Walleyes can grow up to 30 inches long and weigh more than 10 pounds, so select a lure that can handle the big guys. For jig heads, the optimal size range from 0. For jib body lures, go with ones between 3 and 5 inches long. Spoons weighing between 0. Start with more naturally colored lures like silver, gray, and white—especially when using crankbait.
Lures with iridescent shimmers also effectively mimic fish bait scales to amp visibility in low-light situations. Crankbaits cover both options, while bottom-bouncers and heavier lures with large depth ratings should be selected for boat fishing. Though walleyes can be caught year-round, spring is typically when they start to spawn as the water warms. They become very aggressive at this time, so almost all lure types will work.
Fall is typically the most challenging, as the fish feeding is starting to slow, so go with smaller lures that will slow down in the water. And in winter, when fishing on ice, go with a lure designed specifically for ice fishing. Troll fishing is a relatively easy, reliable way to catch walleye—select slow to moderate diving lures when fishing around weeds, rocky shorelines, and reefs.
In the summer, go with a lure rated to go deeper up to 30 feet. The contributors to this story have spent decades reviewing and testing outdoor products. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products.
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What We Like Mimics a variety of forage species Sits motionless. What We Don't Like Not as many weights as other options. What We Like Great for casting and trolling Quality-tested. What We Don't Like Lightweight affects casting distance. What We Don't Like Reviewers note lure didn't match picture online.
The 8 Best Fishing Poles of Many of these techniques produce about a foot or so off the bottom. Walleye crankbaits are predominantly known for their trolling applications, typically behind planer boards to spread multiple lures apart and to avoid the commotion generated from the boat and motor. A deep diving crankbait that drives Ft. These should be trolled along expansive Flats and Reefs during the summer months. Trolling requires a boat and is somewhat advanced, but I recommend having a crankbait in your arsenal if you are a shoreline angler.
These lures are great for searching out walleye, then alternating to a more targeted approach, like a slip bobber rig, once you can zone in. They will also catch a fair share of pike and bass which makes for exciting evenings on the water. I like to use paddle tails when I can locate schools of baitfish. Mayfly hatch when baitfish are flourishing. In summer, if I can find a deep school of shad or cisco, I will thump a paddle tail along the bottom.
During the Mayfly hatch when baitfish are near the surface I will swim the shad through the upper half of the water column. Beware, there will be a mixed bag of species in this approach.
The general rule of thumb for paddle tail shads is to match-the-hatch so stick with natural colors like pearl, shad, smelt etc. Live bait is the key to bountiful walleye trips. Anyone who is just starting out should default to live bait as Walleye are generally more finicky and complicated to catch versus the typical freshwater fish.
A soft-plastic, grub-style body offers a slippery, life-like appearance, while the tantalizing marabou tail enhances the display. This, along with a two-color painted eye on the jig head prompts aggressive strikes and entices the fish to eat the whole bait, then hold on longer for greater hook sets. Fish it plain, or tip it with a minnow, crawler or leech. Painted, gold or nickel plated blades made with bevel edges complement the realistic baitfish head design and QuickSkirt changeable premium silicone skirt.
Fish this bait over weeds or troll it through trees for suspended walleye. One of the most versatile jigs for ice fishing, the weight-forward design and position of the line tie yield a horizontal position in the water, with a realistic profile for presenting a minnow, leech or wax worm. Made for shimmying through shallow water, deflecting off cover and ripping through weeds, this lipless crankbait contains free-floating rattles for fish-calling appeal that complements a shad-shaped body with glaring red eyes.
Fish it fast to cover lots of water, or vertically jig it when icefishing. The Shad Rap is hand-tuned and tank-tested for optimal performance sticky sharp VMC black nickel trebles ensure solid connections. Made to match a diverse array of aquatic forage, the Watsit comes pre-rigged on a color matched Lindy Jig head. Loaded with Ultrabite Pheromones that stimulate walleyes to feed, this 6.
Perfectly balanced, the Husky Jerk features an oversized lip that gets it down to 20 feet when trolled or up to 10 when cast and retrieved. Neutral buoyancy allows the bait to suspend when paused — just the thing for tempting indecisive fish with a vulnerable meal. A metal lip and erratic, side-to-side searching action make this a go-to choice for walleye trolling.
The bait comes fitted with ultra-wide gap Eagle Claw Kahle hooks. Available in crankbait, squarebill and deep diving models, the Live Target Crawfish features incredibly detailed body molding with equally intricate coloration and protruding red eyes just like a real mudbug.
The blade rotates close to the body for mid-depth retrieves, while the fully dressed gold-plated treble bolsters the appeal.
A good bet for ice fishing or open waters. At this time of year, finding walleyes is usually the hardest part of catching them. On the Great Lakes and across the Upper Midwest, for example, the two biggest problems are stained water from monstrous winds and icy water temperatures——a result of melting snow pouring into lakes from feeder rivers and streams.
Dirty water, typically a few degrees warmer than clean or off-color water, provides baitfish with warmth and visual cover from predatory fish.
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