Since most walleye spawning takes place in shallow water where the sun s rays can help hatch the eggs, a small drop in water level can wipe out vast areas of walleye spawning habitat. A rise in water level can also eliminate spawning habitat, though it usually opens up other areas. Generally, low water hot spots are super producers, because the fish are more tightly schooled due to reduced lake area. Rising waters have the effect of scattering fish and breaking them into smaller schools. While some walleye hot spots seem to attract fish year after year, others will be super one year and completely dead the next.
Some biologists believe that relocation of prey seems to be a logical explanation.
Walleyes are more nomadic than other species of fish, and if they feed on an open water prey, like ciscoe or tullibee, their movements can be very erratic. If you discover a walleye hot spot in early summer, it should hold fish until the fall turnover. But the chances of the same location producing walleyes next summer are not guaranteed. The walleye angler just has to be flexible and clever to keep up with the wandering walleye clan. Knowing why our favorite fishing spot is no longer producing fish makes for a more adaptable angler.