May 2021 • Nebraskaland 51
bottom, deep areas, fl ats and bays. Here, shad is the major
prey fi sh for walleye, promoting a thriving population.
Calamus Reservoir, Loup County – has habitat conducive
to good walleye populations with good water quality, sand
bottom, drop-off s, fl ats, bays and coves. Gizzard shad is the
primary prey, and Calamus has overwinter areas for gizzard
shad to keep the predominately stocked walleye population
thriving.
Once You're There
Spring brings the spawn, and both boat and bank anglers
can have good success, as these fi sh concentrate in shallow,
rocky shorelines to reproduce. Following a brief post-spawn
lull, anglers often fi nd the best bite of the year in late May
and early June as fi sh move into shallow water in search of
food. Later, in the heat of summer, catching walleye can be
a challenge, but for those who pursue them, fi shing in deep
water can be rewarding. In the fall, anglers who can fi nd
schools of baitfi sh can fi nd walleye. In the winter, ice anglers
often target fi sh on structures.
More Than Walleye
For all of your fi shing pursuits, take a look at the 2021
Fishing Forecast. The report shows the results of sampling
eff orts for several species of fi sh, including walleye,
conducted by fi sheries biologists in waters across the state
in 2020. Charts detail the number and size of fi sh sampled.
Anglers can pick and choose whether they would like to fi sh
waters with lots of eating-sized fi sh, big fi sh or both.
N
The Fishing Forecast can be found at local vendors or online at
OutdoorNebraska.gov/fi shingforecast/.
Anglers troll for walleye at sunset on Calamus Reservoir.
ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
Merritt Reservoir is a perennial top pick for toothy walleyes.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
