What lures to use for walleye fishing

By Alex Henderson

July 4, 2023


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Are you looking to reel in some walleye this fishing season? Walleye is one of the most sought-after freshwater fish thanks to its succulent taste and its willingness to take the bait. To give yourself a better chance of success, it pays off to be informed about what kinds of lures work best for walleye since they can be finicky eaters. We’re here to help you become an expert at targeting these elusive fish by uncovering which lures are surefire bets when it comes time for your next casting trip. Read on as we cover everything from spinners and minnows to jigs, spoons, and more…

Choosing the Right Lure for Walleye Fishing

Walleye fishing can be a thrilling experience, but choosing the right lure is a crucial factor in determining your success. These fish are known for their elusive behavior and will only show interest in certain types of bait. When selecting a lure, consider the water temperature and clarity, as well as the time of day and location of the fish. Experiment with different colors, shapes, and sizes to find the perfect match for the walleye’s preferences. A great option to try is a jig, which can be tipped with live bait like minnows or leeches. Make sure to adjust your retrieval speed to mimic the movement of natural prey. Remember, an effective lure can make all the difference in landing that elusive walleye.

Live Bait Tactics for Catching Walleyes

As a popular game fish, walleyes require strategic live bait tactics to catch successfully. When using live bait, consider the fish’s feeding habits, water temperature, and weather conditions in your technique. One effective tactic for catching walleyes with live bait is to use slip bobbers. This method allows you to adjust the depth of the bait to where the fish are feeding and detect even the slightest nibble on your line. Another strategy to consider is using a jig and minnow combination, which mimics their natural prey and entices a strike. Whatever your tactic, it’s important to be patient and wait for the fish to make its move before setting your hook. With a little patience and skill, you can reel in a trophy walleye using live bait tactics.

Using Soft Bait Plastics to Catch Walleye

Soft bait plastics have revolutionized the way anglers go after walleye. These lures are prized for their life-like movements, which mimic the natural movement of the fish’s prey. The soft plastic material also allows for a more natural feel in the walleye’s mouth, increasing the chances of a successful hookset. Tips for using soft bait plastics to catch walleye include matching the bait color to the water clarity and incorporating a subtle jigging motion to simulate live bait. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, soft bait plastics are a must-have in your tackle box for hooking that trophy walleye.

Jigging and Crankbaits for Trolling Walleye

When it comes to walleye fishing, using the right technique can make all the difference. Jigging and crankbaits are two effective methods for trolling these elusive fish. Jigging involves dropping a lure to let it fall and then quickly retrieving it in a rhythmic bouncing motion, mimicking the movement of prey. On the other hand, crankbaits are lures equipped with a diving bill that creates a side-to-side wobbling motion as it moves through the water. Both techniques can trigger a walleye’s predatory instincts, making them more likely to strike. So next time you’re out on the water in search of walleye, try jigging or using a crankbait and see if you can reel in the catch of the day.

Blade Baits to Entice Wary Fish

As an angler, there is no better feeling than the heart-pumping excitement of feeling a tug on your line. But catching fish can be a challenge, especially when the fish are being cautious and avoiding your bait. This is where blade baits come in. With their unique design and presentation, these lures can entice even the most wary fish. The vibrating and wobbling action of the blade bait mimics the movements of dying baitfish, making it irresistible to predatory fish. So next time you’re struggling to catch fish, try switching to a blade bait and watch as your luck turns around.

Fly-Fishing Techniques to Hook Walleye

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of catching a walleye through fly fishing. However, it’s important to know the right techniques to make that happen. One approach is to use a sinking line to get your fly down to where the walleye are lurking. Another tip is to use a slow retrieve, as walleye tend to be more lethargic and won’t go after a fast-moving fly. Patience is also key with walleye, as they can be picky about what they bite. Try switching up your fly pattern or color until you find what they’re interested in. With these tips in mind, you’ll soon be reeling in those prized walleye through fly fishing!

Conclusion

With so many different walleye fishing techniques and lure options, there is a lot to learn about this exciting sport. Whether you live bait or use soft plastic, jigging or crankbaits, blades, or even fly-fishing, it is important to focus on the individual situation and choose the right lure for the conditions. Knowing what type of water you will be fishing in and how far down the fish are suspended may help you make the perfect match. With some research and practice, these tactics can create a pleasurable experience that can keep anglers coming back for more.  Walleye fishing can be challenging, but mastering the techniques involved will undoubtedly increase your chances of success on the water. Ultimately, choosing the best lure to catch walleyes comes down to being prepared and using your best judgment when angling in any environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way to catch walleye?

A: Using the right techniques and lures can help you land a trophy walleye. Live bait, soft plastic lures, jigging, crankbaits, blades, and even fly-fishing are all effective methods for catching walleyes. Experimenting with different colors, shapes, sizes, and retrieval speeds will help you find the perfect match for the fish’s preferences.

Q: What should I consider when choosing a lure for walleye fishing?

A: It pays off to be informed about what kind of lure works best for walleye since they can be finicky eaters. Consider factors such as water temperature and clarity, time of day, and location of the fish when selecting a lure. Additionally, adjust your retrieval speed to mimic the movement of natural prey.

Q: How can I use live bait to catch walleyes?

A: When using live bait tactics to catch walleyes, consider the fish’s feeding habits, water temperature, and weather conditions in your technique. Slip bobbers can be used to adjust the depth of the bait so that it’s closer to where the fish are feeding. You can also use a jig and minnow combination, which mimics their natural prey to entice them into striking.

Q: What are soft plastic baits used for catching walleye?

A: Soft plastic baits have revolutionized the way anglers go after walleye due to their life-like movements, which mimic natural prey’s movements. The soft plastic material also allows for a more natural feel in the fish’s mouth which increases the chances of a successful hookset. Tips include matching bait color to water clarity and incorporating a subtle jigging motion that simulates live bait movements.

Q: Are there any trolling techniques I should try when fishing for walleyes?

A: Jigging and crankbaits are two effective methods for trolling walleyes. Jigging involves dropping a lure down and then quickly retrieving it in a bouncing motion that mimics natural prey movements, while crankbaits feature diving bills that create side-to-side wobbling motions as they move through water which triggers predatory instincts in these elusive fish.

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