best lures for trolling walleye

3 min read 30-11-2024

Trolling for walleye is a highly effective fishing method, especially when targeting large schools across vast expanses of water. Selecting the right lure is crucial for success. This guide explores some of the best lures for trolling walleye, considering factors like water clarity, depth, and walleye behavior.

Understanding Walleye Behavior and Habitat

Walleye are ambush predators, preferring murky or stained water. They're often found near structure like drop-offs, weed beds, and around rocky points. Knowing their preferred habitat helps choose the right lure and trolling speed.

Walleye are also opportunistic feeders. They'll target a variety of baitfish, influencing lure selection. Mimicking these baitfish with the correct lure color and action is key.

Top Lures for Trolling Walleye

Cranks

Cranks are excellent for covering water and triggering strikes. Their diving depth varies greatly, allowing you to target walleye at different levels. Look for models that run true and maintain a consistent action.

Rapala Shad Rap: A versatile crankbait that works well in various water conditions. Its tight wobble and realistic profile make it highly effective.
Norman Deep Little N: Excellent for trolling deeper water, this crankbait dives deep and stays true to its running depth.
Bandit 300: A classic crankbait known for its consistent action and ability to trigger strikes from aggressive walleye.

Stickbaits

Stickbaits offer a more natural presentation. Their subtle action is enticing to walleye, especially in clearer water. They're often fished at slower speeds than cranks.

Rapala X-Rap: A versatile stickbait that can be trolled at various speeds and depths. Its lifelike action and range of colors make it a top choice.
Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow: Known for its exceptional action and flash, this stickbait is effective in a variety of conditions.

Selection of stickbaits for walleye fishing

Spoons

Spoons are a classic choice for trolling walleye. Their flashing action and vibration attract walleye from a distance. They're particularly effective in deeper water.

Little Cleo: A classic spoon known for its effectiveness in various conditions. It's easy to use and highly versatile.
Krocodile Spoon: A heavier spoon that dives deeper and is ideal for trolling in deeper, colder water.

Different spoons ideal for trolling walleye

Other Effective Lures

Beyond cranks, stickbaits, and spoons, other lures can also prove highly effective when trolling for walleye.

Downrigger weights and releases: Essential for controlling lure depth, especially in deeper waters. They allow precise targeting of walleye at specific depths.
Live Bait: Trolling with live bait like minnows or shiners can be highly effective, especially when walleye are less active.
Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits with slow retrieves can mimic injured baitfish, creating an irresistible target for hungry walleye.

Choosing the Right Color and Action

Water clarity significantly impacts lure color selection. In stained water, brighter colors like chartreuse, orange, and firetiger are often best. In clearer water, more natural colors like silver, gold, and pearl are more effective. Experimentation is key to finding what works best on a given day.

Lure action is equally important. A slow, subtle action often works well in clear water, whereas a more aggressive action can be better in stained or murky water.

Trolling Techniques and Speed

Trolling speed depends on the lure and water conditions. Slower speeds are generally preferred for stickbaits and live bait, whereas cranks and spoons can be trolled at faster speeds. Pay attention to your fish finder to locate walleye schools and adjust accordingly.

Experiment with different speeds and retrieve patterns to find what triggers strikes. Sometimes a slight change in speed or direction can make all the difference.

Conclusion

Choosing the best lures for trolling walleye involves understanding their behavior and habitat preferences. By considering water clarity, depth, and lure action, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember to experiment with different lures, colors, and trolling speeds to find what works best on any given day. Happy fishing!