best lures for walleye trolling

3 min read 23-11-2024

Meta Description: Discover the top lures for walleye trolling! This comprehensive guide covers crankbaits, spinners, and more, providing tips for choosing the right lure based on water conditions and walleye behavior. Learn how to maximize your success on the water with our expert advice and lure recommendations. Get ready to land more walleyes!

Choosing the Right Lures for Walleye Trolling

Walleye fishing is a rewarding experience, and trolling is a highly effective technique to consistently catch these prized fish. But with so many lures on the market, selecting the best ones can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the top lure choices for walleye trolling, helping you choose the perfect bait for various conditions. We'll cover crankbaits, spinners, and other effective options, equipping you to maximize your walleye catch.

Understanding Walleye Behavior and Habitat

Before diving into specific lures, understanding walleye behavior is crucial. Walleyes are ambush predators, often found near structure like drop-offs, weed beds, and humps. They prefer murky or stained water. Their feeding habits vary with light conditions and water temperature.

Top Lures for Walleye Trolling

Here are some of the top-performing lure categories for walleye trolling, along with specific recommendations:

Crankbaits: The Workhorse of Walleye Trolling

Crankbaits are incredibly versatile and effective for walleye trolling. Their diving action mimics injured baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes.

Deep Diving Crankbaits:

Recommendation: Rapala Magnum Deep Tail Dancer, Bandit 300 series. These lures dive deep, reaching walleyes suspended in deeper water columns.
Why they work: Their strong wobble and deep diving action triggers strikes from walleye holding deep.

Medium Diving Crankbaits:

Recommendation: Rapala Shad Rap, Storm Deep Little Cleo. These lures work well in a variety of depths, making them adaptable to different lake conditions.
Why they work: Their versatility allows targeting fish at various depths, making them a go-to for many anglers.

Shallow Diving Crankbaits:

Recommendation: Rapala X-Rap, Bomber Long A. These are ideal for shallower water and weed lines.
Why they work: Their shallower running depth is perfect for walleyes feeding near the surface or in shallow weed beds.

Spinners: A Classic Choice for Walleye Trolling

Spinners are another excellent choice, particularly in clearer water. Their flashing blades attract walleyes from a distance.

Inline Spinners:

Recommendation: Mepps Aglia, Blue Fox Vibrax. These spinners are simple but effective.
Why they work: The spinning blade creates vibrations and flash, attracting walleyes.

Colorado Blade Spinners:

Recommendation: Luhr Jensen Kwikfish. These spinners produce a wider, slower wobble.
Why they work: Their slower action is good for attracting more cautious walleyes.

Other Effective Lures for Walleye Trolling

Beyond crankbaits and spinners, several other lures prove highly effective for walleye trolling.

Worm Harnesses:

Recommendation: Use a variety of colors and sizes, experimenting to find what works best in the specific conditions.
Why they work: The natural presentation of a worm often triggers aggressive strikes.

Flutter Spoons:

Recommendation: Little Cleo, Krocodile. These lures fall erratically, mimicking injured baitfish.
Why they work: The erratic action is irresistible to predatory walleyes.

Choosing the Right Colors and Sizes

Color selection is critical. Experimentation is key! However, some general guidelines include:

Clear Water: Natural colors like silver, chrome, and clear work well.
Murky Water: Brighter colors like chartreuse, orange, and firetiger are more visible.

Size selection depends on the size of the baitfish in the area.

Tips for Successful Walleye Trolling

Vary your speed: Experiment with different trolling speeds to find what works best.
Use downriggers or planer boards: These tools allow you to control the depth and spread of your lures.
Pay attention to your electronics: Use your fish finder to locate schools of walleyes and adjust your trolling strategy accordingly.

Conclusion

Trolling for walleyes is a fantastic way to experience the thrill of landing these impressive fish. By understanding walleye behavior and selecting the right lures, you significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to experiment with different lures, colors, and trolling techniques to find what works best in your specific fishing location. Now get out there and catch some walleyes!