> Walleye have evolved to be specialized night hunters, but they’re not perfect. A slow, predictable retrieve gives them an easy target. It’s boring, but it works.

> Generally, I don’t go dainty in the dark. Big baits push a lot of water, making it easier for walleye to locate.

> A lure should be retrieved above walleye at night. This lets them see its silhouette against the moonlight. When bank fishing northern lakes and rivers, I typically catch walleye on baits swimming just beneath the surface to a few feet down.

> Wind-blown shorelines contain turbid water and disoriented baitfish, which attract walleye. A wave-hit bank is always worth casting.

> Walleye can be anywhere along the bank at night. Use different casting angles to cover water and determine fish location. If a spot doesn’t produce, move to another one until you find actively hunting walleye.

> When fishing flowing water look for current seams. Moonlight reflecting on the water’s surface can reveal different ripples where fast and slow flowing water meet. Cast here. Pay attention to where you get bit and cast back to this area.

> Walleye have a habit of bumping hard baits before they hit. This can feel like a “tick” in the rod or a vibration change. It’s a neon sign a fish is interested.

> Vegetation attracts yellow perch and minnows…ideally near deep water. A few feet of water between the weed tops and the surface is all you need…. Even better if you’re within casting range of the outside edge of the veg.

> Points are highways for walleye movements into shallow areas, and then back to deeper water once their bellies are full. Being able to walk out on the point is a bonus as it gives you more casting options.

> Walleyes gravitate to sand areas in fall. Sand bars with a mix of grass or rock are especially good nighttime spots in rivers.

> River bends are walleye magnets. In lakes, inside bends leading into coves and bays are excellent nighttime areas.

> Walleye like current. Fishing an in-flowing tributary is a good strategy. Likewise, a culvert funnels water and attracts fish. The base of rapids is another productive zone.

> Marina break walls, piers, bridge pilings and riprap banks are common hunting grounds for walleyes at night in the fall.