Looking for the best lures for walleye? Our comprehensive guide covers jigging lures, , soft plastics, live bait options, spinnerbaits, , trolling lures, and to help you catch more walleye.
Jigging Lures for Walleye
When it comes to , jigging lures are a popular choice among anglers. These versatile lures can be used in a variety of fishing conditions and are known to attract walleye with their realistic movements and enticing presentations. In this section, we will explore three types of jigging lures that have proven to be effective for walleye fishing: blade baits, jigging spoons, and hair jigs.
Blade Baits
Blade baits are a type of jigging lure that feature a thin, flat piece of metal shaped like a blade. They are designed to imitate a wounded baitfish, which can be irresistible to hungry walleye. The unique shape of blade baits allows them to flutter and vibrate as they are jigged, creating a realistic action that walleye find hard to resist.
One popular blade bait for walleye fishing is the Silver Buddy. This lure has a compact design and a realistic finish that closely resembles a baitfish. The Silver Buddy can be jigged vertically or cast and retrieved, making it a versatile option for different fishing techniques.
Jigging Spoons
Jigging spoons are another effective jigging lure for walleye. These lures feature a concave shape and a spoon-like design that creates a fluttering and wobbling action in the water. Jigging spoons are known for their ability to imitate injured baitfish, making them a favorite among walleye anglers.
One popular jigging spoon for walleye is the Swedish Pimple. This lure has a unique shape and a flashy, metallic finish that attracts walleye from a distance. The Swedish Pimple can be jigged vertically or cast and retrieved, allowing anglers to cover a larger area and target different depths.
Hair Jigs
Hair jigs are a classic jigging lure that has been used by anglers for decades. These lures consist of a lead head with a bundle of hair or feathers tied to the hook. The hair or feathers create a lifelike movement in the water, making the lure appear more natural and enticing to walleye.
One popular hair jig for walleye is the Marabou Jig. This lure features a marabou feather tail that undulates in the water, mimicking the movement of a baitfish. The Marabou Jig can be jigged vertically or hopped along the bottom, making it a versatile option for different fishing scenarios.
In summary, jigging lures are a great choice for targeting walleye. Blade baits, jigging spoons, and hair jigs all have their own unique characteristics that can entice walleye to bite. Whether you prefer the realistic action of a blade bait, the fluttering motion of a jigging spoon, or the lifelike movement of a hair jig, these lures are sure to increase your chances of success on the water. So next time you head out for some walleye fishing, don’t forget to pack your favorite jigging lures and get ready for an exciting day on the water!
Crankbaits for Walleye
When it comes to walleye fishing, are an essential tool in any angler’s tackle box. These versatile lures are designed to imitate baitfish, making them irresistible to hungry walleye. In this section, we will explore three types of that have proven to be particularly effective for targeting walleye: shad-shaped , long-billed crankbaits, and lipless crankbaits.
Shad-shaped Crankbaits
Shad-shaped crankbaits are designed to mimic the natural swimming action of shad, a preferred prey for walleye. These lures typically have a slender, elongated body with a realistic shad profile. The key to their effectiveness lies in their lifelike swimming motion and the vibrations they create in the water.
One of the advantages of using shad-shaped is their versatility. They can be fished at various depths, depending on the specific needs of the angler. Whether you’re targeting walleye in shallow waters or deeper structures, shad-shaped crankbaits can be adjusted to reach the desired depth.
Another benefit of shad-shaped crankbaits is their ability to cover a large area of water. The diving lip on these lures allows them to dive quickly and reach the desired depth, making them ideal for covering expansive areas such as flats or drop-offs. This feature is particularly useful when walleye are scattered and not concentrated in a specific area.
Long-billed Crankbaits
Long-billed , as the name suggests, have an extended bill or lip that protrudes from the front of the lure. This design allows them to dive deeper than other , making them perfect for targeting walleye in deeper waters or when they are holding tight to the bottom.
The elongated bill creates a distinct wobbling action that triggers the predatory instincts of walleye. As the lure is retrieved, the bill generates vibrations and erratic movements that closely resemble a wounded baitfish. This realistic action is what entices walleye to strike.
Long-billed crankbaits are particularly effective when walleye are located near submerged structures such as rock piles, submerged timber, or drop-offs. Their ability to dive deeper and stay in the strike zone for longer periods increases the chances of enticing a walleye to bite.
Lipless Crankbaits
Lipless crankbaits, also known as rattlebaits, are a popular choice among walleye anglers. Unlike shad-shaped and long-billed crankbaits, these lures do not have a diving lip. Instead, they rely on their unique body shape and internal rattles to attract walleye.
The absence of a diving lip allows lipless to be fished in a variety of ways. They can be retrieved at a steady pace, ripped through the water, or even vertically jigged. This versatility makes them suitable for different fishing conditions and techniques.
One of the key advantages of lipless crankbaits is their ability to create a commotion in the water. The internal rattles produce a loud noise that can be heard by walleye from a distance. This noise, combined with the lure’s erratic swimming action, triggers the predatory instincts of walleye and entices them to strike.
Lipless crankbaits are particularly effective when fishing in weedy areas or when walleye are in an aggressive feeding mode. The loud rattles and the lure’s ability to quickly cover water make them an excellent choice for locating active walleye.
Now that we’ve covered crankbaits, let’s move on to the next section: “Soft Plastic Lures for Walleye.”
Soft Plastic Lures for Walleye
When it comes to catching walleye, soft plastic lures are a popular choice among anglers. These versatile and realistic baits can effectively mimic the natural movement of baitfish, enticing even the most finicky walleye to strike. In this section, we’ll explore three types of soft plastic lures that have proven to be successful in targeting walleye: paddle tail swimbaits, grubs and twister tails, and tube baits.
Paddle Tail Swimbaits
Paddle tail swimbaits are a favorite among walleye anglers due to their lifelike swimming action and realistic appearance. These soft plastic lures feature a tail that resembles a paddle, which creates a thumping, vibrating motion as it moves through the water. The paddle tail design produces a subtle yet enticing movement that can easily attract the attention of nearby walleye.
One advantage of using paddle tail swimbaits is their versatility. They can be fished in a variety of ways, including a steady retrieve, a slow crawl along the bottom, or even a vertical jigging motion. The key is to experiment with different retrieval speeds and depths to find what works best on any given day.
To maximize your chances of success with paddle tail swimbaits, consider using natural colors that closely resemble the forage present in the water you’re fishing. Additionally, adding scent attractants or applying fish attractant sprays can further enhance their effectiveness. The combination of realistic action, color, and scent makes paddle tail swimbaits an irresistible choice for walleye.
Grubs and Twister Tails
Grubs and twister tails are another effective soft plastic lure option for walleye. These lures consist of a soft, grub-shaped body with a curly or twister tail that imparts enticing vibrations in the water. The twisting, spiraling action of the tail creates a lifelike movement that can trigger aggressive strikes from walleye.
One of the advantages of using grubs and twister tails is their simplicity. They are easy to rig and can be fished with a variety of techniques, including jigging, casting, and trolling. Whether you’re fishing in shallow waters or deeper depths, grubs and twister tails can adapt to different conditions and still produce results.
When selecting grubs and twister tails, opt for natural colors such as white, chartreuse, or black. These colors closely resemble the appearance of common baitfish, making them highly effective in attracting walleye. To enhance their appeal, consider using scented attractants or applying fish attractant sprays. By combining the lifelike movement of the tail with the right color and scent, you’ll increase your chances of enticing walleye to bite.
Tube Baits
Tube baits are a versatile and highly effective soft plastic lure for walleye fishing. These cylindrical baits feature a hollow body with tentacle-like appendages at one end, giving them a unique appearance and action in the water. The hollow body can be rigged with a jig head or used as a trailer on a spinnerbait, adding to their versatility.
One of the key advantages of using tube baits is their ability to imitate a variety of prey species. The tentacle-like appendages provide a lifelike movement that closely resembles the natural swimming action of baitfish and crayfish. This realistic presentation can be irresistible to walleye, especially when they are feeding on these types of forage.
Tube baits can be fished in various ways, including casting, jigging, or dragging along the bottom. Experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques to determine what triggers the most strikes. Additionally, consider using natural colors such as green pumpkin, smoke, or watermelon, as these colors closely mimic the appearance of common prey species.
In summary, soft plastic lures are a go-to choice for walleye anglers, and for good reason. Paddle tail swimbaits, grubs and twister tails, and tube baits offer realistic action and versatility that can entice even the most wary walleye to bite. By selecting the right lure and employing the appropriate techniques, you’ll increase your chances of landing that trophy walleye. So next time you hit the water, don’t forget to pack your soft plastic lures and get ready for an exciting day of walleye fishing!
Live Bait Options for Walleye
If you’re an avid angler targeting walleye, one of the most effective techniques you can use is fishing with live bait. Live bait presents a natural and enticing meal for walleye, triggering their predatory instincts and increasing your chances of a successful catch. In this section, we will explore three popular live bait options for walleye: nightcrawlers, minnows, and leeches.
Nightcrawlers
Nightcrawlers, also known as earthworms, are a classic choice for walleye fishing. These creatures are easily accessible, affordable, and highly effective in attracting walleye. Nightcrawlers have a wriggling motion that mimics the movement of prey, making them irresistible to hungry walleye.
To rig a nightcrawler, you can use a simple hook and split-shot weight setup. Start by threading the nightcrawler onto the hook, leaving a portion of it dangling. This allows the worm to move freely in the water, enhancing its natural presentation. Attach a split-shot weight a few inches above the hook to keep the bait at the desired depth.
When using nightcrawlers, it’s important to vary your retrieval speed and depth. Experiment with slow retrieves, pauses, and occasional twitches to imitate the behavior of injured prey. This erratic movement will entice walleye to strike.
Minnows
Minnows are another excellent choice for targeting walleye. These small baitfish closely resemble the natural forage of walleye and can be extremely effective, especially when fishing in colder water temperatures. Minnows provide a lively and realistic presentation that triggers a strong feeding response from walleye.
There are various types of minnows you can use, such as fathead minnows or shiners. Depending on the size of the walleye you’re targeting, you can choose minnows that range from one to three inches in length. Larger walleye tend to prefer bigger prey, so opting for larger minnows can increase your chances of landing a trophy fish.
To rig a minnow, you can use a standard live bait rig or a jighead. When using a live bait rig, attach a small hook to a leader with a swivel at one end and a weight at the other. Hook the minnow through its lips or back, allowing it to swim naturally. Jigheads are another popular option, especially when fishing in deeper water or around structure. Simply thread the minnow onto the jighead and let it sink to the desired depth before retrieving it with a gentle jigging motion.
Leeches
Leeches may not be the first bait that comes to mind when targeting walleye, but they can be incredibly effective, especially during certain times of the year. These slimy creatures emit natural chemicals that attract walleye, triggering a feeding response. Leeches have a unique swimming motion that walleye find irresistible, making them a great choice for enticing finicky fish.
When rigging a leech, you can use a slip sinker rig or a jighead. The slip sinker rig is a popular choice when fishing in deeper water or areas with strong currents. Thread the leech onto a hook, leaving a portion of it hanging freely. Attach a slip sinker above a swivel, followed by a leader and hook. This setup allows the leech to swim naturally and entice walleye to strike.
Jigheads are another effective option for fishing with leeches. Thread the leech onto the jighead, ensuring that it is secured firmly. Jigheads provide excellent control and allow you to present the leech at different depths and speeds.
When using leeches, it’s important to keep them in good condition. Store them in cool, aerated water to maintain their vitality and prevent them from becoming lethargic. This will ensure that they maintain their enticing swimming motion and continue to attract walleye.
Spinnerbaits for Walleye
When it comes to targeting walleye, spinnerbaits can be a highly effective lure choice. These versatile lures are designed to mimic the movements of baitfish, enticing walleye to strike. Spinnerbaits are known for their ability to attract fish from a distance, making them an excellent option for both shallow and deep water fishing. In this section, we will explore different types of spinnerbaits that can help you reel in more walleye.
Colorado Blade Spinnerbaits
One popular type of spinnerbait for walleye fishing is the Colorado blade spinnerbait. These lures feature a large, round blade that creates a lot of vibration and flash in the water. The Colorado blade is known for its ability to attract fish in low-light or murky conditions, making it a great choice for during dawn, dusk, or in stained water.
The design of the Colorado blade also allows for a slower retrieve, which can be beneficial when targeting walleye. These fish are known for their preference for a slower presentation, so a Colorado blade spinnerbait can be just what you need to entice them to strike. The slow, steady movement of the blade combined with the flash and vibration can be irresistible to walleye, especially when they are in a less aggressive feeding mood.
Willow Leaf Blade Spinnerbaits
Another popular type of spinnerbait for walleye is the willow leaf blade spinnerbait. These lures feature a long, slender blade that creates a lot of flash as it spins through the water. The willow leaf blade is known for its ability to imitate the movements of a baitfish, making it an excellent choice for fooling walleye.
The slender design of the willow leaf blade allows for a faster retrieve compared to the Colorado blade. This can be advantageous when walleye are more active and chasing after faster-moving prey. The fast-spinning blade combined with the flashy appearance can trigger a walleye’s predatory instincts, causing them to strike.
Double Blade Spinnerbaits
For walleye anglers looking to create even more flash and vibration, double blade spinnerbaits can be a game-changer. These lures feature two blades of the same or different types, creating a double dose of attraction in the water. The combination of blades can produce a unique action that can be irresistible to walleye.
Double blade spinnerbaits offer versatility in terms of the blades used. You can experiment with different blade combinations to find what works best for the walleye in your fishing area. Whether it’s a Colorado blade paired with a willow leaf blade or two willow leaf blades of different sizes, the options are endless.
The key to success with double blade spinnerbaits is finding the right balance between flash and vibration. Some walleye may be attracted to a lot of flash, while others may prefer a subtler presentation. By testing out different combinations and observing the walleye’s response, you can fine-tune your approach to maximize your chances of success.
Topwater Lures for Walleye
When it comes to , can be incredibly effective in attracting these elusive fish. The excitement of seeing a walleye strike a lure on the water’s surface is unmatched, and using adds an extra element of thrill to your fishing experience. In this section, we will explore three types of that are particularly effective for walleye fishing: popper lures, walking baits, and prop baits.
Popper Lures
Poppers are a classic choice for enticing walleye to strike. These lures are designed to create a popping sound and a commotion on the water’s surface, imitating the movement of injured prey. The unique design of popper lures features a concave face that creates a splashing sound when the lure is twitched or jerked. This sound and action can trigger a predatory response from walleye, making them strike with aggression.
When using popper lures, it’s essential to create a realistic presentation. Cast your lure near structures such as weed beds, fallen trees, or submerged rocks, as these are common feeding areas for walleye. Retrieve the lure in a series of short, quick jerks, pausing in between to allow the lure to create the enticing popping sound. The key is to mimic the erratic movement of injured prey, which can attract walleye from a distance.
Walking Baits
Walking baits, also known as stick baits or jerk baits, are another popular choice for targeting walleye on the surface. These lures are designed to imitate the movement of a wounded baitfish, creating a side-to-side “walking” action when retrieved. The erratic movement of walking baits can trigger a feeding response from walleye, especially in low-light conditions or when the fish are actively feeding near the surface.
To effectively fish with walking baits, cast your lure near shallow areas or areas with submerged structure. Retrieve the lure with a series of sharp jerks, causing it to dart from side to side. The key to success with walking baits is to vary the speed and cadence of your retrieve, imitating the natural movement of injured prey. Experiment with different retrieval techniques until you find the one that triggers the most strikes.
Prop Baits
Prop baits, as the name suggests, feature one or more spinning propellers that create a splashing and buzzing sound on the water’s surface. This unique action and sound can be irresistible to walleye, especially in calm or slightly choppy conditions. The propellers create vibrations that can be felt by walleye, attracting them to the lure from a distance.
When using prop baits, cast your lure near weed beds, rocky shorelines, or any areas where walleye are likely to be lurking. Retrieve the lure with a steady, slow retrieve, allowing the propellers to create a commotion on the water’s surface. The key is to create a lifelike presentation that mimics the movement of a struggling baitfish. Be patient and experiment with different speeds and pauses to find the retrieve that triggers the most strikes.
Trolling Lures for Walleye
When it comes to targeting walleye, trolling can be an incredibly effective technique. Not only does it allow you to cover a large area of water, but it also enables you to present your lures at various depths and speeds. In this section, we’ll explore some of the top trolling lures for walleye and how to use them effectively.
Crankbait Trolling
Crankbaits are a staple in the walleye angler’s arsenal, and for good reason. These lures are designed to mimic the movement of baitfish, which is a favorite meal for walleye. When trolling with , it’s important to choose the right size and color based on the prevailing conditions.
One popular technique is to use shad-shaped . These lures have a realistic profile and are available in a wide range of colors to match the local forage. By varying your trolling speed and depth, you can imitate the erratic movements of injured or fleeing baitfish, which can trigger aggressive strikes from walleye.
Another effective option is long-billed crankbaits. These lures have a longer lip that allows them to dive deeper, making them ideal for trolling in deeper water or when walleye are holding at specific depths. The longer lip creates more resistance, causing the lure to dive and wobble, attracting the attention of nearby walleye.
If you’re looking for a versatile crankbait for trolling, consider using lipless crankbaits. These lures have a flat, thin profile and lack a diving lip. Instead, they rely on their natural buoyancy and the angler’s trolling speed to control their depth. Lipless crankbaits are great for covering large areas of water and can be twitched or ripped to create additional action that triggers walleye strikes.
Harness Rigs
Harness rigs are another popular choice for trolling walleye. These rigs consist of a spinner blade, beads, and a series of hooks dressed with soft plastic or live bait. The spinner blade adds flash and vibration to attract walleye, while the hooks are used to present the bait in an enticing manner.
Colorado blade harness rigs are highly effective when targeting walleye. The Colorado blade provides a slower and more exaggerated rotation, which can be irresistible to walleye. These rigs are commonly used with nightcrawlers or minnows as bait, but can also be paired with other soft plastic options like paddle tail swimbaits.
Willow leaf blade harness rigs are another popular choice. The willow leaf blade has a sleeker profile and spins at a faster rate compared to the Colorado blade. This can be advantageous when targeting walleye that are more actively feeding or when fishing in clearer water conditions. Willow leaf blade harness rigs are often paired with leeches or smaller minnows for optimal results.
Diving Plugs
Diving plugs are designed to dive to specific depths, making them an excellent choice for trolling walleye at precise locations. These lures have a built-in diving lip that determines their diving depth. By selecting the right diving plug and adjusting your trolling speed, you can effectively target walleye at various depths.
When choosing diving plugs for walleye, it’s important to consider the depth at which the fish are holding. Deep-diving plugs, with their longer lips, can reach depths of 15 to 20 feet or more. On the other hand, shallow-diving plugs are designed to run closer to the surface, making them ideal for trolling in shallower water or when walleye are actively feeding near the surface.
An effective technique when trolling with diving plugs is to vary your trolling speed. By speeding up or slowing down, you can change the depth at which the lure runs, allowing you to target walleye at different levels in the water column. Additionally, incorporating pauses or changes in direction can mimic the erratic movement of injured baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from walleye.
Ice Fishing Lures for Walleye
When it comes to ice fishing for walleye, having the right lures in your tackle box is essential. Ice fishing is a unique experience that requires specialized gear, including lures that can entice walleye to bite even in the frigid temperatures. In this section, we will explore three types of lures that have proven to be successful for targeting walleye under the ice: ice jigs, tungsten jigs, and ice spoons.
Ice Jigs
Ice jigs are a staple in every ice angler’s arsenal. These small, compact lures are designed to imitate the natural prey of walleye, such as minnows, insects, and small crustaceans. What sets ice jigs apart is their ability to be fished vertically, allowing anglers to precisely control the movement and presentation of the lure.
One of the key advantages of using ice jigs is their versatility. They come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, allowing anglers to match the hatch and adjust their presentation based on the preferences of the walleye on any given day. Some popular ice jig styles include tear drops, chubby darters, and diamond jigs.
To effectively fish with ice jigs, it is important to use a light or ultra-light ice fishing rod and a sensitive ice fishing reel. These specialized tools allow anglers to detect even the most subtle bites, ensuring that they don’t miss any potential opportunities. When using ice jigs, it is also crucial to experiment with different jigging techniques, such as small hops, slow lifts, or aggressive pops, to trigger the walleye’s predatory instincts.
Tungsten Jigs
Tungsten jigs have gained popularity among ice anglers in recent years, and for good reason. These jigs are made from tungsten, a dense and heavy material that allows them to sink quickly and reach the desired depth faster than traditional lead jigs. This is particularly important in ice fishing, where time is of the essence, and the window of opportunity to catch walleye can be short.
The compact size of tungsten jigs also makes them a great choice for targeting walleye under the ice. Their small profile closely resembles the natural forage of walleye, making them an irresistible meal for these predatory fish. Tungsten jigs come in various shapes, such as tear drops, wedges, and ball-heads, and can be tipped with live bait or to further entice walleye.
When using tungsten jigs, it is crucial to pay attention to the weight of the jig. The heavier the jig, the faster it will sink, allowing you to reach the strike zone quickly. However, it is important to balance the weight with the size of the jig to ensure a natural presentation. Experimenting with different colors and sizes of tungsten jigs will help you determine what the walleye are most responsive to on any given day.
Ice Spoons
Ice spoons are another effective lure for targeting walleye during the ice fishing season. These lures have a unique shape that mimics the erratic movement of injured baitfish, triggering the predatory instincts of walleye. Ice spoons are typically made of metal and have a concave shape, which allows them to wobble and flash as they are jigged up and down.
One of the advantages of using ice spoons is their ability to cover a wide area and attract the attention of walleye from a distance. Their larger size and unique action make them a great choice for aggressive walleye that are looking for a larger meal. Ice spoons come in a variety of colors and finishes, including metallic, holographic, and glow-in-the-dark, allowing anglers to adapt to different light conditions and water clarity.
To effectively fish with ice spoons, it is important to experiment with different jigging techniques. Some anglers prefer to use a more aggressive jigging motion to create a lot of noise and vibration, while others prefer a more subtle and finesse approach. The key is to pay attention to the walleye’s response and adjust your presentation accordingly. Tipping the ice spoon with a small piece of live bait, such as a minnow head or a waxworm, can also increase your chances of success.
In conclusion, when it comes to ice fishing for walleye, having the right lures can make all the difference. Ice jigs, tungsten jigs, and ice spoons are three types of lures that have proven to be effective for targeting walleye under the ice. Experimenting with different colors, sizes, and presentations will help you find the winning combination that will entice walleye to bite. So grab your ice fishing gear, head out onto the frozen lake, and get ready for an exciting ice fishing adventure!
