Neyet Stalker

Nighttime or stained water is an equalizer, providing an opportunity to the shore angler seeking big walleye. The largest of walleye use extreme caution, and the darkness soothes their glowing eyes even in the nighttime shallows. Though they are fearless, wariness keeps them living long and prosperous. After dark some big walleyes move into the shallows, taking advantage over prey along the way. They move into skinny water and strike, the shallows thunder with their presence.

The shore angler can now stalk them with confidence and persistent effort. Hoping the next cast connects with a trophy fish. Proficiency is one key making the most of each presentation while casting. The hope is to have your lure fall in close proximity to the shallow leviathan. With proven lures, and other ingredients working together, the angler can work some magic. Making the bait dance and sing out to a big girl. Causing her to chase it down and strike to the shore angler’s delight. As the lure is swum with precision, she responds with a terrific head shaking strike. She hits the lure with ferocity, before it escapes too shallow for her own comfort. Many times, in waist deep waters! This leaves you breathless, excited, and eager to return again for another encounter with a big nighttime beauty. After catching your first big walleye, you just might catch "walleye fever" too and potentially have this healthy fever for life!

Walleyes are indeed a supreme Night Stalker and the true stalker of the night. With incredible vision in the darkest of depths, shallow forage is no match for their stealthy predation. To catch one of these wary leviathans, the shore angler must out stalk the Night Stalker. With Ninja like presence, avoid careless movement while traversing rocky rip rap shorelines. Wading should be done cautiously, to avoid being detected by supreme lateral line radar. And head lamps shined minimally upon the waters. Do everything you can to avoid spooking the largest and wariest of walleye. Trophy walleye swim in many Colorado waters, providing shore anglers with the opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime. Opportunity may only favor the shore angler a limited number of times per year. Odds are increased by several factors influencing an aggressive bite.

In CO our future is bright with opportunity! The key is concentrating your efforts around prime times and seasons and "Paying Your Dues". In my experience persistent effort, determination and fine tuning has resulted in continued success. I've been fortunate and have caught several (7) walleye over ten pounds, dozens in the 6–9-pound class and hundreds of legal/keeper sizes! My largest walleye was caught post spawn, 20 ft. from shore in waist deep water. Released after pics, she was an impressive 32.5" long and still weighed a healthy 13lbs. Possibly a 16 lb. fish prior to spawning, as big walleye can hold 3-5 lbs. of eggs at the peak. She was the largest walleye by length caught at Chatfield since 2004 submitted for CO master angler.

We must make the most of each potential period, it might be a two-hour window on a specific spot. Spring/Summer/Fall each provide the shore angler with potential for big fish and some legal keepers as well!

Be mindful those big females are a very valuable resource! They produce another very valuable resource! Millions of collective eggs, for numerous stocking efforts here in CO and abroad. Consider releasing all females over 4 lbs. and the big fish (instead of mounting) they are just too valuable to destroy. A replica or picture are excellent options that will preserve your memory and last a lifetime.

As a native of CO, I've enjoyed stalking walleye from shore at night for some 30+,,, yrs. It's been both challenging and rewarding! Unfortunately, for several years now, my efforts have been hindered due to severe back pain.

Catching walleye at night is almost as alluring now, as it was way back in the beginning!