Best Walleye Lures and Baits for Fishing

Shop and pick the best walleye lures and baits for fishing from WalleyeX store. Buy accessories for jigs, crankbaits, tackle rigs, and trolling spoons.

If you're looking to catch walleye, one of North America's most sought-after species, you'll need the best walleye lures and baits in your arsenal. Walleye fishing can be incredibly rewarding, whether you're out on the Great Lakes or a local reservoir. To make the most out of your fishing experience, knowing the right lures and techniques to use is crucial. In this guide, we'll dive into the intricacies of walleye fishing, from choosing the perfect walleye lure to mastering various fishing techniques that can help you land a big walleye.

Best Walleye Lures

If you’re out fishing for walleyes, you've gotta make sure you have the right walleye lures. These fish can be kinda tricky to catch, so picking the right lure is a game-changer. There are so many walleye lures out there, from jigs to crankbaits, and each one can make a huge difference depending on the conditions.

For instance, crankbaits with a rattle can really draw them in, especially when the water's a bit murky. On the other hand, finesse jigs can be  effective in clearer waters. Experimenting with different walleye lures might seem like a hassle, but it’s all part of the fun.

And hey, don’t forget about lure colors! Sometimes walleyes go crazy for bright, flashy colors, and other times they’re all about the more natural hues. So, next time you're out, pack a variety of walleye lures!

Good Walleye Baits

You better gear up with the right walleye baits. Trust me, you can't just throw any old bait in there and expect to reel one in. First off, let's talk about live bait. Minnows and leeches are like candy to these guys. But if you wanna get fancy, go for some realistic soft plastic baits.

Colors, too, man. You gotta have a good range of colors in your tackle box depending on the water clarity and light conditions. Bright colors work wonders when it’s murky out, while more natural shades are killer in clear water.

And don’t forget those crankbaits and jigs. They’re absolutely helpful when it comes to nailing the big ones. So stock up on some quality walleye baits before fishing!

What Makes the Best Walleye Lures Effective?

Picking the right walleye lure involves understanding the specific conditions you'll be fishing in. Whether you're dealing with clear water or murky depths, the type of lure you choose can impact your success rate. For instance, in clear water, using a chartreuse or shad-colored lure tends to attract more walleye due to their visibility.

On the other hand, darker colors like black or deep blue are better suited for murky conditions as they contrast well against unclear water. Factors such as water temperature, depth, and even the time of year (spring and fall being particularly good seasons) also play a critical role in your choice of lures.

Comparing List of Popular Walleye Jigs, Crankbaits, and Swimbaits

There are numerous popular walleye lures on the market, but jigs, crankbaits, and swimbaits are among the most effective. Jigs are excellent for precision fishing and work well in both open water and weed beds. Crankbaits, such as those made by WalleyeX, offer a versatile option with their varying diving depths and buoyancy.

Swimbaits, particularly those with a paddle tail, mimic the natural swimming action of baitfish, making them highly effective. Each type of walleye lure has its own merits, and understanding when to use each can drastically improve your chances of landing that trophy walleye.

Importance of Lure Color for Walleye Fishing

The color of your walleye lure can greatly influence your success. Walleye are known for their keen vision in low-light conditions, making color an essential factor. Chartreuse, pink, and white are often the most effective colors because they are highly visible in a variety of conditions.

Some anglers even swear by custom-picked colors that match the local baitfish. Remember, the color that works best can vary based on where you’re fishing, so it’s wise to have a spectrum of colors in your tackle box.

How Does Live Bait Enhance Walleye Fishing?

When it comes to walleye bait, live bait has stood the test of time for its effectiveness. Common options include minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches. Crawlers and nightcrawlers are often used in crawler harness rigs, while minnows can be hooked alone or as part of a more complex setup.

Leeches are particularly useful during the summer months when walleye are more active. Essentially, live bait brings out the natural instincts of walleye, making them more likely to bite.

Tactics for Using Nightcrawlers and Leeches as Walleye Bait

Using nightcrawlers, also known as crawlers, and leeches effectively can make a big difference in your walleye catch rate. With nightcrawlers, employing a crawler harness rig can be particularly successful; the harness usually includes a spinner and beads to attract fish as it moves through the water.

For leeches, consider using a slip bobber setup, which allows the bait to naturally suspend at the desired depth. Drift fishing with leeches can also be productive since it mimics their natural movement.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Live Bait vs. Artificial Lures

The debate between live bait and artificial lures is ongoing among walleye anglers. Live bait is often more effective in getting a bite, as it offers a natural scent and movement that artificial lures can't completely replicate. However, live bait can be more cumbersome to handle and keep fresh.

On the other hand, artificial lures, such as crankbaits and jerkbaits, can be reused and are generally easier to manage. They also come in a wide variety of colors and designs to suit different fishing conditions. Both options have their place in a well-rounded walleye fishing strategy.

Techniques for Using Jigs to Catch Walleye?

Understanding the different types of walleye jigs can help you more effectively match the lure to the fishing conditions. Some popular options include hair jigs, bucktail jigs, and soft plastics jig heads. Hair jigs, made with natural fibers, offer a lifelike appearance and movement.

Bucktail jigs, often used in ice fishing scenarios, are great for their durability and effectiveness in cold water. Soft plastics, like grubs or paddle tails, can be added to standard jig heads for extra attraction, allowing anglers to customize their presentation depending on water conditions and walleye behavior.

Good Jigging Methods for Various Water Conditions

The technique you use to jig can vary depending on the water conditions. In spring and fall, vertical jigging near weed beds or rock structures is often effective. Back to the boat jigging, where you cast out and slowly retrieve the jig towards you, is another productive method, especially in open water.

For those fishing in deeper waters, using a bottom bouncer can help keep the jig near the bottom where walleye often feed. Adapting your jigging method to the water depth and temperature can significantly improve your catch rate.

How to Add Soft Plastic Baits to Your Jig Setup

Adding soft plastics to your jig setup can enhance the lure's appeal. Soft plastics like grubs, paddle tails, and swimbaits add a life-like swimming action that can entice more bites. When attaching soft plastics to your jig, ensure they're securely hooked to prevent losing them during casts and retrieves.

Experiment with different colors and sizes to see which combinations yield the best results in your specific fishing location. Soft plastics can be a game-changer in attracting walleye and increasing your overall catch.

Crankbait for Different Walleye Fishing Scenarios

Crankbaits are often considered one of the best walleye lures due to their versatility and effectiveness. When selecting a crankbait, consider the fishing scenario—whether you're trolling, casting, or fishing in open water.

Shallow-running crankbaits work well in clear water and near the surface, while deep-diving crankbaits are ideal for reaching walleye lurking in deeper waters. Evaluate the water depth, speed at which you'll be fishing, and the predominant baitfish in the area to choose the right crankbait for the job.

The Role of Crankbait Depth and Buoyancy

The depth and buoyancy of a crankbait play crucial roles in its effectiveness. Crankbaits with adjustable depth settings allow you to target walleye at various depths, making them highly versatile.

Buoyancy affects how the crankbait behaves in the water; for instance, floating crankbaits can be useful when you want the lure to suspend mid-water, while sinking crankbaits are better for hitting the bottom where walleye might be feeding. Understanding these characteristics will help you optimize your crankbait's performance.

Tips for Effective Crankbait Trolling

Trolling with crankbaits is a popular method for catching walleye, especially in large bodies of water like the Great Lakes. To effectively troll with crankbaits, use planer boards to spread your lines and cover more water. Vary the speed of your troll to mimic the erratic movement of baitfish, a tactic that often triggers strikes.

Pay attention to the vibration emitted by the crankbait, as different models produce unique vibrations that can attract walleye from varying distances. Fine-tuning these elements can significantly enhance your trolling success.

Spinners and Rigs Can Improve Your Walleye Catch Rate

Spinners and rigs are another set of essential tools for any walleye angler. Popular designs include Colorado blade spinners, which create a lot of flash and vibration, and crawler harness rigs, which combine spinners with nightcrawlers for an irresistible presentation.

Spinnerbaits with articulated blades can also be highly effective in mimicking the movement of baitfish. Each design has its unique advantages, and switching between them based on fishing conditions can keep your approach dynamic and successful.

Use Spinners and Rigs for Maximum Effect

To get the most out of your spinners and spinner rigs, consider the water conditions and walleye activity levels. Spinners are most effective in clear water where their visual appeal can attract more fish.

For best results, use a steady retrieve or slow troll to maintain the spinner's movement and vibration. When using spinner rigs with live bait like nightcrawlers or leeches, drift fishing can be particularly productive, allowing the natural scent and movement of the bait to lure in walleye.

Benefits of Combining Spinners with Live Bait or Soft Baits

Combining spinners with live bait or soft baits can provide a dual attraction that increases your chances of catching walleye. The flash and vibration from the spinner coupled with the scent and movement of live bait can be irresistible to walleye.

Similarly, adding soft baits to spinner rigs can enhance their appeal and effectiveness. This combination allows anglers to benefit from the strengths of both artificial and live bait, resulting in a more versatile and successful fishing strategy.