Looking to go fishing on the Columbia River at night? You’re in for a treat! Night fishing for walleye is a whole different ball game and it’s a real treat. Walleye are more active at night and under the cover of darkness you have the perfect opportunity to catch some big ones. This guide will give you all the tips and tricks to make your night walleye fishing trip a success.

Why Night Walleye?

Walleye are more active in low light so night fishing is a good strategy. They have eyes that are adapted to see in low light so they have an advantage over their prey when the sun goes down. Unlike during the day when walleye are in deeper water, at night they move into the shallows to hunt. This is when you want to target them.

Plus night fishing is calming. The hustle and bustle of the Columbia River during the day disappears as the night takes over. No boat traffic and no distractions, just the sound of the river and the anticipation of a bite. For seasoned anglers this peacefulness combined with night fishing is a whole new experience.

What You’ll Need for Night Walleye

You’ll need the right gear for a successful night of walleye fishing. Here’s what you need:

• Rod and Reel: Medium action with a sensitive tip. You want to feel every nibble and have the strength to reel in a big walleye.

• Line: Braided lines in the 8-12 lb range are popular because of their sensitivity and strength. Pair with a fluorocarbon leader which is nearly invisible in water.

• Bait and Lures: Minnows, nightcrawlers and leeches are great baits for walleye. If you prefer lures jigs and crankbaits in dark colors, black or purple work well because they create a silhouette in low light. Glow in the dark lures are a game changer when it’s dark.

• Lighting: Since it’s night fishing a headlamp or lantern is a must. A hands free headlamp allows you to keep your hands free while still seeing what you’re doing. Some anglers use underwater lights to attract baitfish which in turn attract walleye.

• Boat Equipment: If you’re fishing from a boat make sure your boat is equipped with navigation lights and other safety essentials like a depth finder or GPS to locate structure.

Where to Find Walleye on the Columbia River at Night

The Columbia River is famous for walleye fishing and night fishing can produce even better. But where do you cast? Understanding walleye behavior is key to finding the best spots.

Walleye are structure oriented fish, they like rocks, weed beds and drop offs. These structures provide shelter and attract smaller fish which walleye feed on. Some of the best spots to target:

• Shallow Flats: Walleye move into shallower water at night to feed. Look for flats near deeper water, walleye will move from the depths to the shallows during feeding hours.

• Rocky Points: Rocks provide structure for baitfish and walleye are never far behind. Rocky points into deep water are the best.

• Weed Beds and Vegetation: The edges of weed beds are the best places to fish for walleye as they provide cover for baitfish which in turn attract walleye.

• Bridges and Dams: These man made structures are great places to catch walleye. They slow the river down and create areas for baitfish to gather.

Night Walleye Techniques

Night fishing for walleye is different from daytime fishing and there are some key techniques to consider:

• Slow Presentation: Walleye are more cautious at night so slow and steady is key. Whether using live bait or lures slow down your retrieve and give walleye more time to bite.

• Steady Retrieve: A steady controlled retrieve works best at night. This mimics the movement of natural prey and increases the chance of a strike.

• Vertical Jigging: Drop your jig to the bottom and slowly lift it while keeping tension on the line. This works great around structure where walleye are hiding.

• Trolling: If you’re fishing from a boat trolling is a great way to cover more water and find active fish. Use crankbaits or spinner rigs at a slow trolling speed to tempt walleye.

Night Fishing Safety

Night fishing has its own set of challenges so safety should always be first. Here are some safety tips to follow:

• Wear a Life Jacket: Even if you’re an experienced swimmer wear a life jacket when night fishing. Accidents can happen and a life jacket can be the difference.

• Be Visible: Make sure your boat’s navigation lights are working and on so other boaters can see you.

• Know the River: Know the Columbia River’s layout, currents and hazards like sandbars and rocks.

• Fish with a Buddy: Night fishing can be peaceful but it’s always safer to have someone with you in case of an emergency.

Night Walleye Fishing is Fun

One of the best things about night fishing is that moment when you feel that unmistakable bite. There’s something special about fishing in the quiet, still darkness under the stars. The anticipation builds as you wait for that perfect strike.

For many anglers night fishing on the Columbia River is a chance to catch trophy walleye and it’s a challenge that brings them back. From using specialized techniques to exploiting the best fishing holes night fishing is an experience like no other.

Ready to Give it a Try?

If you want to try night fishing for walleye on the Columbia River now’s the time. With the right gear, techniques and safety in place you can turn your night on the water into a successful night. Check out this Walleye Fishing Columbia River guide to help you land a big one.

Night fishing takes a little more patience and planning but the reward is worth it. The peace of the river, the thrill of the catch and the sense of accomplishment of a successful trip makes night walleye fishing a must do for every angler. So get your gear and get out there.