Most walleye fishermen would be surprised to learn that low-clarity waters frequently support more walleyes than clear waters. Low-clarity waters are usually high in the nutrients needed for a healthy food chain. And because low-clarity waters filter out sunlight, walleyes can spend more time in the food-rich shallows. Low-clarity water usually results from one or more of the following:
• Suspended mud or clay resulting from carp, bullheads or other rough fish stirring up the bottom, from wave action in a shallow basin, or from erosion of nearby farmlands.
• A heavy algae bloom caused by highly fertile water. The water may be very clear in spring and fall, but greenish or brownish in summer.
• Bog stain caused by decomposition of tree leaves and aquatic vegetation.
Walleye fishing in low-clarity waters tends to be more consistent than in clear waters. The fish seem less affected by weather changes, particularly cold fronts. Because the walleyes stay relatively shallow most of the time, they are easier to find.
Your fishing strategy in these waters depends on the visibility. If it is less than a foot, artificial lures usually work better than live bait. It is easier for walleyes to detect the sound, vibration and brighter color of an artificial. If you prefer live bait, add a fluorescent spinner or other colorful attractor.
Walleyes in waters where visibility is less than a foot generally bite best in midday. Fishing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is usually better than at dawn or dusk. Night fishing is likely to be poor. Calm, sunny days are better than cloudy, windy days.
The best lures for these waters usually produce sound or vibration. Crankbaits and vibrating plugs with rattle chambers, vibrating blades, and spinners are good choices. Surprisingly, jigs work well even though they produce comparatively little vibration. Fluorescent orange and phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) jig heads are good choices. Untipped jigs are just as effective as jigs tipped with live bait. Walleyes in low-clarity waters are conditioned to strike at any glimpse of movement or anytime they detect vibration with their lateral-line system. Live bait does not add to the visibility or vibration and may result in short strikes.
If the visibility is from 1 to 3 feet, live bait is probably a better all-around choice than artificial lures. But a spinner or other attractor on your live-bait rig will produce more fish.
Fishing in morning and late afternoon is usually better than fishing at midday, but the walleyes will start biting later and stop earlier than in clearer water. Cloudy or windy days are usually better than calm, sunny days. If the visibility exceeds 3 feet, strategies for low-clarity water are not needed.