Spring means fishing in South Dakota. As walleyes prepare for their spawning rituals, they spend a majority of their time within a cast’s reach of all anglers. In fact, anglers will often find the most success fishing from their boots than in the boat. This makes it the perfect time of year for everyone to enjoy one of the best bites of the season.
South Dakota State Parks sit on some of the top fisheries in the state. These areas provide anglers access to some of the best spots on these fisheries too! As you begin your search for springtime walleyes, we’ve got a few tips to help you have your best spring yet.
Rocks Rock
Walleyes will naturally seek out hard substrates such as rocks, gravel, and other hard bottoms to carry out spawning activities. Rocky shorelines, particularly those adjacent to deep water, will often hold fish particularly in the evening hours. Walleyes will often hold in the deep water, before moving in around sunset.
An additional element that makes rocks attractive to fish is the ability to retain heat. In the early spring, while water temperatures are still cool, rocks can capture sunlight and the subsequent heat throughout the day. As the sun sets, walleyes will then move onto these rocks to enjoy the heat these rocks are still holding.
Heat produced by these rocks is important because walleyes are ectothermic. Contrary to humans, who regulate their body temperatures internally, fish are at the mercy of their environment in terms of body temperature. In cold temperatures, their metabolism and thus energy levels, will be lower. Walleyes will then seek out these warmer areas, which will then provide energy for them to feed and be active.
Areas of rock, gravel, rip rap, and other hard substrate are key areas to target in the spring. The closer these areas are to deep water the better. Sunny and calm days produce the best conditions to target these areas in the evening after work or school. The bite window may be short, but the action can be fast!
Wader Walleyes
While rocky shorelines produce excellent opportunities from shore, a pair of waders open up new areas for anglers to explore. The same waders that enjoyed duck season make the perfect set up for getting just a bit further from the shoreline than what the boots can provide. Waders are perfect for targeting areas that feature sand, mud, or other softer bottoms.
Many areas within state parks will feature these shoreline elements, which makes a good pair of waders key for covering a bit more water than a cast from shore. Waders also help anglers reach drop offs and contour breaks that walleye may be sitting on prior to moving closer to shore, which makes the afternoon bite even more effective.
Waders also add a different element of excitement to fishing. The feeling of a bite at your feet is one of the most exhilarating experiences an angler can have. Being in the water, with the fish you are targeting, makes these catches even more rewarding. Spring is one of the best wader bites you’ll find and is a unique way to target walleyes.
Simple is Successful
While anglers naturally enjoy making things complex, spring is a time for simplicity. This means that spring fishing can be very cheap as well! A simple jig and minnow is all that is required. Anglers looking for a bit more excitement can try a soft plastic or crankbait, but overthinking often results in less success.
Anglers should fish with as light a jig as current and wind conditions allow. Generally speaking, a ⅛ oz jig is often the best option. In current or windy conditions, bumping up to a ¼ oz jig might be necessary. This is also a good idea for earlier in the day, when the heavier jig will increase your casting distance and allow you to reach slightly deeper water. If fishing shallow water or in calm conditions a 1/16 oz jig can even be the most successful.
The lighter the jig, the more natural the bait will present. Additionally, this prevents the jig from falling into the cracks and crevices of a rocky shoreline. The less time snagged up in these areas, the more time fishing and thus keeping your bait in the strike zone. This also makes it easier for a walleye to inhale your bait and increases your hooking percentage.
Spring is one of the best bites of year and is the perfect time for anglers to hit the water. Minimal gear is required, the best bite is often as the sun sets in the evening, and anglers powered by their own feet can find their best success of the season. While hunting seasons can draw anglers away from a great fall bite, see for yourself why spring is the time to reel in memories across South Dakota State Parks!
