The Best Walleye Bait: Top Choices to Boost Your Catch

By: FishUSA Staff

September 10, 2024

Walleye are one of the most sought-after game fish in North America, known for their elusive nature and delicious flavor. Anglers across the continent are constantly searching for the best walleye bait to increase their chances of landing these prized fish. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which bait will work best in various conditions. This guide will explore the top walleye baits on the market and how to use them effectively.

Understanding Walleye Behavior

The Best Bait for Walleye

Live Bait

Artificial Bait

Soft Plastics

Tips for Choosing the Best Walleye Bait

Final Thoughts

Understanding Walleye Behavior

Before diving into the best walleye baits, it's essential to understand walleye behavior. Walleyes are known for their keen eyesight, especially in low-light conditions. They are most active during dawn, dusk, and overcast days. Walleyes are also bottom-dwellers, often found near structures like rocks, weed edges, and drop-offs. Knowing where and when to target walleye can help you choose the right bait for the job.

The Best Bait for Walleye

Live Bait

Minnows

Minnows are one of the most popular live baits for walleye. Their natural movement in the water makes them irresistible to these predatory fish. Shiner and fathead minnows are particularly effective, especially in cooler water temperatures.

How to Use: Hook a minnow through the lips or back, and use it with a slip bobber rig, a jig, or on a live bait rig. Slowly troll or drift over drop-offs, humps, or near weed edges to attract walleye.

Nightcrawlers

Nightcrawlers are another excellent live bait for walleye. Their scent and movement in the water can entice even the most reluctant fish to bite.

How to Use: Nightcrawlers work best when fished on a harness rig or a simple hook with a split shot. Slow-troll or drift near bottom structures, such as rocky points or sandbars, where walleyes are likely to be hunting.

Leeches

Leeches are highly effective in warmer water, making them a great choice during the summer months. Their wiggling action in the water draws walleyes in from a distance.

How to Use: Use leeches on a slip bobber rig or a live bait rig. They are especially effective when fished slowly along weed edges or drop-offs.

Artificial Bait

While live bait is incredibly effective, artificial baits have their own set of advantages. They are easier to store, last longer, and can cover more water quickly.

Jigs

Jigs are among the most versatile artificial baits for walleye fishing. They can be tipped with live bait or soft plastics to increase their appeal.

Top Choices: Northland Fire-Ball Jigs, Rapala Jigging Rap, and VMC Bucktail Jigs are all excellent options. Use them in various colors and sizes depending on water clarity and depth.
How to Use: Cast the jig out and let it sink to the bottom. Slowly retrieve it with a hopping or dragging motion, keeping the bait close to the bottom where walleyes are feeding.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits mimic the movement of baitfish and are highly effective for covering large areas of water.

Top Choices: Rapala Shad Rap, Berkley Flicker Shad, and Bandit Walleye Deep Diver are popular crankbaits for walleye.
How to Use: Troll crankbaits along drop-offs, weed edges, or over deep water structures. Adjust your trolling speed and depth to match where the fish are holding.

Spinner Rigs

Spinner rigs, also known as worm harnesses, are another classic walleye bait. The spinning blades create flash and vibration, attracting walleye from a distance.

Top Choices: Mack’s Lure Smile Blade, Northland Crawler Hauler, and Berkley Walleye Rig are excellent options.
How to Use: Tip the rig with a nightcrawler and troll it slowly over bottom structures. The spinning blades and the scent of the nightcrawler make this a deadly combination for walleye.

Soft Plastics

Soft plastics are versatile, durable, and can imitate various prey species that walleye feed on.

Swimbaits

Swimbaits are effective for mimicking baitfish, and their lifelike action can trigger aggressive strikes from walleye.

Top Choices: Keitech Swing Impact, Berkley PowerBait Swimmer, and Zoom Swimmin’ Super Fluke are excellent swimbait options for walleye.
How to Use: Rig swimbaits on a jig head or a weighted hook and retrieve them with a steady swimming motion. They are effective when fished near weed edges, drop-offs, or over submerged structures.

Grubs

Grubs are a simple yet effective soft plastic bait that can be used in a variety of situations.

Top Choices: Kalin’s Lunker Grub, Mister Twister Curly Tail Grub, and Gulp! Alive! Grub are popular choices for walleye.
How to Use: Rig the grub on a jig head and bounce it along the bottom. This technique works well in rocky areas where walleyes are hunting for crayfish.

Tips for Choosing the Best Walleye Bait

Match the Hatch

Pay attention to the local forage in the body of water you’re fishing. If walleyes are feeding on shad, use baits that mimic shad in size and color. Matching the hatch increases your chances of success.

Consider Water Conditions

Water clarity and temperature can greatly affect walleye behavior. In clear water, natural colors and subtle presentations work best. In stained or muddy water, bright colors and baits with added vibration or scent can help attract fish.

Experiment with Bait

Don’t be afraid to try different baits and techniques throughout the day. What works in the morning may not be as effective in the afternoon. Stay adaptable and be willing to switch things up as needed.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best walleye bait involves understanding walleye behavior, considering water conditions, and being willing to experiment. Whether you prefer live bait, artificial lures, or soft plastics, having a variety of options in your tackle box will prepare you for any situation. With the right bait and a little patience, you’ll be well on your way to catching more walleye.

Shop Walleye Fishing Gear & Tackle