6 expert tactics for catching walleye on windy days

#3  DRIFT AROUND STRUCTURE

When the wind blows, it creates a current that pushes baitfish towards and past structure. Often, these baitfish get disorientated or injured as they’re pounded into and over top of the structure. Under these conditions, walleye will set up nearby and face into the current, waiting to snap up a quick meal.

Some walleye will be on the upwind side of the structure, but the majority will be downwind, putting them downstream in the current. Since those downwind fish will be actively searching out food, try drifting over and around the structure, and continue a little downstream of it while dragging jigs, bottom bouncers or crankbaits. You might need to upsize the weight of your usual jigs and bottom bouncers to keep them near the bottom and in the strike zone.

 

Since the fish will be holding fairly close to the structure, make short passes over it. When you turn around to go back to make another pass, be careful not to motor over the fish and spook them. Instead, make a wide loop around the structure, then float back over the feeding fish.