Dubuque Rig for River Walleye During Spring

Use the Dubuque rig for fishing river walleye during spring! Anglers, find and catch fish like walleyes in the upstream by using bait trolling.

Spring is a prime time for walleye fishing, and one of the best ways to target these fish is by using the Dubuque rig. This method is particularly effective in rivers where walleyes are moving upstream to spawn. Let's dive into the details of this technique, including the equipment you'll need and the best practices for catching these elusive fish.

What is a Dubuque Rig?

The Dubuque rig is a versatile setup that involves a three-way swivel, a dropper line with a heavy jig, and a longer leader with a floating Rapala or similar bait. This rig is designed to get your bait down to the bottom of the river where walleyes are likely to be found, while also allowing for a natural presentation in the current. 

Components of the River Walleye Fishing Dubuque Rig

To set up a Dubuque rig, you'll need a few key components:

• Three-way swivel: This allows for the attachment of your main line, dropper line, and leader line.
• Dropper line: Typically a shorter piece of mono or braid that holds a heavy jig or sinker.
• Leader line: A longer piece of line that carries your bait, such as a floating Rapala or a floating jig head.

Using a heavier jig on the dropper line helps to keep the rig on the bottom, while the longer leader allows your bait to move naturally in the current.

Setting Up Your Spring Walleye Fishing Gear

When setting up your Dubuque rig, start by tying your main line to one eye of the three-way swivel. Then, attach a dropper line, usually about 6 to 12 inches long, to the second eye. This line should be strong enough to handle the weight of a heavy jig or sinker. Finally, tie a longer leader line, around 2 to 4 feet, to the third eye of the swivel. This leader will hold your bait, such as a floating jig head or a floating Rapala.

Choosing the Right Bait

For walleye fishing in the spring, minnows are a popular choice of bait. Live bait can be very effective, but artificial lures like WalleyeX jig lures can also work well. When choosing your bait, consider the water conditions and the behavior of the walleyes. During the spawn, walleyes are often more aggressive and may respond better to larger, more active baits.

Techniques for River Walleye Fishing

When using the Dubuque rig, there are a few key techniques to keep in mind:

Trolling

Keep your boat moving slowly, around 1 to 2 mph, to ensure that your bait stays near the bottom and moves naturally with the current. Trolling with the Dubuque rig can be very effective, especially when covering large areas of the river. This can help to entice bites from walleyes that are holding in deeper water or along current seams.

Drifting

Allow your boat to move downstream while keeping your line tight. Drifting with the current can also be a productive method. This will help to keep your bait in the strike zone and prevent snags. As you drift, be sure to watch your line for any bites and be ready to set the hook quickly.

Bottom Jigging

This involves using a heavy jig on the dropper line to bounce along the bottom, while your bait moves naturally with the current. Bottom jigging is another effective technique when using the Dubuque rig.  This can be especially effective in areas with rocky bottoms or around structures where walleyes are likely to be holding.

Tips for Successful Catch of Walleye During Spring

Here are a few additional tips to help you make the most of your walleye fishing trip:

Using the Right Fishing Line

When fishing with the Dubuque rig, it's important to use the right line. Braided line is a good choice for the main line, as it provides strength and sensitivity. For the dropper line and leader, mono or fluorocarbon can be used to provide a more natural presentation and reduce visibility in the water.

Adjusting Your Leader Length

The length of your leader can have a big impact on your success. In general, a longer leader can help to keep your bait off the bottom and in the strike zone. However, if you're fishing in areas with a lot of snags, you may want to use a shorter leader to reduce the risk of getting hung up.

Paying Attention to the Water Current

Walleyes are often found in areas with moderate to strong current, especially during the spring spawn. Pay attention to the current seams and try to position your boat so that your bait moves naturally with the flow of the water. This can help to entice more bites and increase your chances of success.

Is Dubuque Rig Effective for Fishing River Walleye During Spring?

Yes, the Dubuque rig is a highly effective method for targeting river walleyes during the spring. By using a three-way swivel, dropper line, and longer leader, you can present your bait in a way that mimics natural prey and entices bites from aggressive walleyes. Whether you're trolling, drifting, or bottom jigging, the key is to keep your bait in the strike zone and adjust your techniques based on the conditions. With a little practice and patience, you'll be well on your way to landing some impressive walleyes this spring. Happy fishing!