Fishing Walleye in AuSable

The famed AuSable region is located in the Northeastern part of Michigan's lower peninsula. This wonderful watershed has nearly 190 miles of blue water, filled with an ample quantity of trout and other fish. This is one of the state's most famous trout fisheries. This much acclaimed lake is fairly large and varied both in its physical characteristics as well as its size. The AuSable is not so much a river as a continuing backwater. From the Foote Dam to Lake Huron, the AuSable runs unimpeded fro several miles. This last reach of the river is famous for heavy runs of salmon. Excellent angling for Walleye and pike are the main attractions of this part of the river. Walleye are generally found in the glacier-lakes of Canada. However, it is possible to find smaller varieties as far away as England.

The Walleye are so named because like cats, these fish can see in the dark. They have a coat of reflecting element on their eyes, which facilitates this. Walleye have nocturnal hunting habits and need a 'cool-water' habitat to survive. That is why the AuSable contains Walleye only in certain pockets. Walleye are greatly tolerant of a wide range of environmental situations. But they thrive in large, shallow and turbid lakes. Catching Walleye in the slightly murky waters of Au Sable is indeed serious sport. The fish become aggressive as the water level drops. These fish also feed aggressively during spring. It is common to catch a large one during this season. Walleye have certain seasonal behavioral patterns that dictate their feeding habits. The best way to catch a Walleye is to use bait that works in that season. During the summer season, the Walleye are happy to go near the bottom of the lake to hunt for mollusks and crustaceans. At such a time, the lure should look similar to an underwater worm. In spring the fish are happy to hunt at the surface of the water. During this period, the bait should mimic a small fish that swims on the surface of the water. The Walleye cannot catch the bait if it whizzes past rapidly. The trick is to let the bait float silently near the jaw of the fish.

There are certain conditions that affect Walleye fishing. Wind is one such. Wind causes ripples on the water surface. This means that less sunlight penetrates the surface. Walleye thrive in low visibility regions and conditions. So, a good breeze is always a welcome phenomenon when going Fishing Walleye on Ausable. As a general rule of thumb, when a stiff breeze is on, go in the direction of the breeze. Small fish, minnows etc are bound to stick to reefs and other solid structures. When this happens the Walleye will not be far behind. If you can track such areas, then your Walleye fishing trip to Au Sable is sure to be successful.

Walleye is a prized catch not only because of its aggressive behavior. It is also prime table food. Walleye are therefore hunted both for trade as well as food. The Walleye that grows in the Ausable River are largely between 3-4 kilos and they grow up to 15-20 inches in length. This is not a prize catch, but the Walleye that you find here have been busy chasing minnows and trout for food. Because of the extensive hunting of Walleye, there are restrictions on Walleye fishing. Make sure to carry your license when you go Walleye fishing on the Au Sable River.