Post spawn walleye question

[NELS-BELLS]

How long after walleyes spawn, does it take them to start feeding again? I realize it varies according to weather conditions but I am looking for a general time span.

Nels

[TommyJ33]

I would say 4-6 weeks before they really start putting on the feed bag. They need to recover from spawning and the wait for the water to warm before their metabolism kicks in again.

So if they are spawning now. I would say June 1 they should be biting good.

[musky hunter]

I don't think it takes too long at all after they are done spawning, like 3 days and the feed bag is back on. But the amount they eat is then dependent on water temps. The walleye metabolism goes up with temp, but a good cold front in spring can sure put them down. I fish the St. Louis River, which has a phenominal spawning run. A warm opener will always equal a good catch. If it's cold, the bite will be sluggish. But all are post spawn walleyes, spawning having ended a week or two earlier in most cases. Since I also know of several who have caught walleyes out of season while prefishing for crappies, the only conclusing I can come to is that when walleyes are done spawning, they go right back into eating soon.

[deepportage01]

I have found that males will stay in the spawing area long after the females leave.I don't think It takes males long to recover at all but females there is a down time the faster the lake warms the better.buy the way I think the spawn is done around the metro area they did there thing when we had 70 temps for 4 days I would be looking for them in a little deeper water come opener.maybe 4-7 days for females but water temps as you said have alot to do with it

[tunrevir]

I agree, I think that water temps drive things. I also agree that the males will hang out longer in the spawning areas and the bigger females will mosey towards the deep or find areas of reduced current to recuperate. I was on the St. Croix last Friday fishing for crappies and caught many sauger and walleyes in 18-23ft. range however, I also caught a big 28" female in a slack water area in 12 feet of water. I guess the moral of the story is work all depths, start with what has worked in the past and then adapt. Those big post spawn fish will bite but you gotta findem first. Water temp last friday was 52.5.

Tunrevir~

[Team Otter]

Water temperature dictates feeding patterns for post-spawn 'eyes. The males are more aggressive following the spawn and typically don't take long to recover. The females definitely turn "sluggish" but that doesn't mean they won't bite. It can happen with the right circumstances. Because water temperature is so variable from area to area, I would target 50 - 55 degree water following the spawn and then work from there.

[deepportage01]

BELLS,i HOPE YOU FOUND OUT WHAT YOU WANTED TO LEARN THERE ARE ALOT OF GOOD FISHERMEN ON THE SITE WITH GREAT INSITE.

[Boedigheimer]

Nels-Bels, I have to agree with muskyhunter, I think the feedbag gets strapped on soon after the big show. And I doubt the males ever really shut-off. I have fished many systems during the spawn, mainly rivers but during cold springs on in-land lakes as well, and found post-spawn males to be cooperative.

Large females are a different animal all together. The rigors of spawning seems to take a toll on the females, shutting them down for a short while. Once the water temps. hit the low 50's my catch rates of nicer walleyes skyrockets.

Barring any crazy weather I predict this opener to be super-duper, no ramp-up in the bite this spring.