Walleye fishing can be challenging, but choosing the right lure can make all the difference. These fish are known for their sharp vision and cautious nature, so you need to select the right fishing lures for walleye that mimic the prey they typically eat. In this guide, we’ll share pro tips to help you choose the best lures for walleye, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler.
1. Know the Best Time to Fish
The first step in choosing the right lure is understanding when walleye are most active. Walleye are nocturnal and often feed at night or during low-light conditions such as dawn and dusk. When fishing in these conditions, consider using lures that are more visible in darker waters, such as those with bright colors or reflective surfaces.
During the day, when the light is brighter, walleye tend to feed deeper in the water. In these situations, fishing lures for walleye that can reach deeper depths, like crankbaits or jigs, are a great choice.
2. Match the Lure to the Environment
Walleye are bottom dwellers, so it’s important to choose lures that can get down to their level. If you’re fishing in shallow waters, smaller lures that mimic minnows or insects are ideal. In deeper waters, larger lures that can dive down to the fish’s feeding zones are necessary.
When fishing in murky or stained water, opt for fishing lures for walleye with bright or flashy colors that can stand out. In clearer water, natural colors that resemble the walleye’s natural prey are more effective.
3. Select the Right Action for Your Lure
Walleye are attracted to lures that move in a way that imitates injured or slow-moving prey. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are great options as they create vibrations and flashes that can catch the attention of walleye from a distance. If you’re using a crankbait, make sure it has the right action for the water depth and speed you’re fishing. Lures with a wide wobble can work well in deeper waters, while tighter actions are better for shallow fishing.
If you’re looking to jig, choose lures that can be bounced or dragged along the bottom. Jigs paired with soft plastics work well for slow, subtle presentations that entice walleye to bite.
4. Consider Water Temperature
Walleye are sensitive to water temperature, and this affects their feeding patterns. In colder waters, they tend to feed less aggressively, so you may need to use slower, more subtle movements with your lures. In warmer waters, walleye can become more active and are willing to chase faster-moving lures. Adjust the speed and technique of your fishing lures for walleye to match the temperature for the best results.
5. Use the Right Size and Color
Walleye are more likely to strike at lures that resemble their typical prey, like minnows or small fish. Matching the size of your lure to the size of the fish they typically eat is essential. Generally, smaller lures work better for walleye, but the exact size will depend on the fishing conditions.
When it comes to color, walleye tend to prefer natural hues such as silver, gold, or green. However, using brighter colors like chartreuse or orange can work well in murky waters where visibility is low.
Summing Up
Choosing the right fishing lures for walleye is all about understanding the fish’s behavior and the conditions you’re fishing in. By selecting the right size, color, and action, you can increase your chances of landing a big walleye. For anglers who want to get even more creative, fishing lures like chrome bandit blanks are a fantastic option. These unpainted, reflective lures allow you to design your own custom look that perfectly matches the local walleye’s favorite prey. So, next time you head out on the water, choose your lure wisely—it could be the key to your best catch yet!
