River Walleyes vrs Lake Walleyes

[WyoChris]

I used to do a lot of lake fishing, but now i am spending more time targeting eyes on the rivers than in the lakes.

What do you think is the biggest difference between lake eyes and river eyes? Should I focus on different lures and methods to catch them?

[tunrevir]

The same presentations you used on the lakes to catch them can be applied to the river systems as well. I'd say the biggest difference with river walleyes as they will be looking for current breaks to sit behind to ambush a quick snack whereas lake walleyes use the available cover, thermocline ect.

Tunrevir~

[tacklejunkie]

In my experience, on the st louis river, i have better luck with jigs on the river part and better luck trolling crawlers on the lake part of the river. others probably disagree. but i do move around alot

[harvey lee]

I have had great luck with jigs on the river.

[gunflint]

I think that the biggest difference between river walleyes and lake walleyes is depth. In general terms you'll catch river eyes in much shallower water.

[Lunker]

I would much prefer fishing river eyes.

With most rivers, I would say the main advantages are:

Finding the fish. Depending on the level of the river, the fish will be in more predictable(I say more cause they are never totally predictable) locations. For example, current seams, above and below islands and rapids, holes, and of course dams during the spring run.

Depth/Activity Level. Fish tend to be shallower in the rivers(most rivers aren't as deep as lakes anyways), and will come quite shallow to feed at certain times. I catch a lot of walleyes in 1-3ft of water in the spring. Also, with the darker water in most river systems, you can have much more success fishing during the daylight hours.

Regulations. Many of the larger river systems have catch and release sections, early openings, or all year fishing, so you never have to stop fishing!

[LoonASea]

I believe river walleyes are less affected by cold fronts/weather then lake eyes ,,,,and the walleyes Ive caught in the St Louis seem to fight like smallmouth bass with out the jumps

LAS

[Chode2235]

I know this is simplified, but its a good rule of thumb for me: Lakes you fish the spot, and rivers you fish the current.

Much like you try to find the spot on the spot for lake structure you can do that with rivers too. Walleyes like a lot more current than people tend to think they do. I usually do my best well off the tip of main channel wind dams (on the bigger rivers).