Introduction
As any experienced angler knows, the right lure can make all the difference when it comes to catching walleye. With so many types of lures on the market, however, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones are the most effective for walleye fishing. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 walleye lures to help you select the right one for your next fishing trip.
The right walleye lure can attract fish, entice them to strike, and even mimic the natural prey of walleye in the water. In order to maximize your chances of success, it’s important to select a lure that is appropriate for the fishing conditions and the behavior of the fish. By understanding the different types of walleye lures available and when to use them, you’ll increase your chances of having a successful fishing trip.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 walleye lures, including jigs and plastic combos, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, rattling baits, soft plastic lures, live bait rigs, blade baits, topwater lures, and more. We’ll describe each lure in detail, explain how to use them effectively, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of lure. With this information, you’ll be better equipped to select the right walleye lure for your next fishing adventure.
Top 10 Walleye Lures for Successful Fishing
1. Jig and Plastic Combo
Jigs are a versatile type of fishing lure that have been used for decades to catch a variety of fish, including walleye. One of the most effective variations of the jig is the jig and plastic combo, which involves adding a soft plastic bait to the hook of the jig. Here’s what you need to know about using this type of lure to catch walleye:
The jig and plastic combo lure consists of a lead head jig with a hook and a soft plastic bait. The plastic bait can be a grub, a twister tail, or any other type of soft plastic lure that can be threaded onto the jig hook. The soft plastic bait adds a realistic movement to the jig, making it more attractive to walleye.
To use the jig and plastic combo lure effectively, cast it out and allow it to sink to the desired depth. Then, use a slow and steady retrieve, keeping the jig just above the bottom of the lake or river. Walleye are often found near the bottom, so this technique can be especially effective. You can also experiment with different retrieves, such as jigging the lure up and down or twitching it erratically to simulate a wounded baitfish.
One advantage of the jig and plastic combo is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of water conditions, from clear to murky, and can be effective year-round. Additionally, because the soft plastic bait can be easily changed, you can experiment with different colors and sizes until you find what works best for the particular walleye you’re targeting.
One disadvantage of using the jig and plastic combo is that it can be difficult to detect bites. Because the jig is often on the bottom of the lake or river, you may not feel the walleye strike the lure. To avoid missing a bite, it’s important to keep your line tight and watch for any movement or hesitation in your line. Another disadvantage is that the lure can sometimes become snagged on rocks or debris on the bottom, so it’s important to keep an eye on your line and adjust your retrieve if necessary.
2. Crankbaits
Crankbaits are a popular type of fishing lure for walleye and other game fish. They can be effective in a variety of water conditions and are known for their ability to imitate the natural movements of baitfish. Here’s what you need to know about using crankbaits to catch walleye:
Crankbaits are hard-bodied lures that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They typically have a lip or bill on the front of the lure that creates a wobbling or diving action when retrieved through the water. Some crankbaits are designed to float on the surface, while others are designed to sink to a particular depth. Crankbaits can mimic a variety of baitfish species, making them an effective choice for catching walleye.
To use crankbaits effectively, cast the lure out and retrieve it through the water. The speed and depth of the retrieve can vary depending on the type of crankbait and the water conditions. In general, a slow and steady retrieve works well for walleye, but you can experiment with faster or slower retrieves to see what works best. You can also try varying the speed or adding pauses to the retrieve to imitate the movements of a wounded baitfish.
One advantage of using crankbaits is their versatility. They can be effective in a variety of water conditions, from clear to murky, and can be used year-round. Additionally, crankbaits can cover a lot of water quickly, allowing you to locate walleye more efficiently.
One disadvantage of using crankbaits is that they can be more difficult to use in certain water conditions, such as heavy weeds or rocks. The lip or bill on the front of the lure can get caught on underwater obstacles, making it difficult to retrieve the lure. Additionally, crankbaits can be more expensive than other types of lures, and some anglers prefer to use more affordable options. Finally, because crankbaits are designed to imitate baitfish, they may not be as effective if the walleye are targeting other types of prey.
3. Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are another popular type of fishing lure for walleye. They are known for their flashy appearance and can be effective in a variety of water conditions. Here’s what you need to know about using spinnerbaits to catch walleye:
Spinnerbaits are composed of a metal wire frame with one or more spinning blades attached to it. The blades create a lot of flash and vibration as they spin through the water, which can attract the attention of walleye and other game fish. The metal frame also has a skirt of hair or plastic strands that create a pulsing, lifelike movement in the water. The hook is typically located at the bottom of the lure and is often dressed with a plastic or rubber trailer to further entice walleye to strike.
To use spinnerbaits effectively, cast the lure out and retrieve it through the water. The speed and depth of the retrieve can vary depending on the type of spinnerbait and the water conditions. In general, a slow and steady retrieve works well for walleye, but you can experiment with faster or slower retrieves to see what works best. You can also try adding pauses or jerks to the retrieve to make the lure look more natural and imitate the movements of baitfish.
One advantage of using spinnerbaits is their versatility. They can be effective in a variety of water conditions and can be used year-round. Additionally, the flash and vibration created by the spinning blades can be highly effective at attracting walleye, especially in murky or stained water. Spinnerbaits are also relatively affordable compared to some other types of lures.
One disadvantage of using spinnerbaits is that they can be more difficult to use in certain water conditions, such as heavy weeds or rocks. The blades and skirt can get caught on underwater obstacles, making it difficult to retrieve the lure. Additionally, because spinnerbaits have a lot of movement and flash, they may not be as effective in calm or clear water where the walleye may be more wary of such a flashy lure. Finally, spinnerbaits can be more difficult to cast accurately than some other types of lures, especially in windy conditions.
4. Swimbaits
Swimbaits are a popular type of soft plastic lure that imitate the swimming action of baitfish. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be highly effective at catching walleye in certain conditions. Here’s what you need to know about using swimbaits to catch walleye:
Swimbaits are soft plastic lures that are designed to mimic the look and movement of live baitfish. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small shad imitations to larger swimbaits that resemble a small perch or other prey fish. They typically have a hook molded into the body of the lure, along with a weighted head or belly to help them sink or swim at the right depth.
To use swimbaits effectively, cast the lure out and retrieve it through the water. The speed and depth of the retrieve can vary depending on the type of swimbait and the water conditions. In general, a slow and steady retrieve with occasional twitches or pauses can be effective at imitating the movements of live baitfish. You can also experiment with different colors and sizes of swimbaits to see what works best in the water you’re fishing.
One advantage of using swimbaits is that they can be highly effective at imitating the look and movement of live baitfish. This can be especially effective in clear water or when walleye are feeding on smaller prey fish. Additionally, swimbaits can be versatile and effective in a variety of water conditions, from deep water to shallow flats.
One disadvantage of using swimbaits is that they can be more expensive than some other types of lures. Additionally, because they are made of soft plastic, they can be more susceptible to damage and may need to be replaced more frequently. Finally, swimbaits can be more difficult to use in heavy weeds or other underwater obstacles, as they can get tangled or snagged more easily than some other types of lures.
5. Rattling Baits
Rattling baits are another popular type of lure for catching walleye. These lures are designed to make noise in the water, which can attract fish and trigger strikes. Here’s what you need to know about using rattling baits to catch walleye:
Rattling baits are hard-bodied lures that contain small metal balls or rattles inside. When the lure is retrieved through the water, the balls or rattles create a sound that can attract fish. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small lipless crankbaits to larger rattle traps. Rattling baits can also come in a variety of colors and patterns to imitate different types of baitfish.
To use rattling baits effectively, cast the lure out and retrieve it through the water, making sure to vary the speed and depth of the retrieve to find what the fish are biting on. The noise created by the rattles can be especially effective in murky water or when the fish are feeding aggressively. Additionally, you can experiment with different colors and patterns to see what works best in the water you’re fishing.
One advantage of using rattling baits is that they can be highly effective at attracting fish and triggering strikes. The noise created by the rattles can be especially effective in murky water or when the fish are feeding aggressively. Additionally, rattling baits can be versatile and effective in a variety of water conditions.
One disadvantage of using rattling baits is that they can be more expensive than some other types of lures. Additionally, because they are hard-bodied lures, they can be more susceptible to damage and may need to be replaced more frequently. Finally, rattling baits may not be as effective in clear water or when the fish are feeding on smaller prey fish that don’t make as much noise.
6. Soft Plastic Lures
Soft plastic lures are a popular type of lure for catching walleye. These lures are made from soft, flexible plastic material and are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of real baitfish. Here’s what you need to know about using soft plastic lures to catch walleye:
Soft plastic lures come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including grubs, worms, swimbaits, and more. They can be rigged with a variety of hooks and weights to make them more effective in different water conditions. Soft plastic lures also come in a variety of colors and patterns to imitate different types of baitfish.
To use soft plastic lures effectively, cast the lure out and retrieve it through the water, making sure to vary the speed and depth of the retrieve to find what the fish are biting on. Soft plastic lures can also be rigged in a variety of ways, including using a jig head or Texas rig, to make them more effective in different water conditions. Additionally, you can experiment with different colors and patterns to see what works best in the water you’re fishing.
One advantage of using soft plastic lures is that they can be highly effective at imitating the appearance and movement of real baitfish. Additionally, soft plastic lures can be versatile and effective in a variety of water conditions, and they are typically less expensive than some other types of lures. Finally, because soft plastic lures are made from flexible material, they can be more durable and last longer than some other types of lures.
One disadvantage of using soft plastic lures is that they can be more difficult to fish in heavy cover or around structure, as the lure can get snagged more easily. Additionally, soft plastic lures may not be as effective in very clear water, as the fish may be able to detect that they are not real baitfish. Finally, soft plastic lures may not be as effective at triggering strikes in aggressive feeding situations as some other types of lures, such as crankbaits or rattling baits.
7. Live Bait Rigs
Live bait rigs are another effective way to catch walleye. Live bait rigs typically involve using live bait, such as minnows or leeches, on a specialized rig to make the bait more appealing to walleye. Here’s what you need to know about using live bait rigs to catch walleye:
Live bait rigs typically involve using a specialized rig, such as a Lindy rig or a slip-bobber rig, to present live bait in an appealing way to walleye. The rig may include a weight to help the bait sink to the desired depth, as well as a leader and hook to hold the live bait. The live bait can include a variety of options, such as minnows, leeches, or nightcrawlers.
To use live bait rigs effectively, start by selecting the appropriate rig and live bait for the water conditions you’re fishing in. Then, cast the rig out and allow it to sink to the desired depth, taking care not to disturb the bait too much. Once the rig is in place, use a slow and steady retrieve to entice the walleye to bite.
One advantage of using live bait rigs is that they can be highly effective at attracting and enticing walleye, as the live bait mimics the appearance and movement of real prey. Additionally, live bait rigs can be versatile and effective in a variety of water conditions. Finally, live bait rigs can be a great option for novice anglers, as they can be relatively easy to use.
One disadvantage of using live bait rigs is that they can be more time-consuming and expensive than some other types of lures, as you need to constantly replenish the live bait. Additionally, live bait rigs may not be as effective in very clear water, as the fish may be able to detect the presence of the rig or the angler. Finally, live bait rigs may not be as effective in very aggressive feeding situations, as the walleye may be less selective about what they eat.
8. Blade Baits
Blade baits are another popular option for catching walleye. These lures typically feature a thin, flat metal blade that vibrates and flashes in the water to attract walleye. Here’s what you need to know about using blade baits to catch walleye:
Blade baits typically feature a thin, flat metal blade that is attached to a hook and a split ring. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, and may include additional features such as rattles or holographic finishes. The blade’s vibration and flash mimics the movement of baitfish and can be highly effective at attracting walleye.
To use blade baits effectively, start by selecting the appropriate size and color for the water conditions you’re fishing in. Then, cast the blade bait out and allow it to sink to the desired depth. Use a slow and steady retrieve, punctuated by occasional jerks or pauses to mimic the movement of injured baitfish. Be sure to vary your retrieve speed and rhythm until you find what works best for the fish in your area.
One advantage of using blade baits is that they can be highly effective at attracting walleye in a variety of water conditions. Their vibration and flash can help to draw fish from a distance, and they can be particularly effective in colder water. Additionally, blade baits are relatively simple to use and can be effective for both novice and experienced anglers.
One disadvantage of using blade baits is that they can be prone to getting snagged or tangled in weeds or rocks. Additionally, blade baits may not be as effective in very clear water, as the fish may be able to detect the presence of the lure or the angler. Finally, blade baits may not be as effective in very aggressive feeding situations, as the walleye may be less selective about what they eat.
9. Topwater Lures
Topwater lures are designed to float or swim just below the surface of the water, and are often used to target walleye that are feeding on the surface. Here’s what you need to know about using topwater lures to catch walleye:
Topwater lures come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and may include features such as propellers or buzzers to create noise and vibration. They are typically made of lightweight materials and are designed to float or swim just below the surface of the water. Topwater lures can be particularly effective for catching walleye that are feeding on or near the surface of the water.
To use topwater lures effectively, start by selecting a lure that matches the size and color of the baitfish in the water. Then, cast the lure out and allow it to float or swim on the surface of the water. Use a slow and steady retrieve, pausing occasionally to let the lure sit on the surface and create a commotion. Be sure to pay attention to any strikes or movements near the surface, as walleye may hit the lure with a sudden burst of speed.
One advantage of using topwater lures is that they can be highly effective at attracting walleye that are feeding on or near the surface of the water. Their noise and vibration can help to draw fish from a distance, and they can be particularly effective in low-light or overcast conditions. Additionally, topwater lures can be exciting to use, as walleye may hit the lure with a sudden burst of speed.
One disadvantage of using topwater lures is that they may not be as effective in very clear water or in situations where the fish are not actively feeding near the surface. Additionally, topwater lures can be more difficult to use than other types of lures, as the angler must be able to detect and respond to any strikes or movements near the surface. Finally, topwater lures may not be as effective in colder water or in situations where the fish are less active.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 10 walleye lures that can help you have a successful fishing trip include the Jig and Plastic Combo, Crankbaits, Spinnerbaits, Swimbaits, Rattling Baits, Soft Plastic Lures, Live Bait Rigs, Blade Baits, Topwater Lures, and Trolling Lures. Each of these lures has unique features that make them effective in different fishing conditions.
It’s important to note that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fishing lures. Different water conditions, weather, and time of day require different types of lures. It’s essential to experiment with different lures to determine what works best in different situations.
Using the right lure can make all the difference in walleye fishing. With the information provided in this guide, you can make an informed decision about the best walleye lure for your next fishing trip. Remember to take your time, experiment with different lures, and always follow fishing regulations to ensure that walleye populations remain healthy for generations to come.
