies are helpful, offering cover for walleye to move into shallower waters. As water temperatures drop to around 50°F to 60°F, walleye become more active. Early morning and late afternoon are prime fishing times, while midday can be slower.

Locations of Walleye & Weather

Weather conditions strongly influence where walleye move in bodies of water like lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. In warmer weather, walleye often stay deeper in cooler water to escape the heat. They might seek out underwater structures like rocks, submerged trees, and drop-offs for shelter.

When it’s cooler or overcast, walleye might move to shallower areas, like underwater points or shallower flats, where they can find food more easily. Windy days can push plankton and smaller fish to certain areas, and walleye follow to feed.

Before a storm, they might move to shallower waters to feed more actively, but they can become less active during the storm itself. Moon phases can also influence their movements, with full moons often bringing them closer to shore at night.

Impact of Weather on Walleye Fishing

Weather greatly impacts walleye fishing. Changes in barometric pressure, which is the weight of the air, can affect their behavior. A falling barometer before a storm might make walleye more active and likely to bite, while a rising barometer after a storm could slow their activity.

Moon phases also play a role, with some anglers believing that walleye are more active during new and full moons. Cloud cover can make them more comfortable and likely to bite, especially during the day when the sun is bright. Wind direction matters too – a breeze pushing against the shoreline can create waves that bring food and attract walleye.

Water and air temperature influence where walleye go in the water, and warm temperatures often lead to increased feeding. In general, fishing is often best before and after storms, during low-light hours, and when the water is calm but slightly cloudy.

Weather Factors: Walleye Fishing

Air Temperature

Air temperature has a significant influence on walleye behavior. When it’s cooler, walleye tend to stay in deeper and warmer parts of the water to avoid the cold. As the air gets warmer, they become more active and move to shallower areas to find food.

The best air temperature range for walleye activity is generally between 55°F and 75°F (13°C to 24°C), but extreme temperatures can impact them. Very cold temperatures make walleye less active and seek deeper, warmer waters, while extremely hot temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can make them sluggish and seek cooler depths.

Water Temperature

Water temperature plays a crucial role in shaping walleye behavior. In colder water, typically below 50°F (10°C), walleye tend to move slower and seek deeper areas for warmth. As the water warms to the optimal range of 55°F to 68°F (13°C to 20°C), walleye become more active and move to shallower regions to feed, especially during low-light periods like dawn and dusk.

However, extreme temperatures can impact them negatively. Very cold water can slow down their metabolism, making them less active, while water above 75°F (24°C) can stress them, causing them to seek cooler, deeper spots and reducing their feeding activity.

Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure, also known as air pressure, influences walleye feeding behavior. When the pressure is high, such as before a clear-sky day, walleye tend to become less active and may move to deeper waters. During low pressure, like when a storm is approaching, walleye become more active and may move to shallower areas to feed.

Anglers can take advantage of these changes by fishing during falling barometric pressure, using jigs, crankbaits, and live bait like minnows. Patience and adapting to changing conditions are key to successful walleye fishing during barometric fluctuations.

Wind Speed

Wind speed and direction play a crucial role in walleye fishing. Wind can push warm surface water to shore, making shallower areas more comfortable for walleye, leading to increased feeding activity. A gentle breeze is often favorable, but strong winds can scatter prey and make fishing more challenging.

The wind blowing towards the shore creates an ideal situation, concentrating food sources and encouraging walleye to feed closer to the bank. During windy conditions, anglers can use techniques like drift fishing or trolling with crankbaits and spinners.

Cloud Cover

Cloud cover has a significant impact on walleye behavior and fishing success. On cloudy days, walleye tend to be more active and willing to feed in shallower waters, providing better fishing opportunities. Clouds reduce the sunlight’s intensity, making walleye feel more secure and increasing their feeding activity during daylight hours.

Anglers should use lures that imitate their preferred prey, such as minnow-imitating jigs or crankbaits. Casting towards shorelines or submerged structures like reefs and drop-offs can yield positive results on overcast days. However, on clear-sky days, walleye might retreat to deeper waters or become less aggressive in feeding, requiring anglers to adjust their techniques and use slower presentations to entice bites.

Precipitation

Precipitation can influence walleye behavior and fishing outcomes, whether rain or snow. During light rain or snowfall, walleye might become more active and feed more aggressively due to the cover provided by the surface disturbances. This can create ideal conditions for angling, especially around structures like rocks, weeds, or submerged logs.

Anglers can use lures like jigs, spinners, or live bait such as minnows to attract bites. However, heavy rain or snow can lead to reduced visibility underwater and may cause walleye to seek shelter or become less active. In such conditions, adjusting bait presentation, slowing down retrieval speeds, and fishing near drop-offs or structure edges can increase chances of success.

Frontal Systems

Frontal systems, like cold fronts and warm fronts, can significantly influence walleye behavior and fishing outcomes. Before a cold front, walleye tend to be more active and feed aggressively as the dropping barometric pressure signals a change in weather.

Anglers can use this time to target shallower areas with jigs, crankbaits, or live bait to capitalize on their heightened feeding activity. However, walleye may become less active after a cold front passes and move to deeper waters or cover. During a warm front, walleye might move closer to shallower areas, making them more accessible to anglers using jigs, spinners, or live bait.

Sunlight Intensity

Sunlight intensity plays a crucial role in walleye behavior and fishing success. Walleye are often more active during low-light conditions, like early morning and late evening, as bright sunlight can make them more cautious and seek cover.

Anglers can target walleye in shady areas or deeper waters during bright sunny days, using jigs, crankbaits, or live bait to entice bites. Walleye’s food preferences can be influenced by sunlight, with lower light levels encouraging them to feed on small fish and insects near the surface.

Moon Phase

Moon phases can influence walleye feeding behavior and fishing success. During the full moon, walleye may be more active and feed throughout the night, making night fishing more productive. New moon phases can lead to reduced feeding activity, especially at night.

Anglers can adjust their tactics based on moon phases, focusing on low-light periods during full moons and targeting daytime feeding times during new moons. Moon phases can impact walleye’s food choice, with increased feeding on small fish and insects during well-lit nights.

Seasonal Changes

Seasonal changes greatly impact how walleye behave and where they can be found, which affects fishing strategies. In spring, as temperatures warm up, walleye move to shallower areas near shore to spawn and feed on smaller fish and insects.

Using jigs and live bait like minnows can be effective during this time. Summer brings warmer waters, causing walleye to move to deeper areas and structures like drop-offs or weed beds. Techniques like trolling with crankbaits or drifting with live bait can work well.

Fall sees walleye becoming more active again, feeding aggressively to store energy for the upcoming winter. As winter arrives, walleye slow down and gather in deeper areas, requiring specialized ice fishing methods. The changing seasons influence their food preferences, with baitfish and insects being important.

Breaks in Weather

Breaks in the weather, whether they happen within a day or over a longer period, can significantly influence walleye fishing. Daily breaks, like a sudden shift from overcast to sunny conditions, can trigger increased walleye activity as they become more active in response to the change. Weekly breaks, such as a stable weather period following a storm, can also affect walleye behavior.

During these breaks, walleye may adjust their feeding habits based on food availability. Extended periods of cold or warm weather followed by a break can have a notable impact. For instance, a warmer period can lead to more active feeding after a stretch of cold weather as walleye become more active.

Similarly, a break in a prolonged warm spell with cooler temperatures can prompt walleye to feed more actively. These changing conditions can affect the types of prey available, influencing the walleye’s food choices.

Walleye Spawn & How Weather Can Impact

Walleye typically spawn during spring, when water temperatures reach around 42 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 to 10 degrees Celsius). They move to shallow areas with gravel or rocky substrate in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs for spawning. Weather conditions can play a role in the timing of the spawn, as warmer temperatures can accelerate the process.

During the spawn, walleye may become less active and focused on reproduction, making them less interested in feeding. Anglers often practice catch-and-release during this time to help conserve the fish population. While fishing during the spawn is possible, it’s important to handle the fish gently and release them quickly to ensure their survival.

To target walleye during the spawn, focus on the shallow areas with the appropriate substrate where they are likely to spawn. Jigging with soft plastics or using live bait rigs can be effective techniques. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the weather and water conditions, as temperature or water clarity changes can impact walleye behavior.

What Walleye Eat & Influence Weather Has

Weather conditions have a big impact on what walleye eat. When warm weather and water temperatures rise, walleye often go after smaller fish like minnows, shiners, and perch. They also like insects and bugs that live in the water, such as mayflies and caddisflies. Sometimes, when the weather is sunny and bright, walleye might focus on hunting near the surface where they can find these insects.

During cooler times, like fall and winter, walleye might change their diet. They might go after slower-moving prey like leeches and small crustaceans. These creatures are easier for walleye to catch in the colder water.

When the weather gets even colder, walleye might look for solitary fish that are slower and easier to catch. They might also scavenge for food, like eating the leftovers from dead fish. In some cases, when walleye are schooled up, they might work together to hunt larger schools of baitfish.

Knowing what walleye will likely eat based on the weather can help fishermen choose the best bait and lures to catch them. If the weather is warm, using lures that look like small fish or insects can be good. Trying lures that imitate leeches or slow-moving prey might work better in colder weather.

Click here for a complete guide to the best barometric pressure for walleye fishing. Click here for a complete guide to the best water temperature for walleye fishing. Click here for a complete guide to walleye fishing in cloudy conditions. Click here for a complete guide to the best times for walleye fishing. Click here for a complete guide to crayfish as a walleye bait.