Before diving into the best walleye lures, it’s crucial to understand walleye behavior. Walleye are known for their excellent vision in low light conditions, making dawn, dusk, and overcast days ideal for fishing. They prefer cooler water and are often found in deeper parts of lakes and rivers during the day, moving to shallower areas to feed at night. This nocturnal behavior is influenced by their sensitivity to light, as they have a unique layer in their eyes that enhances low-light vision, giving them an advantage during these times.
Understanding the habitat preferences of walleye is also essential. They tend to inhabit areas with structure such as rocky points, weed beds, and submerged logs, which provide both cover and feeding opportunities. These structures often harbor schools of baitfish, making them prime hunting grounds for walleye. Knowing where to find these features in your fishing area can greatly increase your odds of encountering walleye. Moreover, their behavior can be affected by factors such as water temperature, clarity, and available forage, so being observant and adaptable is key.
Seasonal Movements
Walleye movement and feeding patterns vary by season. In spring, they are more active and can be found in shallower waters due to spawning activities. As the water warms, they tend to seek out currents and river mouths where oxygen levels and food availability are high. Summer months may see them retreating to deeper, cooler areas to escape the heat, often congregating around thermoclines where temperature changes sharply. Anglers often find success by targeting these cooler depths during the heat of the day.
Fall is a prime feeding time as they prepare for winter, increasing their activity and feeding frequency. During this season, they can be found in shallower areas again, often following baitfish schools. As winter approaches, walleye become less mobile, and ice fishing requires a different approach altogether. Ice anglers must focus on specific structures and depths, using sonar and other tools to locate active fish under the ice. Understanding these seasonal patterns can inform your strategy and improve your chances of landing a catch year-round.
Top Walleye Fishing Lures
Choosing the right lure can make all the difference when targeting walleye. Here’s a look at some of the best options available, each with its unique advantages and applications:
Rapala Walleye Fishing Lures
Rapala is a well-known brand among anglers, and their lures are a top choice for walleye fishing. The Rapala Shad Rap is particularly effective due to its realistic design and ability to mimic the natural movements of baitfish. Its versatility makes it suitable for both casting and trolling, adapting to various fishing scenarios. The Shad Rap’s construction also allows it to work effectively in different water conditions, making it a reliable choice in diverse environments.
Another popular option from Rapala is the Husky Jerk, which suspends in the water column and can be worked with a twitching motion to entice strikes. This lure is particularly effective in clear waters where walleye can be more selective. The different colors and sizes available in Rapala’s lineup provide anglers with the flexibility to match local baitfish and water conditions, enhancing their lure’s attractiveness to walleye.
Jigs
Jigs are a staple in walleye fishing, thanks to their simplicity and effectiveness. A jig’s design allows it to sink to the bottom, where walleye often feed, making it ideal for targeting fish in deeper waters. Pairing a jig with live bait, like minnows or leeches, can increase its effectiveness by adding scent and movement to the presentation. Anglers often use a variety of jigging techniques, such as vertical jigging or dragging, to provoke strikes from walleye.
Experiment with different jig head colors and sizes to find what works best in your fishing location. Bright colors can stand out in stained water, while natural hues may be more effective in clear conditions. Additionally, the weight of the jig head can be adjusted based on the current and depth, allowing for precise control of the lure’s presentation. This adaptability makes jigs a versatile tool in any angler’s tackle box.
Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are another excellent option for walleye fishing. Their spinning blades create vibrations and flash, attracting walleye even in murky waters. A well-known choice is the Northland Tackle Whistler Jig, which combines a jig head with a spinner blade for added attraction. This combination can be particularly effective in shallow waters where walleye are actively hunting.
The ability to change the blade style and color on spinnerbaits allows anglers to tailor their presentation to specific conditions. Willow blades provide a subtle flash suitable for clear waters, while Colorado blades offer more thump and vibration, ideal for low-light or stained water scenarios. By varying your retrieve speed, you can also control the depth and action of the spinnerbait, making it a dynamic lure choice for targeting walleye.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are designed to mimic the movement of small fish, making them a great choice for walleye. They come in various sizes and diving depths, allowing you to target walleye at different depths. The Berkley Flicker Shad is a popular crankbait that effectively imitates the swimming action of baitfish. Its realistic appearance and wide wobble make it an appealing target for hungry walleye.
Crankbaits can be used to cover large areas quickly, making them ideal for searching out active fish. By adjusting the retrieval speed and rod action, you can create a variety of presentations that can trigger strikes. Additionally, crankbaits with rattles can attract attention in murky waters, providing an auditory cue that can draw in curious walleye. Their versatility and effectiveness make crankbaits a must-have for any walleye angler.
Soft Plastics
Soft plastic lures are versatile and can be used in various walleye fishing scenarios. They come in numerous shapes and sizes, from worms to grubs to swimbaits. The Gulp! Minnow by Berkley is a top choice for its lifelike appearance and scent dispersion, which attracts walleye from a distance. This added scent can be particularly advantageous in stained waters where visibility is limited.
Soft plastics can be rigged in numerous ways, such as on a jig head, Texas rig, or Carolina rig, depending on the desired presentation and fishing conditions. Their soft texture provides a natural feel that can encourage walleye to hold on longer, giving anglers more time to set the hook. Experimenting with different soft plastic profiles and colors can help you tailor your approach to the specific preferences of the walleye in your area.
Top Walleye Ice Fishing Lures
When it comes to ice fishing for walleye, selecting the right lure is crucial due to the different conditions and techniques involved. Here are some top picks for ice fishing that can enhance your success under the ice:
Jigging Raps
Jigging Raps are a favorite among ice anglers for walleye. Their unique design allows them to swim in a circular motion, mimicking injured baitfish. The Rapala Jigging Rap is particularly effective, available in various sizes and colors to suit different ice fishing conditions. Its erratic action is designed to provoke reaction strikes from walleye, even in the coldest waters.
This lure’s versatility extends to its ability to be fished at various depths, making it a reliable choice in different ice fishing scenarios. Anglers can experiment with different jigging motions, such as short hops or long sweeps, to trigger the most bites. Additionally, the compact design of Jigging Raps makes them easy to handle in the confined spaces of an ice fishing shelter, allowing for precise control of your presentation.
Spoons
Spoons are a classic choice for ice fishing. Their fluttering action and flash attract walleye beneath the ice, making them a go-to lure for many ice anglers. The Swedish Pimple is a popular spoon for ice fishing, known for its effectiveness in catching walleye through the ice. Its simple yet effective design allows it to reflect light and create vibrations that draw in fish from a distance.
Spoons can be fished with a variety of techniques, including vertical jigging and slow dropping, to match the mood of the fish. By varying the weight and size of the spoon, anglers can target different depths and adjust to changing conditions. The addition of a minnow head or scent to the spoon’s treble hook can further enhance its appeal, increasing your chances of success on the ice.
Rattle Baits
Rattle baits create sound and vibration, drawing in curious walleye. These lures are effective in both clear and stained water. The Rapala Rippin’ Rap is a well-regarded option, offering a loud rattle and a tight wobbling action that entices strikes. The combination of sound and movement can be particularly effective in drawing attention to your lure in low-visibility conditions.
Rattle baits can be used to cover a lot of water quickly, making them ideal for searching out active fish. Their unique sound profile can also trigger aggressive strikes from walleye, even when they are not actively feeding. By experimenting with different colors and sizes, anglers can tailor their presentation to the specific preferences of the walleye they are targeting.
Tips for Successful Walleye Fishing
Choosing the right lure is only part of the equation for successful walleye fishing. Here are some additional tips to improve your chances:
Match the Hatch
Pay attention to the local baitfish and try to match your lures to their size and color. This can make your presentation more appealing to walleye, who are often selective in their feeding habits. Observing the natural prey in your fishing area and adjusting your lure selection accordingly can greatly increase your chances of success.
Adjust Your Technique
Different lures require different techniques. Practice various retrieval speeds and jigging motions to see what triggers a response from walleye on any given day. Being adaptable and willing to experiment with your approach is key to finding what works best in different conditions. This flexibility can make the difference between a successful day on the water and coming up empty-handed.
Use Electronics
Modern fish finders can help you locate walleye and determine their depth, making it easier to choose the right lure and technique. These devices can provide valuable information about underwater structures and fish activity, allowing you to make informed decisions about where and how to fish. Investing in quality electronics can be a game-changer for serious walleye anglers.
Pay Attention to Weather and Light Conditions
Walleye are more active during low-light conditions and overcast days. Adjust your fishing schedule accordingly to increase your success rate. Monitoring weather patterns and planning your trips around favorable conditions can improve your odds of encountering active fish. Additionally, being aware of moon phases and their influence on fish behavior can provide further insights into the best times to fish.
Experiment with Colors
While natural colors can be effective, don’t hesitate to try brighter colors in stained or murky water. Sometimes a bold color can trigger a reaction bite from walleye, especially in low-visibility conditions. Keeping a variety of color options in your tackle box allows you to adapt to different water conditions and fish preferences, increasing your chances of success.
Conclusion
Selecting the right walleye fishing lures can significantly impact your fishing success. Whether you’re fishing in open water or through the ice, having a variety of lures in your tackle box can help you adapt to changing conditions and walleye behaviors. By understanding the habits of walleye and experimenting with different lures and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to a successful fishing trip. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the rewarding experience that walleye fishing offers. Happy fishing!
