Like other states, Pennsylvania walleye prefer spring for their spawning season. This takes place in shallow waters with sand, rock or gravel as bottom surfaces. Water temperature preferably falls into the 40 to 48 degree range with a slight current coming from either a nearby river or wind created current. Walleye will leave the comforts of rivers and head towards feeder streams to spawn.
Other suitable spawning locations encompass anything with shallow water and clean bottom surfaces. Another great time to strike at walleye is pre spawning periods. This can be a little tough to figure out. Start the search in warm water. As spawning time comes around, walleye will seek out warmer than normal water temperatures.
Inland bodies of water primarily on the northern lakeside are the best place to start. Sun lingers here just a little bit longer than the rest of the lake. This increases water temperatures, which will increase walleye stopping by. As water temperatures rise, plankton start to show, minnow follow the blooming plankton and walleye follow the moving minnow. Thus, the food chain is set in motion.
Once walleye spawn, females requires a few days of rest. After this rest period, they will be looking for that first meal. This results in a stronger than usual bit at anything that moves, including a fishing line. The same theory holds true for that pre-spawn period and actual spawn time. Ideal times of day for fishing walleye are sundown to midnight in the summer months.
Pennsylvania is home to some of the best rivers and lakes to chase walleye. The massive 12,000-acre Allegheny Reservoir holds the state record for a walleye catch. The record walleye weighs an impressive 17 lbs 9 ozs in size. This championship lake sits on the northern border of Pennsylvania in Warren.
Another reservoir location is High Point Reservoir. Here is a smaller, yet equally effective, 350-acre lake at Savage, Pennsylvania that is in the south-west portion of the state. Another equally impressive location is the Blue Marsh Lake. This 1,150-acre lake is in the east-central portion of the state in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
Just a tad bigger is the Glendale Lake at 1,600-acres that makes a home in Fallentimber, Pennsylvania. Making up the western Pennsylvania border is Pymatuning Lake. This massive 14,600-acre lake is in Linesville, Pennsylvania. Neighboring this is the 11,000-acre Shenango River Lake in Clark. Rounding out the top walleye lakes in Pennsylvania are Lake Arthur standing 3,200-acres in size at Muddy Creek. Popular Lake Erie consumes 9,910-acres in north-west Pennsylvania.
In the other direction, heading northeast is Lake Wallenpaupack. This 5,600-acre lake makes a home in Paupack, Pennsylvania. Towards the south-west portion of the state lies the 2,800-acre Youghiogheny River Lake at Markleysubrg.
There is no right or wrong way to catch a walleye. These are not picky eaters. Walleye go after virtually anything that dangles right in front of them. Favorites on their menu include small fish, crustaceans, worms and insects. Pennsylvania walleye seem to prefer live baits, crank baits, spoons and spinner baits. Throw in some plastic worms and grub to expand their menu options.
Make every attempt to match bait selection with water conditions. For example, darker waters call for bright colors. Something along the chartreuse color family would work. In lighter water conditions, stick to natural colors or rainbow/silver fleck baits. Bait selection should closely mimic the time of year.
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Get more information on Pennsylvania walleye fishing here: http://www.askwalleyefishing.com/
