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Best Walleye Fishing Lures: Top Picks, Techniques, and Tips for Success

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Walleye Fishing Lures

Walleye Fishing Lures: Choosing the Right Tackle for Success

Walleye fishing is an incredibly rewarding experience for anglers, known for its challenge and the delicious reward that awaits after a successful catch. With their sharp vision and preference for low-light conditions, walleyes can be elusive, but the right walleye fishing lure can make all the difference. In this article, we will explore the different types of lures that work best for walleye fishing, how to choose the right lure for different conditions, and tips to maximize your chances of landing this prized fish.

Why Walleyes Require Special Lures

Walleyes are known for their excellent eyesight, which allows them to feed effectively in low-light conditions, such as early morning, late evening, or cloudy days. They are also notorious for being picky eaters, often preferring lures that closely mimic their natural prey. To be successful at catching walleye, you need to use lures that are not only visually appealing but also have the right movement to trigger a strike. Choosing the right lure is essential to overcoming their cautious nature and enticing them to bite.

Popular Types of Walleye Fishing Lures

There are a variety of lures available that can be used effectively for walleye fishing. The key is knowing when to use each type and understanding the conditions in which they perform best.

Jigs

Jigs are one of the most versatile and popular choices for walleye fishing. These lures consist of a weighted head and a hook, often dressed with soft plastics, live bait, or even feathers to mimic the look and movement of baitfish. Jigs work well in both shallow and deep water, and their versatility allows them to be fished in different ways, such as vertically jigging or casting and retrieving.

  • Soft Plastic Jigs: Jigs paired with soft plastic bodies, such as curly tails or paddle tails, are a great choice for walleyes. The soft plastic adds movement and texture, which helps make the lure more appealing.
  • Bucktail Jigs: Bucktail jigs have a skirt made of natural or synthetic hair, which gives them a lifelike appearance underwater. They are effective for targeting walleyes that are holding near structure or in areas with current.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits are another popular lure type for walleye fishing. These hard-bodied lures have a diving lip that helps them reach specific depths, making them perfect for targeting walleyes that are suspended in the water column. Crankbaits come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing anglers to mimic the baitfish that walleyes feed on.

  • Shallow-Diving Crankbaits: These crankbaits are ideal for fishing in shallower areas, such as weed lines, rocky points, or shallow flats. They are especially effective during the early morning or late evening when walleyes are feeding closer to the surface.
  • Deep-Diving Crankbaits: When walleyes are holding in deeper water, deep-diving crankbaits are the go-to option. These lures can reach depths of 15 to 30 feet or more, making them perfect for trolling along drop-offs and deep structures.

Spinnerbaits and Harnesses

Spinnerbaits and worm harnesses are highly effective for walleye, especially during the summer months when they are actively feeding. These lures have one or more spinning blades that create flash and vibration, attracting walleyes from a distance.

  • Crawler Harnesses: A crawler harness consists of a series of hooks, beads, and one or more spinner blades, often paired with a live nightcrawler. This combination is incredibly effective for walleyes, as the movement of the crawler and the flash of the blades make for an irresistible presentation.
  • Inline Spinners: Inline spinners have a single spinning blade that creates vibration as it moves through the water. They are often used with soft plastics or live bait and are effective for covering large areas of water.

Blade Baits

Blade baits are metal lures that create a lot of vibration, making them an excellent choice for walleye fishing, particularly in colder water when fish are less active. These lures can be fished vertically or cast and retrieved, and their vibration helps attract walleyes even in murky conditions.

Choosing the Right Lure for Different Conditions

The success of your walleye fishing trip often depends on selecting the right lure based on the conditions you are facing. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your lure:

  • Water Temperature: In colder water, such as during early spring or late fall, walleyes tend to be less active. Blade baits and jigs are ideal for these conditions, as they can be fished slowly and still create enticing movement. During warmer months, walleyes are more aggressive, and faster-moving lures like crankbaits and spinnerbaits work well.
  • Water Clarity: In clear water, it’s important to use natural-colored lures that mimic the baitfish found in the lake. In murky or stained water, bright-colored lures or those with added flash (such as spinnerbaits) are more effective at catching the walleye’s attention.
  • Depth: Walleyes can be found at various depths throughout the year. In shallow water, jigs and shallow-diving crankbaits are effective, while deep-diving crankbaits and blade baits are better suited for targeting walleyes in deeper water.

Tips for Using Walleye Fishing Lures Effectively

To maximize your success when using walleye fishing lures, it’s important to keep a few key tips in mind:

  1. Vary Your Retrieve: Walleyes can be finicky, so it’s important to experiment with different retrieve speeds and actions to see what triggers a strike. Try a slow, steady retrieve, a stop-and-go motion, or even a fast crank to see what works best.
  2. Use Live Bait When Needed: Adding live bait, such as minnows, leeches, or nightcrawlers, to your lure can make it more enticing to walleyes. This is particularly effective when using jigs or spinnerbaits, as the live bait adds scent and movement that can help seal the deal.
  3. Fish During Low-Light Periods: Walleyes are most active during low-light periods, such as early morning, late evening, or overcast days. Plan your fishing trips during these times to increase your chances of success.
  4. Target Structure: Walleyes are often found near structures like rock piles, drop-offs, weed edges, and points. These areas provide cover and ambush points, making them prime locations to target with your lures.

Color Selection for Walleye Fishing Lures

Choosing the right color for your walleye fishing lures can make a big difference in your success rate. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

  • Natural Colors: In clear water, natural colors like silver, white, and brown are effective. These colors mimic baitfish and look realistic to walleyes.
  • Bright Colors: In stained or murky water, bright colors like chartreuse, orange, and pink work well to catch the attention of walleyes. These colors are more visible in low-visibility conditions.
  • Glow-in-the-Dark: Glow-in-the-dark lures are particularly effective during nighttime fishing or in low-light conditions, as they help attract walleyes when visibility is limited.

Drivn Outdoors: Your Source for Walleye Fishing Lures

At Drivn Outdoors, we understand the challenges that come with walleye fishing, and we’re here to help you succeed. Our selection of walleye fishing lures includes a variety of jigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and blade baits, all designed to help you catch more walleyes. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, we have the gear you need to make your next walleye fishing trip a success.

Get Ready for Your Next Walleye Adventure

Walleye fishing can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. By choosing the right lures, understanding how to use them effectively, and adapting to the conditions, you can improve your chances of landing this prized fish. Whether you’re fishing in a lake, river, or reservoir, having the right tackle in your arsenal will set you up for success. Visit Drivn Outdoors today to find the perfect walleye fishing lures for your next adventure.

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