Why do Walleyes bite or refuse?

[mac]

I apologize, I am resubmitting a post from last nite with a different heading.

Does the empty walleye stomach indicate that the walleye has been fasting? can't find food? is in an area where food is not present? or something else?

The last two nites, (1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunset) the walleyes have been caught on a very slow minnow and jig presentation. They will not hit a stick bait run right by their noses. Their stomachs are completely empty.

Are they just in a resting phase as far as feeding is concerned?

The water is full of mayfly nymphs and at times last week they had gorged on them, but for two days, they just haven't eaten.

Anybody have any guesses? We have had high pressure, no clouds, very bright days. Does that make them not eat? Go dormant? The place where I am fishing has no deep water within 2 miles for them to
go to to escape the bright light and the water is very clear.

[eyesNsox]

From my experience, the walleyes digestive system works very rapidly and this may explain why you may be finding empty stomach's. This will also be particularly true if they are foraging on mayfly larvae.
I can't explain why they are not interested in your minnow presentation. The only thing that I can think of is to refer back to the old rule of thumb "match the hatch". Tie on a 1/16 or 1/8 oz jig and tip it with a small piece of night crawler. Let it sink to the bottom and slowly lift and drop. This will imitate the larvae emerging from the mud. Also pay attention to your electronics. No marks no fish.

Have a great time.
eyes&sox

[Walleye Express]

I concur with Eyes&Sox.
Walleye seem to digest their food very fast. It may have to do with them storing their fat in their stomachs versus between their flesh layers and tail like many other species. Ever notice the large amount of that green digestive fluid coming out of their gall bladders when you make that innitial cut behind the gills? I'm guessing that all plays a part in that fast digestion.

And mayflies, above all their favorite food choices, would probably be disolved even quicker. Even though walleyes will take advantage of any and all available prey, I believe they will zero in on certain easily available prey species or types during certain times of the year. And if your offering isn't looking or acting like what they have zeroed in on for an extended period of time, it may go unnoticed or take more inticement to attract Mr. Walleye.