Walleye photo provided by Kenneth Flowers.
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Walleye fishing in February can be downright legendary. As water temperatures climb into the 45–50°F range, walleye begin their annual spawn. This spawning period can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the body of water. Factors like water depth, lake size, and water clarity all play a role in how long and where the spawn occurs. During this time, walleye push into shallower water, giving bank anglers some of their best opportunities of the year to catch one of Oklahoma’s tastiest game fish.
Once the spawn wraps up, anglers often notice a brief lull in activity. That slowdown is normal, as fish take time to recover after spawning. Don’t let it discourage you, though. After this recovery period, the bite often turns back on strong and can be just as good, if not better than the spawn itself.
No matter the timing, the key to consistent walleye success is staying in contact with the bottom. Keep your bait within three feet of the lake floor, where walleye spend most of their time feeding. Crankbaits, swimbaits, and live bait are all effective tools for covering water while maintaining that crucial bottom contact.
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