how far up streams do walleye travel from lakes?

[jaymevb]

with the spring being so late i was thinking of trying a few streams that flow into and out of lakes next week. how far do walleye travel upstream/downstream and would there still be any there after opener? will they use any stream or does it have to be fairly good sized?

[tunrevir]

I would concentrate my efforts where the creeks enter the main lake and fish the current flow in that area. The question on how far really depends on the creek, creek depth and if there is suitable spawning habitat. Typically, the fish will swim upstream to the first impassable barrier and will spawn over shallow gravel shoals and after spawning is complete drop back towards the main body of water and disperse.

Tunrevir~

[Acemac]

Walleyes are river fish so if the "creek" has what they need you will find them there year round

[Ed Carlson]

They go many many miles up and often stay as long as food and conditions allow.

The past few seasons we seen very long range spring migrations of eyes into tributary streams and the fishing is hot at times. Especially if the main river they bailed from is still fast and high, they will stay up where they can recover more easily in the slower and warmer creeks. Lots of food up there too, minnows, shiners, bullies, Creek Chubs...ect...ect.

This season we see a lot of this situation on many systems. I would most certainly look at this pattern this weekend especially if the winds rock and open water is a hard game to play.

If your prowling small rivers and creeks, cranks often help you to locate the fish. Then slow down and work on them with jigs.

Jig trolling is a favorite method of mine in this situation, with 3" and 4" swim shads. Water that is up on flooded shorlines with a fast drop off from the grass line can be a hot ticket. Especially if it's a couple degrees warmer than the main creek.

Lots of big eyes in them small rivers and creeks now. Lots of them!

[jaymevb]

do they ever go down creeks on lakes where there isn't much of an inlet?

i can't really tell from the rule book, is wading trespassing if the creek is surrounded by private land?