Bull Shoals Lake, located in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, is a popular destination for anglers looking to catch walleye. Known for its clear water and varied structure, Bull Shoals Lake provides ample opportunities for catching walleye in both shallow and deep water.
One of the best times to Fish For Walleye on Bull Shoals Lake is during the spring spawning season, which typically takes place in late March through early April. During this time, walleye will move into shallow water near the shore to spawn, making them easier to catch. Anglers can use a variety of techniques, including jigging with live bait or casting with crankbaits, to target walleye in these areas.
As the water warms up in the summer months, walleye will move to deeper water richer in dissolved oxygen, in search of cooler temperatures. Anglers can still catch walleye during this time by using techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or drifting with live bait along drop-offs and underwater structures.
In the fall, walleye will begin to migrate back to shallow water in preparation for the winter months. This is another great time to target walleye on Bull Shoals Lake, as they will be feeding heavily in preparation for the colder weather. Anglers can use a variety of techniques, including casting with jigs or live bait, to catch walleye in these areas.
When targeting walleye on Bull Shoals Lake, it is important to pay attention to the weather and water conditions. Walleye are sensitive to changes in water temperature and clarity, and will often be more active during overcast or cloudy days. Additionally, walleye will often be more active during low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening.
One of the most popular techniques for catching walleye on Bull Shoals Lake is trolling with crankbaits. Anglers can use a variety of different crankbaits, including deep-diving and shallow-diving models, to target walleye at different depths. When trolling, it is important to pay attention to the speed of your boat and the depth of your lure to ensure you are fishing at the right depth for the walleye.
Live bait is also a popular option for catching walleye on Bull Shoals Lake. Anglers can use a variety of live bait, including minnows, worms, and leeches, to target walleye in both shallow and deep water. When using live bait, it is important to keep the bait lively and active to attract the attention of the walleye.
Another effective technique for catching walleye on Bull Shoals Lake is jigging with live bait. Anglers can use a variety of jigs, including hair jigs and rubber jigs, to target walleye in shallow and deep water. When jigging, it is important to vary your retrieve and jigging motion to find the right combination that will trigger a strike from the walleye.