Dan, I am a beginner at walleye fishing and am interested in doing some late winter fishing in Oklahoma. Do they hang in shallower waters in the winter? Is nighttime fishing the most productive throughout the year?

For the most part, Walleye prefer to reside in deeper waters regardless of what season it is. Their favorite hide out spots is deep water lakes that have sandy, rocky or gravel bottoms. Water temperatures are on the cool side but every once in awhile this sneaky fish lingers in warmer waters if the mood suites them. Oklahoma walleye are no different. Spring time spawn season brings these fish closer to the surface as the shallow waters provide suitable breeding grounds. Walleye navigate through lakes and feeder streams to reach shallower waters. Other suitable options are clean bottom shoals, shallow bars and any area that leads to deeper waters in an instant. For winter time walleye fishing, pinpoint inside channel turns and rock humps. As unusual as this sounds, check out spring spawning spots. Underlying deep water structures around breeding grounds are sometimes a favorite for walleye to rest and relax before the springtime action begins. The best bait selections for wintertime walleye fishing are jigs, spoons and plastic worms. The colder water temperatures of winter time result in the walleye activity levels being slower than normal. Keep bait selections moving at a slower pace. Let the bait practically linger right in the face of the walleye and tease it for a few moments longer than usual. The walleye still strike a moving target in the wintertime; it just takes a little longer. The most ideal time to fish for walleye year round is sundown to midnight. This is not to say that other times of the day will not be effective. Dawn brings the walleye towards the surface for feeding time. As the sun rises in mid-afternoon, they move to middle water depth levels and spend the day looking for something to peak their interest. Give each time of day a shot and see what works best for you.

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