New Mexico Walleye
DEEP WATER PREDATOR
With a mouthful of needle-sharp teeth and jutting lower jaw,
the walleye is a formidable predator. In New Mexico, the walleye
is considered a creature of the depths, hovering in dark waters
far below anglers on the surface. This species avoids sunshine
and calm water, preferring winds (3-10 mph), small surface waves,
and depths (20-60 feet). It is not unheard of to catch walleyes
in 90 feet of water. Water temperature has a great deal to do
with where walleyes locate.
As a species, walleye are highly adaptable and multiply so rapidly
they tend to take over new waters, preying upon resident fish.
Good walleye habitat requires an ample supply of forage fish,
2- to 5-inch fingerlings, including shad, yellow perch, and crayfish.
Walleye are at the peak of feeding in 64-degree water.
Every March, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish collects
millions of walleye eggs, mostly from Ute and Conchas reservoirs,
for artificial propagation at the Rock Lake Hatchery. Up to 40
million walleye eggs are hatched and nurtured, then stocked as
fry in area reservoirs.
WALLEYED PIKE
Despite its official name and pike-like appearance, the walleye
is actually a member of the perch family. The walleye is named
for its blind-looking "wall" eyes, which are milky white,
to help it see and feed in near darkness. It is a cylindrical,
solid-bodied species with two tall, stiff dorsal fins, and the
front fin is sharp with hard spines. Hazy color bands cross its
back along its greenish-brown sides, above a cream-colored belly.
A silver spot marks the bottom rear tip of the tail fin.
WINTER JIGGING
In reservoirs, use heavy (3/4 to 1 1/2 oz.) vertically shaped
jigging spoons along the edges of old river channels at depths
of 100 feet or more. Winter walleye fishing is most successful
when your boat is equipped with a depth finder.
SPRING WALLEYE FISHING
Best spring fishing action is on windy days during April and
May, just after the spawn. Spawning occurs in water from 42 to
56 degrees F. Look for walleyes to gather and spawn in gravelly
or sandy bays (where prevailing spring winds stir up wavelets),
off shoreline bars, or in open water gravel flats. Moderate wave
washing is needed to assist eggs in hatching. Reservoir walleyes
spawn over a three-week period, primarily after dark, in water
depths of 3 to 12 feet.
On cloudy, breezy days, it is not uncommon to catch walleye in
less than 10 feet of water in areas where you'd normally expect
to find largemouth bass. Under these conditions, use small jigs
tipped with minnows, shallow running crankbaits, spinners, plastic
worms, salt craw, and curly tail grubs.
SUMMER WALLEYE FISHING
In summer, walleyes frequent sand bars and points mostly at night,
feeding on crayfish and minnows. For summer bait, most walleye
fishermen use minnows, worms, bottom bouncer rigs, or wide-wobble
crankbaits. As waters warm throughout the season, walleyes move
further and deeper into cool, dark waters. While moving to these
depths, walleyes are often attracted to structure, such as islands,
underwater land forms, or deep weed beds.
As fall approaches, they return to their spring habits, such
as frequenting shallower water and rocky structure, and returning
to an all-fish diet again as they fatten up for winter.
BEST WALLEYE RESERVOIRS
Ute and Conchas (historically, our best walleye waters); Caballo
(a close second); Santa Rosa, Cochiti, Clayton, Sumner, and Abiquiu.
Fishing for Walleye: Pointers from the Pros
- Summer walleye fishing is easier if you use a depth finder.
- A quarter-ounce lead-head hook with a yellow curly-tail grub
is a favorite for both deep and shallow fishing. Tipping your
hook with bait, whether worms or a piece of baitfish, can increase
your chances.
- Fish from shore using live bait on sinker rigs or jigs.
- After dusk along the shore, cast a 5- to 7-inch shallow-running
crankbait in 2 to 7 feet of water full of perch or bluegill,
yet still near deep water. Wear chest waders, fish quietly,
and bring a net.
SPORT FISH RESTORATION ACT
A 10-percent federal excise tax on your purchase of fishing equipment
and motor boat fuel helps states indi-vidually promote sport fisheries.
This includes acquiring easements or leases for public fishing,
funding hatchery and stocking programs, supporting aquatic education,
and improving boating facilities for anglers.
