Walleye are among the most sought-after freshwater fish in North America, prized for their elusive nature and delicious, tender flesh. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to reel in your first walleye, selecting the right bait is crucial to your success. In this guide, we’ll explore the best bait options for walleye fishing, considering factors like season, water conditions, and walleye behavior to help you increase your chances of landing this prized catch.
Understanding Walleye Behavior
Before diving into the specific bait choices, it’s essential to understand the behavior of walleye. Known for their sharp vision, especially in low light conditions, walleye are often more active during dawn, dusk, and cloudy days. These fish tend to inhabit deeper waters during the day and move into shallower areas to feed at night. Their diet primarily consists of smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans, making live bait and lures that mimic these prey items highly effective.
Top Live Bait Choices for Walleye
1. Minnows
Minnows are the go-to live bait for many walleye anglers. These small fish closely resemble the natural prey of walleye, making them an irresistible option. When using minnows, it’s essential to hook them through the back or lips to keep them lively, as active bait is more likely to attract walleye. Fathead minnows, shiners, and chubs are popular choices, with sizes varying depending on the season and walleye size. In colder water, smaller minnows work best, while larger minnows are more effective in warmer temperatures when walleye are more aggressive.
2. Nightcrawlers
Nightcrawlers, a type of large earthworm, are another excellent live bait option. Their natural scent and movement in the water make them highly appealing to walleye. Nightcrawlers are particularly effective when used with a harness rig, which allows the bait to move naturally through the water. Slowly trolling or drifting with nightcrawlers is a proven technique, especially during the warmer months when walleye are more active and feeding heavily.
3. Leeches
Leeches are often overlooked but can be incredibly effective for walleye fishing, particularly in the spring and early summer. They are naturally abundant in many walleye habitats and their undulating swimming motion is highly attractive to walleye. Rigging leeches on a simple jig or a slip bobber setup can yield great results, especially when fished around weed edges, rock piles, or other structures where walleye tend to hunt.
Best Artificial Lures for Walleye
1. Jigs
Jigs are perhaps the most versatile and widely used artificial lures for walleye. They can be fished in various ways, from vertical jigging in deep waters to casting and retrieving in shallower areas. The key to successful walleye jigging is to use the right weight and color. Lighter jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) are ideal for shallow waters, while heavier jigs (up to 1 ounce) work better in deeper conditions. As for colors, walleye are known to respond well to bright colors like chartreuse, orange, and yellow, particularly in murky water.
2. Crankbaits
Crankbaits are another popular choice for walleye anglers, especially when targeting larger fish. These lures mimic the swimming action of baitfish, making them effective for covering large areas of water. When selecting crankbaits, consider the diving depth, as walleye often hold at specific depths depending on the time of year. Shallow-running crankbaits are ideal for spring and fall when walleye are in shallower waters while deep-diving crankbaits are more suitable for summer and winter fishing.
3. Spinner Rigs
Spinner rigs, often paired with live bait like nightcrawlers or minnows, are a classic walleye lure. The combination of the spinning blade and the bait’s movement creates a visual and auditory appeal that walleye find hard to resist. Spinner rigs are particularly effective when trolled slowly along weed lines, drop-offs, or other structures. Using different colored blades can also make a significant difference, with gold and silver being popular choices.
4. Soft Plastics
Soft plastics, such as grubs, worms, and shad imitations, are also highly effective for walleye fishing. These lures can be used on their own or as a trailer on a jig or spinner rig. The key to using soft plastics is to vary your retrieval speed and technique until you find what works. Sometimes, a slow and steady retrieve is best, while other times, a more erratic motion will trigger a strike. Soft plastics are particularly useful in colder water when walleye are less aggressive and require a more subtle presentation.
Seasonal Considerations for Walleye Bait
Spring
In the spring, walleye are in shallower waters, making them more accessible to anglers. During this time, smaller minnows, leeches, and jigs work exceptionally well. As the water warms up, walleye become more active, and using live bait with a slow presentation is key.
Summer
During the summer, walleye move to deeper waters to escape the heat. This is when deep-diving crankbaits, heavier jigs, and spinner rigs shine. Night fishing with live bait, particularly leeches and nightcrawlers, can be very productive, as walleye often feed more aggressively after dark.
Fall
Fall is a prime time for walleye fishing as these fish prepare for the winter months by feeding heavily. This is when larger minnows, crankbaits, and spinner rigs are most effective. Walleye are often found near drop-offs and other structures, so targeting these areas with your bait is essential.
Winter
Winter walleye fishing is typically done through the ice, and smaller jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics are the go-to choice. Walleye are less active in cold water, so a slow and steady jigging motion is usually most effective. Pay attention to the depth, as walleye often hold close to the bottom during winter.
Tips for Maximizing Your Walleye Catch
- Experiment with Bait Combinations: Don’t be afraid to combine different types of bait, such as using a live minnow with a jig or a nightcrawler with a spinner rig. This can create a unique presentation that walleye find irresistible.
- Pay Attention to Water Conditions: Water clarity, temperature, and depth all play a significant role in walleye behavior. Adjust your bait and technique accordingly to match the conditions.
- Use a Fish Finder: Modern fish finders can help you locate walleye more efficiently, allowing you to present your bait where the fish are holding.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Walleye can be finicky, and it may take some time to find the right bait and presentation. Stay patient, keep experimenting, and you’ll increase your chances of success.
Conclusion
Choosing the best bait for walleye fishing requires a combination of knowledge, experience, and adaptability. By understanding walleye behavior, selecting the right live bait or artificial lure, and adjusting your approach based on seasonal changes, you can significantly improve your chances of landing this prized fish. Whether you prefer live bait like minnows and nightcrawlers or artificial lures like jigs and crankbaits, the key is to remain flexible and responsive to the conditions on the water. Happy fishing!
